Global Pulse

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  • Man accused of murdering woman and toddler in Munich car attack goes on trial

    Man accused of murdering woman and toddler in Munich car attack goes on trial

    A high-profile trial commenced in Munich on Friday against Farhad N, a 25-year-old Afghan national accused of deliberately driving his car into a trade union demonstration in February 2025, resulting in two fatalities and dozens of injuries. The defendant, identified only by first name and initial in compliance with German privacy statutes, faces charges for what prosecutors describe as a religiously motivated attack.

    Federal prosecutors presented evidence indicating Farhad N acted out of “excessive religious motivation,” believing himself obligated to target randomly selected Germans in retaliation for perceived Muslim suffering in Islamic nations. According to investigative reports, the defendant shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and engaged in prayer immediately following the incident.

    The victims included 37-year-old Amel, an engineer of Algerian descent who had resided in Germany since childhood, and her two-year-old daughter Hafsa. Both succumbed to their injuries shortly after being struck by the defendant’s BMW Mini. Among the 44 additional casualties, several sustained critical wounds requiring extensive medical treatment.

    The demonstration involved approximately 1,400 municipal workers—including hospital staff and daycare employees—advocating for improved wage conditions. The trial location sits merely hundreds of meters from the actual attack site, creating a somber atmosphere throughout proceedings.

    Despite evidence of Farhad N consuming online extremist content, authorities confirm no established connections to formal jihadist organizations like Islamic State. The defendant arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in 2016 during the peak of Europe’s migrant crisis, which saw over one million asylum seekers enter the country. Although his asylum application was ultimately rejected, deportation measures were not implemented, granting him temporary residency status in Munich.

    Records indicate Farhad N maintained legal employment as a security guard under valid work permits and had no prior criminal convictions. His Instagram activity revealed interests in bodybuilding alongside religious themes. The trial is projected to extend through June, with the defendant’s legal counsel declining to comment on either the allegations or personal circumstances.

  • US Congress members visit Denmark as Trump’s pressure on Greenland rises

    US Congress members visit Denmark as Trump’s pressure on Greenland rises

    A bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States has arrived in Denmark amidst escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s persistent efforts to acquire Greenland. The 11-member group, comprising both Senate and House representatives, is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen in a demonstration of diplomatic solidarity.

    This diplomatic mission follows unsuccessful high-level discussions in Washington aimed at discouraging President Trump from pursuing his controversial territorial ambitions. The president has repeatedly asserted Greenland’s strategic importance to US national security, claiming Denmark lacks adequate defense capabilities against potential Russian or Chinese aggression in the Arctic region.

    Despite Greenland’s sparse population, the territory possesses substantial natural resources and occupies a geostrategic position between North America and the Arctic, making it invaluable for missile detection systems and regional surveillance operations. The United States already maintains approximately 100 permanent military personnel at its Pituffik base, operating under existing bilateral agreements that permit unlimited troop deployments.

    President Trump has escalated the situation by not only renewing purchase offers—previously rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic authorities—but also openly contemplating military seizure of the territory. These suggestions have prompted Denmark to issue stark warnings about potential consequences for NATO’s integrity, noting the alliance has never confronted scenarios involving armed conflict between member states.

    European NATO members have mobilized in support of Denmark, with multiple nations including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom deploying reconnaissance forces to Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged additional land, air, and naval assets to reinforce regional security cooperation.

    The congressional delegation, led by Senator Chris Coons, includes both Democratic and Republican members, reflecting rare bipartisan concern over the administration’s approach. While most delegates oppose Trump’s proposals, legislative efforts have emerged from both sides—with some lawmakers seeking to prevent military action while others have proposed bills supporting annexation.

  • Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse allegations, calling them ‘absolutely untrue’

    Julio Iglesias denies sexual abuse allegations, calling them ‘absolutely untrue’

    Grammy-winning music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted sexual assault allegations brought forward by two former employees, characterizing the accusations as fundamentally untrue. The 82-year-old recording artist issued an emotional denial via Instagram on Friday following media reports detailing alleged misconduct.

    Spanish media outlets elDiario.es and Univision Noticias jointly published an investigative report on January 13th alleging that Iglesias had committed sexual and physical assaults against staff members at his Caribbean residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021. According to the publications, the incidents occurred between January and October of that year.

    The judicial process gained momentum when Spain’s National Court confirmed receipt of formal allegations against Iglesias on January 5th. This specialized tribunal holds jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed by Spanish citizens abroad, potentially bringing the case before Madrid-based justices.

    In his social media statement, Iglesias expressed profound sorrow over the allegations: “With deep sorrow, I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked at my home. I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness.” The artist further noted his shock at encountering such malice late in his career while vowing to defend his dignity against what he termed a serious affront.

