Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, is accused by 37 women, including six Americans, of sexual assault and rape. The allegations, detailed in a BBC documentary and podcast, include claims from Harrods staffers, five of whom say they were raped. Lawyer Gloria Allred described it as “systematic trafficking of women for sexual gratification.” Sophia Stone, Al Fayed’s former assistant, alleges he sexually assaulted her multiple times. Harrods expressed being “utterly appalled” by the accusations. Stone, who previously settled with Harrods, has joined the lawsuit against the store.

Ava Sinclair 21/09/2024 8:00 am

Volunteers on an archaeological dig in northern France discovered a 200-year-old message in a glass vial from archaeologist P. J. Féret, who conducted a dig at the Cité de Limes site in January 1825. Féret, a member of several scientific societies, wrote the note possibly to inspire future archaeologists. Guillaume Blondel, head of the archaeological service for Eu, described the find as magical and surprising. Municipal records confirmed Féret’s dig. The oldest message in a bottle ever found was 131 years old, discovered in Australia in 2018, originally thrown overboard by a German ship captain in 1886.

Ava Sinclair 21/09/2024 4:30 am

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced a $39 billion EU loan to Ukraine for rebuilding its economy and energy grid, damaged by Russia’s invasion. This loan is part of a $50 billion package using frozen Russian assets, agreed upon by the Group of Seven. The EU has frozen about $235 billion in Russian assets, and the loan requires approval from a majority of EU member states. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to repair the energy grid before winter. Von der Leyen also announced $180 million in energy funding for Ukraine, with $111 million from frozen Russian assets.

Ava Sinclair 21/09/2024 4:30 am

Deadly flooding in West and Central Africa has killed over 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands, with Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger being severely impacted. Over 4 million people have been affected, a threefold increase from 2023. In Nigeria’s Borno state, Maiduguri is among the hardest-hit cities. Residents like Saleh Bukar and Aishatu Ba’agana faced devastating losses, with many unable to escape in time. The floods have left 15% of Maiduguri underwater, displaced 600,000 people, and killed 80% of the animals at the Borno State Museum Park.

Noah Prescott 21/09/2024 4:30 am

A king penguin chick named Pesto, weighing 22 kg at 9 months old, has become a social media sensation and star at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Pesto, heavier than his parents Hudson and Tango who each weigh 11 kg, has been viewed by over 1.9 billion people globally. He consumed 24 kg of fish in a week, which is healthy for his age. As he enters his fledging period, Pesto will lose his brown feathers for adult plumage and slim down to around 15 kg. His keepers expect him to remain a TikTok celebrity for another two weeks.

Penelope Kingsley 21/09/2024 1:00 am

Fifteen years ago, Israel and the U.S. launched a cyberattack on Iran’s nuclear plants, reviewed to minimize civilian risk. Despite precautions, the malware spread and was repurposed by others. Recently, presumed Israeli sabotage targeted Hezbollah’s communication devices, turning them into explosives. This attack killed 31 people and injured over 3,150, including civilians and children. The mass scale and supply chain infiltration mark a new, alarming level of electronic sabotage, raising concerns about future misuse.

Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 9:30 pm

At a press conference, around 20 survivors listened to disturbing allegations against Fayed. Natacha, who partially waived her anonymity, described Fayed as preying on the vulnerable, subjecting her to forced kisses and threats. Many women faced intrusive medical tests and degrading comments. Claims of extensive surveillance at Harrods were also discussed. Mr. Armstrong called Fayed’s actions “systematic abuse.” Ex-employee Kate described Fayed as an “absolute monster” who assaulted her multiple times, including an incident in Paris. She was in the audience and recounted Fayed’s attempts to kiss her.

Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 9:30 pm

At least seven people have died due to wildfires in Portugal’s Aveiro and Viseu areas. The fires have caused significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the ongoing challenges of wildfire management in the region.

Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 9:30 pm

Hezbollah announced the death of top military official Ibrahim Akil in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, which killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strike targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and was described by Israeli officials as part of a “new phase of war.” Hezbollah praised Akil as a “great jihadist leader.” The attack followed Hezbollah’s rocket barrage on northern Israel, escalating tensions and raising fears of a broader conflict.

Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 9:30 pm

Police in southern Pakistan shot dead Dr. Shahnawaz Kanbhar, accused of blasphemy, in a shootout, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. Local police claim they did not know it was him. Dr. Kanbhar had gone into hiding after being accused of insulting Islam’s prophet Muhammad. He is the second blasphemy suspect killed in a week. The incident occurred during a police attempt to stop two men on a motorcycle. An independent inquiry has been ordered. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the killings, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence in blasphemy cases.

Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 6:00 pm