Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • PSG star Hakimi faces trial for alleged rape

    PSG star Hakimi faces trial for alleged rape

    Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi, a prominent defender for Paris Saint-Germain, will stand trial in France following rape allegations brought by a young woman. The judicial proceedings were confirmed by both the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office and Hakimi’s legal representative on Tuesday.

    The case originated in February 2023 when a then-24-year-old woman filed a formal complaint with police in the Val-de-Marne region, southeast of Paris. She alleged that the athlete had sexually assaulted her during an encounter at his residence. According to initial police reports, the complainant stated she had initially connected with Hakimi through Instagram in January 2023 before visiting his home via a taxi arranged by the player.

    Hakimi has consistently maintained his innocence regarding all allegations. Through his legal counsel Fanny Colin, the football star contends that the prosecution’s case lacks substantive evidence. Colin emphasized that the accuser allegedly obstructed investigative procedures by declining medical examinations, DNA testing, and forensic analysis of her mobile device while withholding the identity of a potentially crucial witness.

    The 27-year-old defender, who achieved global recognition during Morocco’s historic semifinal run in the 2022 World Cup, publicly expressed confidence in the judicial process. On social media platform X, Hakimi stated he would approach the trial calmly, asserting that the proceedings would ultimately reveal the truth.

    PSG management has adopted a reserved stance regarding the development. Coach Luis Enrique, addressing media inquiries before a Champions League match, noted that the matter remained within the purview of judicial authorities. Despite the serious allegations, Hakimi continued regular training and remained eligible for team selection.

    The plaintiff’s attorney, Rachel-Flore Pardo, acknowledged her client’s relief at the case progressing to trial while praising the judiciary’s handling of the matter. However, Pardo simultaneously highlighted perceived institutional barriers, suggesting that the #MeToo movement had yet to fully penetrate certain male-dominated domains including professional football.

    Hakimi, who developed through Real Madrid’s academy before achieving success with Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and ultimately PSG, maintains his playing status during ongoing legal proceedings.

  • ‘Ultra-wealthy’ land tax could raise $3bn per year to slash stamp duty

    ‘Ultra-wealthy’ land tax could raise $3bn per year to slash stamp duty

    A groundbreaking proposal from Australia’s McKell Institute advocates for a transformative wealth tax targeting the nation’s most affluent landholders to address housing affordability challenges. The ‘Extreme Land Wealth Levy’ would impose annual charges on approximately 4,630 ultra-wealthy Australians possessing land portfolios valued at $20 million or higher—representing the wealthiest one percent of households.

    Under the innovative scheme, landholdings between $20-50 million would face a 0.75% annual levy, while properties exceeding $50 million would incur a 1.25% charge. The institute projects this could generate approximately $3 billion annually, which would then be redistributed to states and territories exclusively for reducing stamp duty costs for new homebuyers, explicitly excluding property investors from benefits.

    McKell Institute Chief Economist Alison Pennington emphasized the proposal addresses systemic inequities: ‘Average workers surrender one-quarter of their income biweekly, while ultra-wealthy landholders accumulate millions in untaxed, unearned gains over decades.’ She noted the levy would be financially negligible to affected landowners but transformative for aspiring homeowners.

    The mechanism would function through Commonwealth administration utilizing existing state valuation systems, applying solely to land value excluding improvements. Principal residences below $20 million land value and genuine agricultural land would be exempt, with build-to-rent developments qualifying for special considerations and development incentives.

    This proposal emerges amidst intensifying national debates surrounding housing accessibility and tax fairness, complementing existing state-level initiatives like NSW’s First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme and federal support programs including the 5% deposit guarantee scheme.

  • Healy starts final series with Australia win

    Healy starts final series with Australia win

    Australian cricket veteran Alyssa Healy commenced her final international series with a commanding half-century performance, leading her team to a decisive six-wicket triumph against India in the inaugural one-day international match. The day-night encounter at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field witnessed Australia successfully chase down India’s target of 215 runs with 11.4 overs remaining, demonstrating exceptional batting prowess.

    Healy, playing her farewell series before retirement, contributed 50 runs from 70 deliveries as opening batter, setting a strong foundation for Australia’s pursuit. Her performance was complemented by Beth Mooney’s impressive 76 runs from 79 balls, showcasing remarkable fluency and control. The victory was ultimately sealed by all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who delivered an unbeaten 48 runs, culminating with a spectacular six off Deepti Sharma’s bowling.

