Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving jihadist in the November 2015 Paris attacks, was last night found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, marking the end of the biggest trial in French history. In total, all 20 men on trial were found guilty for their part in the Bataclan massacre that left 130 people dead and scarred France. Abdeslam, 32, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder in relation with a terrorist enterprise, among other charges. The much-awaited end to the court case, which began in September 2021, was the culmination of nine months of hearings and a six-year probe leading to more than a million pages of legal documents. The Paris attacks left a deep scars among survivors and victims’ families but also the national psyche and many viewed the trial as group therapy and the affirmation of dignity and justice over blind barbarity. The final days homed in on the sole surviving member of the team of Islamic State group jihadists who … [Read more...] about Bataclan terrorist Salah Abdeslam sentenced to life in prison over massacre of 130 in Paris
9 million terrorists in the world
Gay footballer Josh Cavallo says it’s his dream to play in World Cup but questions his safety in Qatar
Josh Cavallo, who became the first openly gay male professional footballer last year, has spoken about his World Cup dreams and his willingness to compete in a country with heavily restricted gay rights. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, the 22-year-old also spoke about the support he has received from fellow footballers after coming out and his belief that other professionals will follow his lead. This year's winter World Cup will be held in Qatar - a country where Amnesty International has said women and LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination. Asked whether he would agree to travel there to represent his home country of Australia in the tournament, Cavallo said: "'I'd definitely go to the World Cup. "I want to show it's okay for everyone. It's not just okay for Josh Cavallo because he's a footballer and he's protected, I want it to be okay for that everyday person." Advertisement However, he said the prospect hasn't come without … [Read more...] about Gay footballer Josh Cavallo says it’s his dream to play in World Cup but questions his safety in Qatar
World’s biggest chocolate factory closes over salmonella fears
MILLIONS of people could be facing a chocolate shortage after a salmonella outbreak stopped production at the world's biggest chocolate factory. It supplies chocolate products to huge brands including Nestle , Hershey, Mondelez and Unilever. The factory, run by Swiss company Barry Callebaut, is in the the Belgian town of Weize. Any customers who may have received contaminated chocolate will be contacted, the company confirmed. Salmonella is a bacterial infection usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat. It can cause serious food poisoning with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, a fever and vomiting. READ MORE IN MONEY ALL CHANGE Five money changes happening in July including Universal Credit direct payments TAP THIS UP Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert urges everyone to check water bills now Spokesman Korneel Warlop said: "All products manufactured since the test have been blocked. … [Read more...] about World’s biggest chocolate factory closes over salmonella fears
CONIFA World Cup: Representing Tibet, the country I fled
The first time Jamyang Chotso kicked a football was when she was 12. This was in a settlement for Tibetan refugees in Dharamshala, a hillside city in Northern India that is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. "I had no boots," says Chotso, reflecting on her early experiences of football. "We played on a dusty school ground." Now, at 25, Chotso is a central defender and captain of FC Tibet, the host team for the inaugural CONIFA World Cup for women, which features teams not recognized by global football's governing body, FIFA. Her journey from refugee to leader is a powerful story that echoes the profound struggles of so many Tibetans. Since 1950, Tibet has been ruled by China. Many Tibetans have fled to other countries for a better life. With the help of a guide, Chotso escaped at the age of eight. "I was too young to understand what was happening at the time," she tells DW, describing the night she left her family. "I didn't know why my parents … [Read more...] about CONIFA World Cup: Representing Tibet, the country I fled
Inside Harry Potter’s magical world – and how it nearly didn’t happen 25 years ago
It's been 25 years since the bestselling novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone marked the beginning of a global phenomenon. Author J.K. Rowling conjured up her boy wizard and the world of Hogwarts while stuck on a train and fought to have her novel accepted by publishers before it became a billion pound franchise. It was rejected 12 times before Bloomsbury eventually released it to the world in 1997. Rowling went on to write a further six Harry Potter books which have since been translated into 80 languages. Each book also has its own film adaptation which launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – and turned Rowling into a household name. Here, we take a look back at how it all began… Get all the latest news sent to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror newsletter J.K. Rowling launches the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ( Image: Press Association) A wizard way to make money J.K. … [Read more...] about Inside Harry Potter’s magical world – and how it nearly didn’t happen 25 years ago
