Gisèle Pelicot, a 71-year-old woman, was drugged and abused for a decade by strangers recruited online by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot. This devastating family drama unfolded in a mass rape trial in Avignon. Dominique was caught after filming under women’s skirts, leading to the discovery of his crimes. He admitted to the charges, having documented the abuse meticulously. Fifty men are on trial, with only a few admitting guilt, while over 20 remain unidentified. The trial has left the Pelicot family shattered, likening the impact to a “tsunami.” Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 9:00 am
An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi, Zvi Kogan, has gone missing in the UAE, with suspicions of kidnapping amid high tensions with Iran. Israeli authorities and media suggest a possible terrorist incident, linking it to recent Israeli-Iranian conflicts. Kogan, a former Israeli military member and Chabad Lubavitch emissary, was last seen in Dubai. Israeli and UAE authorities are investigating, with Israeli intelligence actively involved. The UAE acknowledged his disappearance but referred to him only as Moldovan. The Chabad movement is cooperating with the investigation. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 9:00 am
Brazil’s Supreme Court is overturning key convictions and dismissing evidence from Operation Car Wash, a major corruption investigation. The court argues that biased legal processes violated laws, leading to the reversal of at least 115 convictions in Brazil and affecting cases across Latin America. This includes dismissals in Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina, impacting former presidents. The unraveling of this decade-long investigation, which exposed widespread bribery involving billions, marks a significant setback in efforts to combat systemic corruption in the region. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 9:00 am
The French town of Avignon is at the center of a high-profile rape trial involving Gisele Pelicot, who accused her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 others of sexual violence. Gisele’s decision to publicize the trial has sparked national debate on violence against women and made her a feminist icon. Investigators identified around 200 rape instances, mostly by her ex-husband, who drugged her. The trial has drawn significant public attention, with the courtroom filled to capacity as the last defendant, Philippe L., takes the stand. Penelope Kingsley 24/11/2024 5:30 am
A series of methanol poisoning deaths in Laos has raised global concerns about tainted alcohol. Six tourists, including individuals from Australia, Denmark, Britain, and the U.S., died in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacker destination. Most victims were aged 19 to 20. The U.S., U.K., and Australia have issued travel warnings. Methanol poisonings have also occurred in Russia, South Africa, Peru, and India, highlighting a recurring issue with contaminated alcohol worldwide. Penelope Kingsley 24/11/2024 5:30 am
Thousands protested across France against sexual violence ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Paris, 80,000 people, supported by 400 organizations, marched with purple placards denouncing gender-based violence and defending women’s reproductive rights. Concerns were raised about potential rollbacks on women’s rights in the U.S. under President-elect Trump. France recently enshrined abortion rights in its constitution, responding to U.S. policy changes. Protesters also showed solidarity with Gisele Pelicot, whose ex-husband and others are on trial for drugging and raping her. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 2:00 am
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will continue testing and mass-producing the hypersonic ballistic missile fired at Ukraine, claiming it cannot be intercepted. The missile, named “Oreshnik,” was launched at Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and is discussing new air defense systems with allies. The missile, reportedly carrying multiple warheads, may be the first of its kind used in war. NATO and Ukraine plan to hold talks following this development, as the conflict enters a decisive phase. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 2:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transitioning is legal. He also approved legislation outlawing material that discourages having children. These measures follow laws suppressing sexual minorities and promoting traditional values. The adoption ban affects at least 15 countries, including Australia, Argentina, and Canada. Other laws impose fines for promoting child-free lifestyles, seen as Western efforts to weaken Russia. Putin advocates traditional values and large families, amid declining population. Russia previously banned gender-transition procedures and LGBTQ+ information distribution. Noah Prescott 24/11/2024 2:00 am
Israeli military strikes in Gaza have killed at least 120 Palestinians, including seven from one family, and hit a hospital, injuring staff and damaging equipment. Israeli forces intensified their offensive in northern Gaza, while Hamas reported an Israeli hostage killed in the area. Israel is investigating the claim, accusing Hamas of psychological warfare. The military aims to prevent Hamas attacks, but locals fear a permanent depopulation. Kamal Adwan Hospital’s director reported targeted bombardment, injuring staff and damaging essential services. Penelope Kingsley 24/11/2024 2:00 am
The operators of Nana Backpackers hostel have been detained for questioning after several tourists suffered methanol poisoning from local spirits. A UK backpacker experienced severe symptoms, including temporary blindness and a dangerously high heart rate, after consuming “free vodkas.” Another tourist, Bethany Clarke, reported liver issues and warned others to avoid local spirits. Six people were hospitalized, and American James Louis Hutson was found dead. The Laos Government is investigating and promised justice for the victims, expressing condolences to their families. Ava Sinclair 24/11/2024 2:00 am