    The Spanish superstar, whose career has spanned six decades and generated over 300 million record sales across multiple languages, received an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. Iglesias acknowledged these messages of encouragement in his public response.

    Spanish prosecutors have confirmed they are currently examining the allegations to determine whether formal proceedings should be initiated. The case development marks a significant moment for the music legend who previously received Grammy recognition for Best Latin Pop Performance and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the recording academy.

  • Taiwan hails its ‘best’ trade deal with US, as China protests

    Taiwan hails its ‘best’ trade deal with US, as China protests

    Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has characterized the newly established US-Taiwan trade agreement as the most favorable tariff arrangement available to nations maintaining trade surpluses with Washington. This assessment emerged alongside strong condemnation from Chinese officials in Beijing regarding the bilateral pact.

    The groundbreaking agreement, negotiated following former President Donald Trump’s proposed sweeping tariffs on multiple US trading partners, reduces US tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% in exchange for substantial investments totaling $250 billion within the American technology sector. This tariff rate aligns with those previously extended to the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, representing a significant reduction from the initially proposed 32% rate that was later adjusted to 20%.

    Premier Cho emphasized the strategic importance of this development, stating: “This demonstrates that the US views Taiwan as an important strategic partner. Our objective has been to lower mutual tariffs, and according to negotiation outcomes, Taiwan has successfully secured 15% tariffs without additional fees.”

    The arrangement includes specific provisions benefiting multiple industries: automotive and wood furniture sectors receive the 15% tariff rate without supplementary charges, while certain aerospace components gain complete tariff exemption. Semiconductor producers investing in the United States will qualify for preferential tariff treatment, including exemptions.

    The agreement establishes an economic partnership framework that will facilitate the creation of world-class industrial parks across the United States, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities. The US Department of Commerce described the pact as “a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of America’s semiconductor sector.”

    China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed firm opposition to the agreement, reiterating Beijing’s position against any sovereign-implicating agreements between countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China and Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

    The timing of the agreement coincides with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) announcement of plans to increase capital spending by nearly 40% this year, following a 35% surge in quarterly net profit driven by artificial intelligence demand. TSMC has committed approximately $165 billion to US investments and is accelerating construction of new fabrication plants in Arizona.

    The agreement requires ratification by Taiwan’s parliament, where opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about potential impacts on the island’s domestic semiconductor industry. Despite these concerns and ongoing geopolitical tensions with China, Taiwan prioritized strengthening economic relations with the United States, according to trade expert Ryan Majerus, a former official in both Trump and Biden administrations.

  • Julio Iglesias denies sexual assault allegations

    Julio Iglesias denies sexual assault allegations

    Spanish music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted serious allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking brought forward by two former employees. The 82-year-old recording artist, whose career spans decades with over 300 million records sold, issued a formal denial via Instagram following reports initially published by Spanish and U.S. media outlets.

    The accusations, currently under investigation by Spain’s national judiciary, originate from a domestic worker and physiotherapist who were employed at Iglesias’s Caribbean residences in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic during 2021. They allege they endured a coercive environment characterized by sexual harassment, restricted mobility, excessive working hours without breaks, and surveillance of personal communications.

    According to advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, the complaint details potential crimes of human trafficking for forced labor and violations of sexual freedom. The women’s testimonies describe a pattern of abuse that included working up to 16-hour days without time off and having their movements controlled.

    In his response, Iglesias expressed profound sadness over the allegations, stating: ‘I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me.’ He emphasized his commitment to defending his dignity and revealing what he characterizes as the complete truth.

    The case has drawn divided reactions, with some former associates defending Iglesias’s character while media investigations claim to have corroborating evidence including photographic documentation, communication records, and medical reports. The national court’s investigation continues as it examines crimes allegedly committed beyond Spanish borders.

  • Ukraine’s young skiers practice in a bombed-out Olympic training base

    Ukraine’s young skiers practice in a bombed-out Olympic training base

    CHERNIHIV, Ukraine — In the war-scarred landscapes of northern Ukraine, a remarkable story of resilience unfolds daily at the Sports Ski Base of the Olympic Reserve. Approximately 350 young cross-country skiers and biathletes continue their training regimen amidst the persistent threats of aerial attacks, transforming their athletic pursuits into acts of national defiance.

    The sprawling complex, which produced Ukraine’s first Olympic medalist, now operates with bombed-out dormitories and restricted training areas due to unexploded ordnance. Training sessions proceed with surreal normalcy until air raid sirens pierce the silence, triggering swift but practiced evacuations to underground shelters.