    India’s innings concluded at 214 all out in 48.3 overs, despite resilient half-centuries from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (53 from 84 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (58 from 68 deliveries). Lower-order batter Kashvee Gautam provided valuable support with 43 runs from the eighth position. Australia’s bowling attack proved effective, with off-spinner Ash Gardner claiming 3-33 and seamer Megan Schutt taking 2-42.

    The victory marks Australia’s strong rebound following their recent T20 series defeat against India, which represented their first home loss in nine years. Healy expressed pride in her team’s clinical performance, emphasizing their successful response to recent challenges. The series now moves to Hobart for the concluding two matches scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

  • France demands explanation from US envoy over ‘surprise’ no-show

    France demands explanation from US envoy over ‘surprise’ no-show

    France’s Foreign Ministry has formally demanded clarification from U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner following his unexpected absence from a scheduled diplomatic meeting. The incident marks the second time Ambassador Kushner has failed to attend a summons from French authorities.

    Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot characterized the ambassador’s absence as a breach of fundamental diplomatic protocols, expressing his ‘surprise’ at the development during a broadcast interview with France Info. The meeting was intended to address U.S. commentary on France’s internal political matters following the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon.

    According to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter, Ambassador Kushner cited ‘personal commitments’ as justification for his non-attendance, instead dispatching a senior embassy official to represent him. This pattern of behavior has drawn criticism from diplomatic professionals, including former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Charles Shapiro, who emphasized that responding to foreign ministry summons constitutes a fundamental obligation of diplomatic service.

    The current diplomatic tension originated when the U.S. Embassy in Paris reposted statements from the Trump administration commenting on political violence in France following Deranque’s death during clashes between radical-left and far-right groups. Minister Barrot explicitly stated that France ‘does not accept that foreign countries can come and interfere in, then insert themselves into, our national political debate, whatever the circumstances.’

    Despite the diplomatic friction, French officials have indicated that bilateral relations between the nations remain unaffected. However, Barrot noted that the incident would impact Ambassador Kushner’s operational effectiveness within France. The French government has already implemented measures restricting Kushner’s access to ministerial-level officials.

    Ambassador Kushner, a 71-year-old multimillionaire real estate developer and former attorney, received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2020 after previously pleading guilty to multiple federal charges including tax evasion and witness tampering. His appointment represented Trump’s preference for placing loyalists and family associates in key diplomatic positions, as evidenced by his comment to Paris Match magazine that ‘It’s a great thing because he’s in our family.’

  • Mexico’s violence-hit Guadalajara to host World Cup games

    Mexico’s violence-hit Guadalajara to host World Cup games

    Guadalajara, the capital of Mexico’s Jalisco state, faces unprecedented security challenges as it prepares to host four World Cup matches this summer. The city’s preparations occur against a grim backdrop of escalating cartel violence triggered by the military operation that killed Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, this past weekend.

    The lethal confrontation between security forces and cartel members resulted in at least 57 fatalities nationwide, alongside widespread highway blockades across 20 Mexican states. The violence forced temporary suspension of football games in Guadalajara and Queretaro, raising concerns about safety during the upcoming global tournament that Mexico is co-hosting with the United States and Canada.

    Authorities are implementing advanced technological solutions to ensure security, including drone surveillance systems, anti-drone equipment, and AI-powered video monitoring. These measures address both immediate threats and the deeper security crisis in Jalisco, which leads Mexico in disappearances with 12,575 reported cases—over half from Guadalajara’s metropolitan area.

    The human toll of the violence is profound. Families of the disappeared have uncovered hundreds of clandestine graves while searching for loved ones. Activists like Carmen Ponce, whose brother disappeared in 2020, criticize the World Cup hosting as ‘grotesque’ amid ongoing tragedies. The economic impact is already being felt, with local tour guide Missael Robles reporting 25 cancelled tours since Sunday’s violence.

    Security concerns extend to tournament venues, with authorities discovering criminal properties just kilometers from the Akron Stadium. The proximity was underscored by a recent kidnapping-related raid less than two kilometers from the sporting complex. Families of the disappeared fear tourists might become targets, with security camera network supervisor Juan Carlos Contreras warning of potential protests by citizens searching for missing relatives.

    FIFA has declined comment on the security situation, while the city remains emotionally and economically impacted by violence that contrasts sharply with officials’ recent claims of peace.

  • AFL 2026: Richmond has been dealt a brutal injury blow on the eve of the season

    AFL 2026: Richmond has been dealt a brutal injury blow on the eve of the season

    Two Australian Football League clubs are confronting significant pre-season challenges following injury setbacks to their most promising young players. Richmond Tigers’ emerging star Taj Hotton faces an extended period on the sidelines after medical scans revealed bone stress in his hip, potentially sidelining the talented recruit for up to four months.

