Have you ever watched
the news and thought: “I really can’t understand what’s going on”?
I bet it
happened to you too.
Unfortunately,
in this crazy, busy and fast world, news is designed to give the audience a
quick bulletin of everything that is happening around the globe, but it rarely
focuses on one specific topic and explain it.
This is why I have decided to start a blog to UNDERSTAND current affairs.
So,
we will analyse global issues and try to break them down, in such a way that
everyone can comprehend what is happening and most importantly WHY it is
happening. It is essential to study the causes behind the events surrounding
us, in order to understand them better and find solutions that can benefit everyone.
What will I do?
My
commitment is to research any event that I find particularly interesting (or
something that you suggest). After I have done my research, I will write a blog
post about it, explaining it as clearly as possible.
What will you do?
Hopefully you will read my blog and tell me what you think about it in the comments. But this blog aims at being as interactive and engaging as possible, so please send me any suggestions, requests or criticism to make this website a space to learn and grow together.
Umbria is a region of central Italy famous for its breath-taking hilly landscapes, colourful and perfumed flowers, delicious food and rich historical background.
You might have never heard of it, so I will take you on a road trip to discover Perugia, the main city of the region, away from the crowd, noise and chaos of the big touristic spots.
If you want to visit a vibrant city, but still immersed in the peace of nature, then the capital of the Umbria region is the place for you! Perugia, surrounded by mountains and valleys, used to be the center of the Etruscan culture and it then hosted one of the most important medieval universities. Now, the city is full of museums, churches, palaces and much more.
The very heart of Perugia is Piazza IV Novembre: the majestic square that encloses all the gems of the city.
Square IV Novembre
The first one is San Lorenzo Church, the Cathedral, whose peculiarity is the fact that it does not face the square it was built on. The church houses marvellous marble columns and impressive paintings and frescos, but interestingly its front façade has not been completed and remains unfinished.
On the other side of the square you’ll find the elegant Palazzo dei Priori: the Palace of the governors of the city, which played a fundamental role in Umbria’s (and Italy’s) politics during the Middle Ages. The gothic building can be accessed through a side stairway and once you get in, you will surely be left speechless by the stunning frescos and fine decorations.
And at the very centre of the square you’ll see the Fontana Maggiore, a fountain that was built between 1275 and 1278 and its water came from the Pacciano mountain. Take a few minutes to carefully look at the figures represented on the fountain. You’ll see representations of biblical scenes, the founding of Rome, as well as an agricultural calendar related to astrology. So, try to spot your star sign and see what activity was connected to that month in ancient times!
The fountain provided water for the whole city, but how did the water reach the center? Easy, through an aqueduct. Actually, the building of this aqueduct was anything but simple, but finally in the XII century they managed to create this majestic 5-kilometers duct, whose Porta Conca you can still visit.
Aqueduct
If you ask any Italian why Perugia is so famous in the country, they’ll tell you: Baci Perugina! This is a type of chocolate that lovers often give to each other, because it has a love message in it. And it’s made in Perugia.
So, my advice is to stop by the Perugina Chocolate Factory on your way to Spello, our next stop.
You have to buy your tickets in advance to go on a guided tour of the Factory, but I promise you it will be worth every penny. Here’s the number to call to book your visit.
The guide will tell you about the cinema-like story of the company. How its founders started it in 1907, how it resisted the two World Wars and its complicated relationship with the fascist regime.
And after having visited the museum and having looked at original documents you will get a chance to see the workers actually making the chocolates. You won’t resist it and you’ll want to try some …
Fortunately, you’ll be able to, because the next step is a tasting experience of all the finest products of the company.
I know right, let’s book this trip NOW!
Perugina chocolate factory
These are the most famous sites that you can visit in the city, but I strongly recommend that you take some time to just walk around these gorgeous and charming little streets to discover the magic that they hide in each corner.
Just picture yourself wandering around mysterious and floral alleys of Arabian-like cities, accompanied by the beating sound of the flamenco dancers’ castanets. This is Andalusia.
Andalusia has been a pivotal region for Europe and Africa, since it divides and connects the two continents and has received many influences from different cultures.
No other place in the world will offer you the magic that reigns in Andalusia.
So, let’s hop on the plane and start our tour, through its three most famous cities: Malaga, Córdoba and Seville.
MALAGA
Our first stop is the city of Malaga. The beating heart of the Costa del Sol has it all, from trendy beaches, to night clubs, to ancient Islamic ruins, to brilliant museums.
Let’s start from the art, which is one of the most unexpected features of the city. Did you know that the legendary Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, back in 1881?
Museo de Picasso
The museum will take you on a journey along Picasso’s life, from his early works that show his first attempts to create a new form of art to his most well-known works of art, such as Las Tres Gracias and La Cabeza de Toro.
