By Padmashree Anandhan
CROATIA
Gunman attack kills six
On 22 July, Croatian media reported on a gunman shooting six in a nursing home in Daruvar. The town in located 130 kilometres from Zagreb, five were found dead including a care worker and mother and another died from severe injuries. The suspect was detained by the police immediately and according to the report, the gunman was a former policeman who fought in Croatia’s war of independence during 1991 and 1995 when Yugoslavia split. As per the report from the police, the suspect had a history of “domestic violence and public disorder.” The investigation has been launched while Zoran Milanovic, Croatian President expressed his shock on the shooting. Since 1990’s breakup of Yugoslavia, many weapons have been held in private homes in Croatia. (“Croatia: Several dead in nursing home attack,” Deutsche Welle, 22 July 2024)
GREENLAND
Environmental activist arrested over anti-whaling intervention in the Antarctic
On 21 July, Greenland police reported on the arrest of a well-known environmental activist Paul Watson. He was known for “direct action tactics and confrontations with whaling ships” was arrested for earlier issued Red Notice for his anti-whaling interventions. According to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF) organisation, close to a dozen of police had boarded to arrest Watson and confirmed to summon him in the district court to extradite to Japan. CPWF said: “The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watson's previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region.” In 2012, Watson was arrested by German authorities on extradition warrant issued by Costa Rica and was later released. (“Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson arrested in Greenland,” Deutsche Welle, 22 July 2024)
SPAIN
Thousands protest against overtourism and impact on housing
On 22 July, close to 20,000 protestors gathered in Palma in Mallorca against overtourism. The protestors demanded for change in the touristic model as they found it harming Spain’s Mediterranean island. They held a slogan “Let's change course and set limits on tourism,” “Your luxury, our misery,” “This isn't tourismophobia, it's numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists.” The protestors belonged to 80 organisation and social groups who want to place limit on excessive tourism in Balearic Isles especially in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza islands. As per the current model, extensive tourism has affected the public services, natural resources and resulting in housing difficulties. The organisers of the protests claimed on 50,000 joining the protest while police stated only 20,000 whereas the government claimed it be only 12,000. In 2023, a massive record of 17.8 million had visited the Balearic Islands especially from mainland Spain and abroad and is expected to increase further in 2024. One of the experts in tourism and business suggested imposing tourist tax as a solution to the local population problem. (“Thousands rally in Spain's Mallorca against mass tourism,” France24, 22 July 2024)
REGIONAL
Europol finds increased child sexual abuse from AI generated images
On 22 July, European policing agency, Europol warned over increase in the circulation of artificial intelligence created “child sexual abuse images” on online platforms. In a report from Europol: “Cases of AI-assisted and AI-generated child sexual abuse material have been reported.” It found the use of AI and AI generated images of abuse to multiply in future and the increasing digital threats in Europe. According to the report, the images generated through AI made it more difficult to find the real-life victims. Another study by the University of Edinburgh found close to 300 million children to be victims of “online sexual exploitation” and AI formed a new spectrum to the online abuse. Europol said: “Even in the cases when the content is fully artificial and there is no real victim depicted, AI-generated child sex abuse material still contributes to the objectification and sexualization of children.” (“Europol warns of rise in AI child abuse imagery,” Deutsche Welle, 22 July 2024)
EU grants EUR 105 million subsidy to farmers to cut nitrogen emission
On 22 July, Euronews reported on the EUs approval of EUR 105 million subsidy to promote cutdown of nitrogen pollution among the Netherlands livestock farmers. The move is aimed to push the farmers from nature protected areas to reduce the rise of nitrogen emissions. Since 2019, agriculture sector has witnessed wide-range of protests against governments efforts to bring down nitrogen pollution. This includes, ammonia rising from slurry, manure and chemicals from fertilisers which forms part of the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) as part of the latest right-wing coalition. The approved scheme will grant compensation to farmers who will shift from Natura 2000 sites which have been damaged by nitrogen deposition. Owners of small and mid-sized livestock farms can also claim 100 per cent from the cost allotted for relocation, reassembling of farm buildings and restoration of abandoned sites. According to the European Commission, the scheme will be active till 2029 until the objective of sustainable and environmentally friendly development of livestock farming is achieved at the same time supports EU’s Green Deal. This move comes after 14 months of EU competition authorities approves EUR 1.47 billion as state aid of refund up to 120 per cent to the cost spent by the farmers who decide to close livestock breeding over nitrogen emissions. (Robert Hodgson, “EU approves €105m subsidy for Dutch livestock farmers to cut nitrogen pollution,” Euronews, 22 July 2024) |
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