Ukraine: Putin humiliated as Russian troops ‘pushed away’ from major city
Ukraine: Russian troops forced out of key areas in Donbas Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky praised his forces for "holding the line and demonstrating truly superhuman strength" to push back the enemy. He said his troops made battle gains by pushing troops out of four villages. It comes as Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned of Russian troops returning to the capital Kyiv, adding it is still Russia's "main target". Mr Klitschko added: "Every corner of Ukraine, every city and town, is under threat as Russia continues its barbaric war against our country." Ukraine LIVE: Putin humiliated as … [Read more...] about Ukraine: Putin humiliated as Russian troops ‘pushed away’ from major city
Putin backed into corner as mission wrecked – US orders immediate ceasefire
Russians will 'take Putin out' if he loses war says Browder Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info According to a senior US defence official, Russia is two weeks or more behind schedule in its attack on the Donbas region. This comes as US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called for a ceasefire in Ukraine during his first talks with his Russian counterpart since February 18. In a statement, The Pentagon said: "Secretary Austin urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication." THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED Wounded Putin 'more likely than not' to push nuclear button after huge loss … [Read more...] about Putin backed into corner as mission wrecked – US orders immediate ceasefire
Which countries have highest Covid death rates as cases rise in UK?
Covid restrictions are just a memory for the UK now, but the effects of the virus are still gripping the nation. Social distancing, shielding and mask wearing was all completely ditched by the UK government in February, 2022, freeing the public to make their own informed decisions on the situation. The nation then came together in celebration during the Platinum Jubilee and other everts such as Glastonbury , making the Covid-era seem like a half-remembered dream. However, cases are back on the rise now that we have entered the summer months, with last reports putting the figure up to 1.7 million, though deaths are on the downward spiral. How many people have died of Covid in the UK? An estimated 1.7 million people have Covid in the UK ( Image: Getty Images) According to the Office of National Statistics, Covid deaths in the UK actually decreased from 335 to 309 in the week ending June 17, 2022. Deaths involving Coronavirus accounted for 2.5% of all … [Read more...] about Which countries have highest Covid death rates as cases rise in UK?
Bernie Ecclestone, who’d take bullet for Putin, has long controversies list
British business magnate Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, has long been creating controversies before he said that he'd "take a bullet" for Russian President Vladimir Putin . Speaking Thursday to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Ecclestone, 91, said that Putin is a "first-class" person and described Russia's authoritarian leader as a "friend." The billionaire businessman also argued that Putin's invasion of Ukraine was President Volodymyr Zelensky 's fault and compared the war to a business "mistake." "Unfortunately, [Putin is] like a lot of businesspeople, certainly like me—that we make mistakes from time to time and when you make the mistake, you have to do the best you can to get out of it," Ecclestone said in the interview. He also said he'd "take a bullet" for the Russian president. Told that Russia's aggression had cost thousands of innocent civilian lives, he simply replied, "It wasn't intentional." Putin launched his full-scale … [Read more...] about Bernie Ecclestone, who’d take bullet for Putin, has long controversies list
Salah Abdeslam found guilty over role in Paris terror attacks that killed 130 in bomb and gun rampage
THE only surviving terrorist from the gang that killed 130 people in Paris will die in prison after he was convicted of participating in the horror rampage. Salah Abdeslam , 32, admitted being a “soldier of the Islamic State” - but said he pulled out of detonating his own suicide bomb. But specialist anti-terrorist judges sitting in Paris found Abdeslam guilty of various terror-related charges, along with 19 other defendants. They said he was part of the "commando unit" that attacked the Stade de France national sports stadium in Paris, the Bataclan music venue and six restaurants and bars. Abdeslam has now been told that he spend the rest of his life behind bars for his part in the November 2015 atrocity . The men on trial besides Abdeslam were accused of offering logistical support or plotting other attacks. READ MORE ON PARIS ATTACKS LOVE CONQUERS ALL I found love with Paris massacre hero after fiancée died in London attack … [Read more...] about Salah Abdeslam found guilty over role in Paris terror attacks that killed 130 in bomb and gun rampage