    Mykola Vorchak, a 67-year-old coach, observes profound psychological adaptation among his athletes. “We have adapted so well—even the children—that sometimes we don’t even react,” he noted in an October interview. “Although it goes against safety rules, the children have been hardened by the war.”

    The facility lies on the outskirts of Chernihiv, a city two hours north of Kyiv that remains a regular target for attacks on energy infrastructure. Athletes train on blast-marked asphalt tracks using roller skis during non-winter months and practice shooting with laser rifles at electronic targets. The sporadic buzz of drones and subsequent explosions form an ever-present backdrop to their athletic development.

    The complex’s historical significance adds poignancy to its current state. Valentyna Tserbe-Nesina, who won bronze at the 1994 Lillehammer Games—Ukraine’s first Olympic medal as an independent nation—described her shock upon visiting the damaged facility. “I went inside, up to my old room on the second floor. It was gone—no windows, nothing,” she recalled, noting how fire had consumed the trophies they had left behind.

    Among those training at the damaged facility is Khrystyna Dmytrenko, 26, who will represent Ukraine at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Having completed a tour in Ukraine’s territorial defense forces in 2022, she now sees sports as a demonstration of national strength. “We represent Ukraine on the international stage,” Dmytrenko stated, “letting other countries see our unity, strength and determination.”

    The upcoming Games carry additional significance as Russian athletes may compete in certain events after International Olympic Committee vetting, though without national symbols. This context makes the training efforts in Chernihiv particularly symbolic, with former Olympic biathlete Nina Lemesh noting that some young athletes who began training during wartime have already become international champions in their age groups.

    Standing beside the destroyed dormitories, Lemesh expressed confidence in Ukraine’s athletic future: “Fortunately, Ukrainians remain here. They always will. This is the next generation of Olympians.”

  • In their words: Greenlanders talk about Trump’s desire to own their Arctic island

    In their words: Greenlanders talk about Trump’s desire to own their Arctic island

    NUUK, Greenland — The Arctic island of Greenland has become an unexpected focal point in international diplomacy following U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the territory, including suggestions of potential military action. This semiautonomous Danish territory finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm that has profoundly impacted its citizens.

    Greenlandic Minister Naaja Nathanielsen revealed the psychological toll on the population, stating that anxiety has become pervasive with “people not sleeping, children are afraid, and it just fills everything these days” during a parliamentary meeting in London.

    The situation escalated following a White House meeting between Trump and Danish officials, where a “fundamental disagreement” regarding Greenland’s status was acknowledged. Trump’s dismissive characterization of Denmark’s defensive capabilities in Greenland as “two dog sleds” has been particularly damaging to Greenlandic cultural pride.

    Mari Laursen, a law student and former fishing trawler worker, criticized Trump’s remarks as “undermining us as a people,” highlighting the historical cooperation between Greenlandic hunters and U.S. forces during World War II when dog sled teams helped detect Nazi German presence. “The Arctic climate and environment is so different from maybe what Americans are used to,” Laursen explained. “A dog sled is more efficient. It can go where no warship and helicopter can go.”

    Greenlanders uniformly rejected Trump’s claims of Russian and Chinese naval activity in their waters. Lars Vintner, a heating engineer, stated bluntly: “I think he should mind his own business. We are only 57,000 people. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market.” Fisherman Gerth Josefsen corroborated this assessment, noting he had only seen “a Russian fishing boat ten years ago.”

    Many Greenlanders perceive economic motivations behind American interest, particularly regarding the island’s untapped mineral resources and oil reserves. Shop worker Maya Martinsen, 21, asserted: “I know it’s not national security. I think it’s for the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched,” suggesting Americans were treating her homeland as a “business trade.”

    The potential loss of Greenland’s social benefits under American administration concerns many residents. Student Tuuta Mikaelsen, 22, emphasized: “There are laws and stuff, and health insurance…we can go to the doctors and nurses…we don’t have to pay anything. I don’t want the U.S. to take that away from us.”

    Greenlandic parliament member Juno Berthelsen, whose opposition party campaigns for independence, reported conducting multiple daily media interviews throughout the crisis. He advocated for diplomatic solutions, noting that “a lot of Republicans as well as Democrats are not in favor of having such an aggressive rhetoric and talk about military intervention.”

    Berthelsen concluded with a definitive statement on Greenland’s sovereignty: “It is our country. Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people.”

  • Aid workers cleared of human trafficking charges in Greece

    Aid workers cleared of human trafficking charges in Greece

    In a landmark ruling with profound implications for humanitarian work across Europe, a Greek court has fully exonerated 24 volunteer aid workers who faced severe criminal charges for rescuing migrants at sea. The defendants, including prominent figures Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder, were cleared of all remaining accusations after a protracted legal battle spanning nearly seven years.