Here’s a link to book you ticket in advance and skip the line: click here!
Picasso’s Museum
Atarazanas Market
If you’re starting to feel a bit hungry, then you will enjoy our next stop: the Atarazanas Market. As soon as you enter this bubbly and thriving market you will be wrapped up by a mixture of delicious smells and aromas. Fruit, vegetables, fish, spices and so much more.
So… enjoy your lunch!
Atarazanas Market
Malaga Cathedral
It is located in the historic center of the city and it was built on the ruins of the ancient Aljama Mosque. The only Islamic element left is the Orange Garden, typically present outside the mosques.
The Cathedral is also called La Manquita, which means “missing”. In fact, the church is missing the south tower, that hasn’t been completed.
I strongly recommend buying an audio guide that will illustrate the history of the cathedral and explain the meaning behind all the chapels, frescos and paintings, available at this link.
Malaga’s Cathedral
Alcazaba
Despite being a touristic western city, Malaga still hides some historic gems, that date back to the years of the Arab invasion, like the Alcazaba.
This is a fortress, called citadel, that was built between 1057 and 1063 on a hill to protect the city.
Do stop by the towers to admire the breathtaking views over the city and if you feel tired, take a seat in the idyllic patios. These are small magical gardens full of flowers, orange trees and little rivers.
Once you reach the top of the hill you can see what the Alcazaba is protecting:
Castillo del Gibralfaro
This castle is located at 130 meters from the sea level and is the best spot to look at the whole city.
Malagueta
If you like swimming and the seaside, you cannot miss the Malagueta. This is the trendiest and most famous beach in Malaga. White beaches and blue waters… enjoy the sun!
Malagueta beach
Soho
This is an art district with fascinating graffiti on the walls of the buildings in the area close to the harbor. The best way to discover Soho is getting lost in the narrow streets of the district and wander around with your eyes up to the sky to spot all the works of art painted on the walls.
Graffiti in Soho district
Where to stay?
If you are on a budget, but still want an accommodation close to the main attraction, then the IBIS hotel is the perfect place for you. It’s cheap, central and has it all. The staff is friendly and you’ll be in town in a ten-minute walk.
Where to eat?
You cannot go to Malaga and miss its delicious Paella. The best place to eat it? El Gastronauta in Calle Echegaray. You won’t regret it!
CORDOBA
And now, let’s hop on a train and head to Cordoba. Here is the official site of the Spanish railway line, where you can book your tickets.
Cordoba is one of the most magical cities in the region, and the one that maintains the most its Arab roots. It has been one of the capitals of the Arab Empire and it is the city with most UNESCO heritage sites in the world.
The Mezquita
This mosque is the most iconic element of the city and it will take you back in time to the Arab world.
It was originally built in 785 d.C. by the sultan Abderraman I inside a courtyard full of fountains and orange trees that are planted in the same direction as the pillars inside the mosque.
Mezquita
The Mosque has 856 pillars, painted in red and white and the co-habitation of Catholic and Islamic elements makes this place even more special.
It is also worth to visit the Torre de Alminar, the 93-meter tall tower that stands on the site of the original minaret.
Once you have finished your visit of the Mosque, head towards the Guadalquivir river where you will find a long bridge, firstly built by the Romans in the 1st century BC.
At the very end of the bridge you will find a tower: the Torre de la Calahorra. This is a fortified gate of Islamic origins, built to protect the bridge.
I highly recommend buying the tickets, because this is a unique experience to travel back in time and discover the Arabic origins and heritage of Cordoba.
Here is where you can buy the tickets at this link.
Torre de la Calahorra
And last, but not least, let Cordoba surprise you! Take some time to just wander around the city and find some magical spots, like the little streets full of flowers, or the typical restaurants with flamenco dancers and music.
Where to stay?
The easiest accommodation solution in Cordoba is the NH Califa hotel, right in the heart of the city, which also has a typical arab patio to have breakfast in. What are you waiting for? Go and book a room!
Breakfast patio of the Califa Hotel
SEVILLE
Hop on another train and follow the Guadalquivir river that will lead you to Seville, crossing the city and separating it into two parts.
Seville is an old and historic city, allegedly founded by Hercules. In fact, on one of the entrance doors of the city you can read the inscription:
“Hercules built me,
Caesar encompassed me with walls and towers
and the Saintly King took me”.
This is a brief explanation of Seville’s history.
After the discovery of the Americas, Seville became the richest and most cosmopolitan Spanish city, thanks to its trading activities and the port on the Guadalquivir, the Indies Port.