    The development represents a particularly cruel blow for Hotton, who had been demonstrating impressive form during match simulation against Essendon last Friday before reporting subsequent discomfort. This latest injury compounds existing concerns for the young athlete, who missed the first half of last season recovering from an ACL rupture sustained during his draft campaign.

    Prior to his initial injury, Hotton was widely considered a potential number one draft selection, making his acquisition by Richmond at pick 12 in the 2024 super draft viewed as exceptional value. Richmond’s high performance manager Ben Serpell indicated the club would implement a carefully managed rehabilitation protocol, noting: “Taj will begin modified weight bearing across the next 10 days to two weeks, before starting a slow progression back into running. We anticipate approximately six to eight weeks before he returns to running and possibly four months before available for selection.”

    Meanwhile, North Melbourne faces its own preseason complication with midfielder George Wardlaw sustaining a hamstring strain during match simulation exercises. Club officials have confirmed a 3-4 week absence for the hard-nosed midfielder, though remain optimistic about his relatively prompt return. North Melbourne’s head of performance Kevin White characterized the injury as “a low-grade strain similar to the previous injury in the same area,” while noting the player has “presented really well” following the incident.

    Both incidents highlight the physical demands and injury risks associated with elite Australian rules football, particularly affecting clubs investing in developing young talent ahead of the approaching season.

  • ASX shakes off negative session on Wall Street to end Tuesday flat

    ASX shakes off negative session on Wall Street to end Tuesday flat

    Australia’s benchmark ASX 200 demonstrated remarkable resilience on Tuesday, closing essentially flat at 9022.30 despite significant pressure from technology sector declines. The index’s stability emerged from a fascinating sectoral divergence where robust commodity performances neutralized substantial tech sell-offs driven by artificial intelligence concerns.

    Market dynamics revealed a tale of two sectors: technology stocks experienced pronounced declines with WiseTech Global falling 3.67%, Xero dropping 4.57%, and TechnologyOne decreasing 3.75%. Conversely, energy companies surged as crude oil prices climbed above $72 per barrel, reaching their highest levels since August. Woodside Energy advanced 2.4%, while Santos and Ampol posted gains of 0.44% and 1.06% respectively. Mining giant BHP added 1.35% to the positive momentum.

    Lithium miners emerged as standout performers, fueled by supply constraints and stronger-than-anticipated demand from electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Core Lithium skyrocketed 9.52%, Liontown Resources jumped 8.68%, and Iluka Resources gained 7.92%.

    Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted the Australian market’s ability to withstand negative influences from Wall Street’s session, describing the phenomenon as investors playing ‘Whack-a-Mole’ with potential AI disruption casualties. He highlighted significant implications from the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down previous tariffs, replaced with a standardized 15% global tariff structure.

    ‘The tariff restructuring reduces average tariff levels, presenting a positive development for global growth,’ Sycamore explained. ‘China, as Australia’s largest trading partner, stands to benefit substantially with an estimated five to eight percentage point reduction in tariffs, potentially creating upside risks for both Chinese and global economies.’

    Financial institutions presented a mixed picture, with ANZ declining 0.7% following resolved legal proceedings with former CEO Shayne Elliott. Westpac and NAB posted gains of 1.45% and 1.04% respectively, while CBA remained virtually unchanged.

    Corporate performances varied significantly: Engineering firm Monadelphous rallied 5.91% after reporting record half-year revenue of $1.53 billion, exceeding expectations. Conversely, ARB Corporation plummeted 13.06% following a 17.2% profit decline, while online retailer Adore Beauty crashed 27.91% amid profit compression from aggressive Black Friday discounting.

    Market participants now await January inflation data scheduled for Wednesday release, alongside earnings reports from Woolworths, Flight Centre, Bapcor, and Domino’s Pizza.

  • France to revoke US envoy’s govt access after summons no-show

    France to revoke US envoy’s govt access after summons no-show

    France has imposed significant restrictions on US Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to government officials following his failure to attend a scheduled meeting to address controversial remarks about a deceased far-right activist. The French Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Ambassador Kushner would be barred from direct meetings with ministers, though he may continue other diplomatic functions and maintain communication through official channels.

    This diplomatic escalation stems from the US Embassy in Paris reposting comments from Washington regarding Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist who died from head injuries during clashes between radical-left and far-right groups in Lyon on February 12. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had summoned Kushner for a 7:00 pm meeting, but the ambassador cited ‘personal commitments’ and sent a senior embassy official instead.