    The case originated in 2018 when Greek authorities arrested volunteers from Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI), a non-governmental organization operating on Lesbos during the peak of Europe’s migration crisis. Between 2015-2018, ERCI volunteers conducted search and rescue operations for asylum seekers crossing the treacherous waters between Turkey and Greece, saving countless lives during a period when hundreds of thousands attempted the dangerous passage.

    The defendants faced an array of serious charges including human trafficking, facilitating illegal entry, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization—offenses carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. While espionage charges were dismissed in 2023, the remaining accusations proceeded to trial last month, drawing international condemnation from human rights organizations.

    Presiding Judge Vassilis Papathanassiou delivered the decisive verdict on Thursday, stating that all defendants were acquitted because their actions were clearly intended ‘not to commit criminal acts but to provide humanitarian aid.’ The judgment emphasized that ‘waiting to rescue a human life cannot be considered facilitation of illegal entry,’ and that an online communication group cannot be classified as a criminal organization.

    The prosecution itself had recommended acquittal, with prosecutor Dimitris Smyrnis acknowledging that ‘no independent basis establishing the criminal liability of the defendants has been demonstrated.’ Testimony during the trial revealed that while volunteers used encrypted messaging services to coordinate rescues, they also maintained cooperation with Greek coast guard authorities.

    Defense lawyer Zacharias Kesses expressed frustration that ‘it took 2,889 days for the prosecutor to realise that the accusation made no sense whatsoever.’ Sean Binder, who endured three months of pre-trial detention, described mixed emotions of ‘relief and anger cocktail, equally balanced,’ noting how the seven-year legal limbo had derailed his career and personal life.

    Human rights advocates hailed the decision as a critical victory. Eve Geddie of Amnesty International stated: ‘We hope today’s decision sends a strong signal to Greece and other European countries that solidarity, compassion and defending human rights should be protected and celebrated, not punished.’

    The case has been widely viewed as a test of Europe’s approach to humanitarian assistance amid ongoing migration challenges, with implications for volunteer rescuers across the continent.

  • Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

    Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

    In a significant multinational military exercise, forces from seven European NATO members have commenced operations in Greenland, marking a strategic deployment in the increasingly important Arctic region. The coordinated effort involves specialized troops and naval assets from Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

    This deployment represents a calculated response to growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, where melting ice caps are opening new maritime routes and access to untapped natural resources. The multinational force will conduct joint training exercises focused on extreme cold-weather operations, search and rescue missions, and interoperability testing in challenging Arctic conditions.

    The presence of both NATO members and partner nations (Sweden and Finland, though now NATO members, participated as partners when this operation was initially planned) demonstrates a unified European approach to regional security. Military analysts note that this deployment enhances collective capabilities for monitoring maritime activity and responding to potential emergencies in one of the world’s most remote and environmentally sensitive areas.

    Greenland’s strategic significance has increased substantially in recent years, with its geographic position offering unique advantages for both defense monitoring and scientific research. This limited but symbolic deployment reinforces NATO’s commitment to maintaining stability in the High North while demonstrating allied cohesion in addressing emerging security challenges.

  • New Czech government of populist leader Andrej Babiš wins a mandatory confidence vote

    New Czech government of populist leader Andrej Babiš wins a mandatory confidence vote

    PRAGUE — The Czech Republic’s newly formed populist government under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has successfully secured a mandatory parliamentary confidence vote, marking a significant geopolitical reorientation for the Central European nation. The lower house of Parliament endorsed the coalition government with a 108-91 vote on Thursday, granting formal approval to an agenda that diverges from previous Western-aligned policies.

    The administration, emerging from October’s electoral victory by Babiš’s ANO (YES) movement, represents an unconventional alliance with two minority parties: the anti-immigrant Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves. This 16-member Cabinet coalition shares notable admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump and signals substantial policy transformations both domestically and internationally.

    Foreign policy shifts include terminating financial assistance to Ukraine and rejecting European Union loan guarantees for the war-torn nation, aligning the Czech Republic with the positions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak leader Robert Fico. Notably, the government will maintain administrative oversight of a previous Czech initiative that secured 1.8 million artillery shells for Ukraine from non-EU markets, though without financial contributions.

    Domestically, the coalition partners advocate controversial measures including the potential expulsion of approximately 380,000 Ukrainian refugees and rejection of the EU Green Deal environmental framework. The Motorists party, now controlling environment and foreign ministries, has proposed reviving the nation’s coal industry while the Freedom party questions Czech membership in both the EU and NATO.