Gisele Pelicot condemned the cowardice of men who raped her, organized by her husband over 10 years, claiming ignorance of the crime. Her husband, Dominique, admitted to drugging her and inviting strangers to rape her while unconscious. Most accused men blame her husband, denying intent to rape. Gisele criticized their inaction, urging accountability, and emphasized “rape is rape.” The trial, highlighting France’s patriarchal issues, nears its verdict. She learned of the abuse through police discovery of videos her husband recorded.

Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 8:00 pm

A proposed law to redefine New Zealand’s founding treaty between the British Crown and Māori chiefs has sparked political turmoil and highlighted race relations. Though unlikely to pass, it has intensified discussions on honoring promises to Indigenous people. Tens of thousands are expected to protest in Wellington, following a Māori tradition of hīkoi. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, promised Māori rights but had differing English and Māori versions, leading to breaches. Efforts over 50 years have aimed to address these breaches, fostering Māori cultural revival and societal change.

Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 4:30 pm

Germany’s defense minister labeled the cutting of two Baltic Sea fiber-optic cables as sabotage targeting European supporters of Ukraine. One cable linked Finland and Germany, the other Lithuania and Sweden. Although data transfers were disrupted, internet security remained intact. Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed accidental damage, suggesting a hybrid action without identifying culprits. Concerns grow over potential Russian hybrid warfare in retaliation for European support of Ukraine. Finland and Germany’s foreign ministries expressed concern over the incident.

Ava Sinclair 19/11/2024 4:30 pm

For over 10 weeks, Gisèle Pelicot attended a trial in Avignon, France, where 50 men, including her ex-husband, faced charges of raping or assaulting her while she was drugged. Many defendants claimed innocence, believing they were invited for consensual acts. Videos showed them engaging with her unconscious body, encouraged by her husband. Pelicot, who divorced him before the trial, addressed the court, condemning the acts as cowardice. The trial, involving 51 men, has deeply impacted France. Her ex-husband admitted to drugging her and inviting strangers to assault her.

Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 4:30 pm

Efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah are intensifying, with Lebanon expected to respond to a US draft deal amid escalating Israeli airstrikes. The strikes, killing dozens, aim to pressure Hezbollah and Lebanon into an agreement. Details of the proposal remain unclear, but Lebanese media reported a positive reception. Israel’s attacks target Hezbollah strongholds and aim to stir anti-Hezbollah sentiment. A potential deal may involve UN Resolution 1701, troop deployments, and Israeli withdrawal, but disagreements persist over Israel’s right to act inside Lebanon.

Ava Sinclair 19/11/2024 4:30 pm

Thousands of farmers protested in London against a new inheritance tax, dubbed the “tractor tax,” which they claim threatens family farms and food production. The tax, introduced by the Labour government, imposes a 20% levy on farms worth over £1 million, starting in 2026. Farmers argue this will force them to sell land due to low profit margins. Protesters, including Jeremy Clarkson, demanded the government reconsider. The government claims the tax targets only the most valuable farms and supports public services, affecting about 500 farms annually.

Ava Sinclair 19/11/2024 4:30 pm

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut for talks on a truce between Hezbollah and Israel, following a U.S.-drafted proposal accepted by Hezbollah. The visit marks progress in U.S.-led efforts to end the conflict that escalated in September. Both Lebanon and Hezbollah agreed to the ceasefire proposal, though details remain unresolved. Hezbollah endorsed Nabih Berri to negotiate, despite ongoing hostilities. Israel has not commented, and Lebanon’s feedback on the proposal was given positively.

Ava Sinclair 19/11/2024 1:00 pm

In Wellington, New Zealand, tens of thousands marched in a festival-like protest against a law altering the Māori-British Crown treaty. The event celebrated Māori language and identity, nearly lost to colonization. Protesters, including organizer Shanell Bob, emphasized fighting for future generations’ rights. The march, likely New Zealand’s largest for Māori rights, highlighted growing non-Māori support. The opposed bill is unpopular and unlikely to pass, but the protest underscored increased awareness of the Treaty of Waitangi’s promises and a backlash against efforts to uphold them.

Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 1:00 pm

A Hong Kong court sentenced 45 pro-democracy leaders, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, to jail for subversion under the national security law. This trial, the largest under the law imposed by China after 2019 protests, targeted activists involved in selecting opposition candidates. Tai received 10 years, Wong over four. The trial’s outcome is seen as weakening Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, while Beijing argues it’s necessary for stability. Families and supporters expressed distress over the sentences, which Beijing claims are a warning against undermining national security.

Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 1:00 pm

The Great Barrier Reef’s northern section suffered significant coral loss due to extreme heat, cyclones, and flooding. Surveys revealed a major bleaching event, with some areas losing over a third of live hard coral, marking the largest annual decline in 39 years. Dr. Mike Emslie described devastated reefs, with dead corals covered in algae. Climate change-induced heat stress was the primary cause, exacerbated by cyclones and flooding. The hardest-hit were branching and plating Acroporas. Further surveys are ongoing, with concerns about the southern reef’s condition.

Noah Prescott 19/11/2024 1:00 pm