NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters/BBC
IN BRIEF
By Vaishnavi Iyer and Joeana Cera Matthews
NORWAY
Bow and Arrow killer undergoes mental health investigation
Espen Andersen Bråthen reportedly began shooting at people with an arrow and bow on 14 October in Oslo. The suspect is now under a full psychiatric evaluation for the police to assess the motives for his crimes. Inspector Thomas Omholt said: “The strongest hypothesis after the first days of the investigation is that illness is in the background.”
Deemed the worst attack in Norway since the Breivik massacre, Bråthen killed five people. The psychiatric investigations could take months but are crucial in defining if the attacker can be held legally responsible for his crimes. PST intelligence in Norway reported that Bråthen was a part of Norway’s healthcare system “for some time”. The 37-year-old had converted to Islam, with many leading to believe that he had been radicalized. The attack has been considered a terror attack. Citizens criticized the delayed response of the police at the scene of the crime. (“Norway attack: Killer held in medical custody amid mental health investigation,” BBC, 16 October 2021)
THE UNITED KINGDOM
Sir Amess’s murder deemed an act of terrorism
The killing of MP Sir David Amess has been declared a terrorist incident by the Police. A 25-year-old man has been arrested over suspicion. Police deem the attacker to have a potential link to Islamist extremism. Amess’ attack is the second in line, preceded by the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. The suspect’s motivation to kill has been linked to using violence to further the cause. There is a potential of police deeply engaging in the personal life of the suspect. There is a requirement for more resources to continue the investigation; thus an increase in staff and detectives is likely. (Doug Faulkner and Alex Kleiderman, “Sir David Amess killing was terrorism, police say,” BBC, 16 October 2021)
FRANCE
Smugglers create increased migration within the Channel
Described as playing chess, border patrol authorities noted the wastage of resources to counter smugglers outfoxing France and the UK at the Channel. Despite heavy investment from both countries, more than 18,000 people have managed to cross borders this year. Most migrant boats have been successfully crossing the Channel. The smugglers are prone to diversion, given their potential to extend operations through different routes. The UK had promised to boost security along the coast, providing USD 75 million funding. The smugglers have been reported to use security forces along the coastline. They also threaten the migrants who talk to the media. The network uses bigger boats and a larger number of migrants. Authorities reported trouble in controlling larger crowds, given some migrants turned aggressive. France is facing increased pressure from the UK to safeguard its borders and take up effort to tackle the problem. (Lucy Williamson, “Channel smugglers step up risks to outfox France and UK,” BBC, 16 October 2021)
ITALY
Rome: Anti-fascist protest gathers thousands
On 16 October, the streets of Rome were filled with thousands protesting the rising fascism in Italy. Various trade union members also participated as the protest comes a week after right-wing groups charged into trade union headquarters. Holding banners that read: “No more fascism: For work, participation and democracy.” The amount of people gathered, however, varied according to the sources; the organizers put it at 100,000 while the media estimated around 50,000 demonstrators. Heavy policing and deployment of security forces was also seen. (“Italy: Thousands descend on Rome for anti-fascist protest,” Deutsche Welle, 16 October 2021)
REGIONAL
Merkel’s farewell visit to Turkey
On 16 October, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Conducting her farewell visit in Istanbul, Merkel was commended by Erdogan for always having a “reasonable and solution-oriented approach.” He also hoped that the successive German government would maintain cooperation with Turkey and wished them “every success.” The talks between Merkel and Erdogan primarily focused on migration and the EU-Ankara refugee agreement. The EU-Turkey refugee pact provides Ankara with financial aid while it harbours migrants, thus, minimizing the number of those that cross into the EU. Merkel was also reported to have appealed to Erdogan to reconsider accepting more Afghan refugees. However, Erdogan has denied the additional EUR 3 billion that the EU proposed for the same, refusing to take in additional refugees. (“Merkel meets Erdogan during farewell stop in Istanbul,” Deutsche Welle, 16 October 2021)
BREXIT
Lord Frost unsatisfied with latest EU proposal
On 15 October, the UK’s Brexit Minister David Frost accused the EU of not “yielding enough.” He maintained: “All I can say is the governance issue needs to be addressed seriously and if the EU is willing to have a conversation about that on which they move off existing positions obviously we will be happy to have that conversation.” The UK’s dissatisfaction arises from the EU’s refusal to remove the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from the bilateral dealings. The UK rejects the ECJ rulings claiming that they no longer come under its purview and that it is biased. On 13 October, the EU released its proposal providing concessions on the previous deal. It included reduced customs checks and other paperwork on goods from the UK moving into Northern Ireland. (Nik Martin, “UK Brexit minister: EU must yield more on Northern Ireland,” Deutsche Welle, 15 October 2021)