Torre del Oro
The Gold Tower is a XIII-century tower built by the Arabs to control the navigation over the river. Its name derives from the fact that it used to be covered in golden tiles, which unfortunately have been lost. However, you can still visit the inside of the tower, where there is an interesting Naval Museum.
The price of the museum is really cheap and you can easily buy them at the location.
If you have time, after you have visited the tower you can go on a boat tour. The cruises start right from outside the tower and you’ll be able to look at the most interesting sites of the city, navigating the Guadalquivir. Here is where you can book your cruise.
After your naval experience, you can head to the city centre, where you will find the majestic Cathedral.
Cathedral de Sevilla
The Cathedral was originally built in the XIV century, right on top of the site of the ancient Mosque. There are still some Islamic elements left, like the Giralda Tower and the Patio de los Narajos (orange trees courtyard).
There are 5 gothic naves and two chapels where some members of the royal family are buried.
But the most interesting spot is the tomb of Christopher Colombus. It was built in 1899 and it represents the four kingdoms of Spain during Columbus’ life: Castille, Aragon, Navara, and Leon.
Seville’s Cathedral
La Giralda
Right by the Cathedral stands the Giralda. This is the ancient 96-meter tall minaret that was built in the XII century.
The name Girlada mean “the one who turns”, because the bronze statue at the top of the tower turns according to the wind.
Here is where you can buy the tickets for the Cathedral and the Giralda.
Archivio General de Indias
This is the General Archive of the Indies, located right next to the Cathedral.
The XVI-century building houses 80 million pages of documents and maps about the Indies.
The most interesting bit is the original copy of the Tordesillas Treaty (1494), the Treaty with which John II of Portugal and the Catholics Kings divided the world outside Europe between the Portuguese and Spanish Empires.
Tordesillas Treaty
The archive was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is open to the public.
Real Alcazar
This is the most fascinating and charming place of the city. The Real Alcazar is a palace-fortress originally built in the XI century by Abd Al Raman III in the mudejar (Moordish) style, with Reinassance influences too.
You will get lost into the beauty of the rooms and in the natural wonders in the gardens, so take you time to visit the Alcazar.
This is probably one of the best squares in the world and it’s the heart of Seville.
The square was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929.
Make sure you rent a small boat to sail the small canal, which is considered the “Venice of Seville”. This way you’ll be able to gaze at the whole square by boat.
Plaza de Espana
And after that, just go for a walk around the whole building, and pay attention to the Arabesque and colourful representations of the different Spanish cities that you will find on the walls.
And if you listen closely, you’ll find some flamenco dancers and singers who will give you a free flamenco show!
Where to eat?
The Bar Estrella in town is the best place to eat a yummy mussaka at a very cheap price! You don’t wanna miss it, so check out the menu here.
Mussaka
Where to stay?
The best place to stay in Seville is the Abanico Hotel. It’s a tiny hotel hidden in the narrow streets of the city centre, which will give you a real sense of the Spanish life.
So here are the top places to visit in Andalusia, a region that will take you back in time and will charm you with its history, culture, music and food!
Welsh wildlife might be in danger due to the closure of two islands in Pembrokeshire, as the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is losing “almost half” of their income.
The Wildlife Trust say they heavily rely on tourism on two islands that they manage: Skomer and Skokholm Islands, that have now been closed, because of the pandemic.
Around 19,000 people visit Skomer Island in the summer, mainly because in April puffins return there to breed.
Lisa Morgan, the Head of Islands and Marine Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, says the restrictions have had a negative impact on their work.
Lisa Morgan talking about their loss of income
With the tourism towards the islands being blocked since March 23rd by the lockdown, the Wildlife Trust might not be able to keep up with all the activities they do to protect nature and animals in Wales.
Lisa Morgan says that the work they do, especially in the islands, is essential, both at a national and international level.
Their staff are monitoring and looking after the rich wildlife, including vascular plants, lichens and invertebrates, and especially more than 300,000 puffins and other seabirds.
So, they say it’s crucial that their staff can remain on the islands.
Lisa Morgan talking about staff
On March 23rd, the Welsh Government had issued guidelines that obliged all non-essential businesses to close. They said the measures were introduced to “reduce the spread of the coronavirus”.
Wardens are permitted to be on site in the two islands, so the wildlife won’t be directly affected.
But, the Wildlife Trust says the lockdown has suddenly “switched off” their income.
This means that more than 40 people working for the trust are furloughed.
This leaves a “skeleton staff” to manage the islands and they can only continue with the most urgent functions.
Lisa also says that most of their conservation work has been put on hold and many species are now threatened.
The Wildlife trust is a charity that relies on private donations and grants. Also from the Welsh Government.
But the funding that the Wildlife Trust was receiving from the Welsh government has now stopped and it hasn’t been agreed for the next financial year.