    The French government characterized Kushner’s absence as ‘an apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission and the honour of representing one’s country.’ This incident marks the second time Kushner has skipped a summons, having previously failed to attend a meeting in late August regarding his criticism of France’s handling of antisemitism.

    The Deranque case has heightened political tensions in France ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with over 3,000 people marching in Lyon on Saturday amid heavy security deployment. The situation has also triggered international commentary, including from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to advise foreign leaders to refrain from commenting on France’s domestic affairs.

    Washington has not yet responded to France’s latest diplomatic measures, which represent continuing friction between the allies during the Trump administration.

  • Mexico’s Jalisco cautiously tries returning to normal after cartel violence

    Mexico’s Jalisco cautiously tries returning to normal after cartel violence

    The Mexican state of Jalisco is experiencing a fragile return to daily routines following a devastating wave of cartel violence that erupted over the weekend. This surge in retaliatory attacks came immediately after authorities confirmed the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the formidable leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military confrontation on Sunday.

    In Guadalajara, the state capital, residents tentatively emerged from their homes on Monday after being confined indoors amidst widespread terror. The city presented a scene of cautious movement rather than normalcy—schools remained shuttered, many businesses kept doors locked, and public transportation operated with notably few passengers. Those venturing outside primarily sought essential supplies, forming extensive queues at supermarkets amid concerns that cartel members might resume road blockades and arson attacks against vehicles and commercial establishments.

    Matias Mora, a local taxi driver, described the palpable fear that kept him indoors after witnessing a pharmacy being burned down. Similarly, retiree Juan Soler reported critical shortages and enormous lines at the few open stores, while Maria de Jesus Gonzalez recounted being “locked inside, terrified” before joining the supermarket queue. The demand was so intense that shopping carts ran out, forcing some customers to use laundry baskets for their groceries.

    While authorities worked to clear the streets of charred, twisted vehicle wreckage, the violence persisted in certain areas. On the road to Tapalpa, where Oseguera made his final stand, cartel members continued to maintain roadblocks despite official claims that the worst violence had subsided nationwide.

    The government deployed approximately 10,000 troops across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states to restore order, including in the international tourist destination Puerto Vallarta. Oseguera, 59, represented the last of Mexico’s old-guard drug lords operating with the brutal tactics reminiscent of imprisoned kingpins like “El Chapo” Guzman. As a founding member of CJNG since 2009, he built one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations.

    Official reports indicate the raid that killed Oseguera and subsequent clashes resulted in at least 27 security force casualties, 46 suspected cartel members dead, and one civilian fatality. While his elimination marks a significant victory for Mexican authorities, security experts warn that the absence of clear succession within CJNG could create a dangerous power vacuum, potentially triggering further violent internal conflicts.

  • Team list Tuesday: Knights make big call in the halves as Bulldogs injured brigade cleared for Vegas

    Team list Tuesday: Knights make big call in the halves as Bulldogs injured brigade cleared for Vegas

    The National Rugby League’s weekly team list announcements have commenced with significant strategic shifts, headlined by the Newcastle Knights’ pivotal decision in their playmaking positions. New head coach Justin Holbrook has initiated his tenure with a major selection call, appointing Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth to partner with high-profile recruit Dylan Brown for the upcoming Las Vegas season opener.

    This selection resolves weeks of speculation regarding the halves composition, with Holbrook favoring Sharpe’s speed over former Rooster Sandon Smith, a move that places additional organizational responsibility on Brown’s playmaking capabilities. The decision carries substantial weight for a squad that endured a challenging 2025 season, having claimed the wooden spoon while recording the competition’s lowest points tally.

    Brown will receive substantial support from former Dally M medalist Kalyn Ponga, who continues as a crucial offensive weapon from the fullback position. Meanwhile, Jermaine McEwen has secured a starting spot in the back row over Thomas Cant, with Smith beginning his Knights career from the interchange bench.

    The Knights face a North Queensland Cowboys side navigating their own selection adjustments, with Zac Laybutt absent due to suspension. This development provides an opportunity for the unfortunate Tom Chester to start at center, with coach Todd Payten expressing strong confidence in his readiness despite previous injury setbacks.

    Across other Vegas participants, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have received positive medical news with star trio Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, and Marcelo Montoya all named to face the St. George Illawarra Dragons despite recent injury concerns. The Dragons themselves have awarded an NRL debut to trial standout Setu Tu on the wing, while implementing a new halves combination of Daniel Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan.

    All four teams must adapt to revised interchange regulations permitting six players on the bench, though coaches retain the limitation of utilizing only four substitutes during match play. The strategic implications of these rule modifications will be closely observed in the American showcase event.