Welsh Assembly. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
The Welsh Government has recently said in a statement that they understand the difficult situation most charities are facing and they thank volunteers for their work.
The Deputy Minister, Jane Hutt, said that there is funding available for charities, through the Welsh Government Third Sector Covid-19 Response Fund.
She says they have put at disposal “£24m funding to support charities and the third sector across Wales through the Covid-19 crisis”.
But she acknowledges that not everyone will be eligible for it, so they are calling on the UK Government to
“to provide further financial support for Welsh organisations, and to make sure that funding from the UK Government schemes already announced reach businesses quickly”.
Now the Wildlife Trust is trying to organise some activities and online fundraising events to raise awarness on their struggles and get people to donate to support the charity.
Many people have already taken part in their Facebook Lives and some supporters have tried to make the difference in their own way.
Jess Smith is an ecologist and a digital illustrator and has always loved Skomer Island.
“It’s an amazing place and it’s got this magic about it with this wildlife that you wouldn’t see in other places,”
this is how Jess recalls her first visit to the island.
When she heard that the lockdown was threatening the Wildlife Trust, she wanted to help to raise awarness and money, through her art.
She decided to draw 26 illustrations of animals and wildlife of Skomer Island to draw attention on the topic and get people to donate to the Wildlife Trust.
Ciao a tutti e bentornati alla rassegna stampa settimanale!
Oggi abbiamo news da tutto il mondo, partendo dalle ultime sullo schianto dell’aereo in Pakistan, alla nuova legge cinese per Hong Kong, fino alle elezioni in Burundi.
E se siete di fretta, ma volete comunque rimanere aggiornati, ecco la rassegna stampa in 40 secondi!
Buona lettura!
Un aereo in Pakistan si schianta e uccide quasi 100 persone
Video di CBS News
Almeno 97 persone sono morte in un incidente aereo in Pakistan.
Un aereo della Pakistan International Airlines con 98 passeggeri a bordo è precipitato nella città di Karachi, mentre volava verso l’aeroporto.
La causa dell’incidente non è ancora nota.
Ma un funzionario dell’aviazione civile ha detto a Reuters che l’aereo potrebbe non essere riuscito ad abbassare il suo carrello.
Alcuni testimoni affermano che l’aereo ha tentato di atterrare tre volte prima di cadere.
Il sindaco Wasim Akhtar ha detto che almeno cinque o sei case sono state distrutte nello schianto.
La Cina ha annunciato una nuova legislazione sulla sicurezza nazionale per Hong Kong che potrebbe minacciare le libertà tradizionali della città.
La legge è stata redatta per coprire qualsiasi atto volto a ” dividere il paese, sovvertire il potere statale, organizzare e svolgere attività terroristiche e altri comportamenti che mettono seriamente in pericolo la sicurezza nazionale”, secondo Xinhua, l’agenzia di stampa statale cinese.
Alcune persone di Hong Kong temono che ciò influirà sulla libertà di parola e sul loro diritto di protestare, che è attualmente legale a Hong Kong, mentre in Cina, queste attività sono classificate come sovversioni.
Il parlamento cinese discuterà la controversa nuova legge nella sua sessione annuale, ha detto Xinhua, con una mossa che potrebbe suscitare ulteriori disordini nel territorio semi-autonomo.
La legislazione sarà introdotta nella riunione del Congresso nazionale del popolo che si aprirà venerdì.
Jet di una pattuglia acrobatica canadese precipita e uccide una persona
Video di Reuters
Domenica 17 maggio, il jet delle forze canadesi Snowbirds si è schiantato a Kamloops in British Columbia, uccidendo un membro dell’equipaggio e ferendone un altro.
Il capitano Jenn Casey, portavoce degli Snowbirds, è morta nell’incidente.
Il pilota, il capitano Richard MacDougall, è rimasto gravemente ferito, ma non è a rischio di morte.
Il jet degli Snowbirds si è schiantato poco dopo il decollo e ha preso fuoco nel cortile di una casa.
Il team della Canadian Air Force Flight Safety avvierà un’indagine sulle circostanze dell’incidente, ha affermato il CAF.
Arrestato uno dei responsabili del genocidio in Ruanda dopo 25 anni di latitanza
Video di Sky News
Domenica 17 maggio Felicien Kabuga è stato arrestato vicino a Parigi, dai militari francesi.
L’84enne è accusato di aver finanziato le milizie che hanno massacrato circa 800.000 persone durante il genocidio in Ruanda.
L’uomo più ricercato del Ruanda, con una taglia di 5 milioni di dollari sulla testa, viveva sotto falsa identità in un appartamento ad Asnieres-Sur-Seine, secondo il ministro della giustizia francese.
L’arresto potrebbe permettere alle autorità di portare il fuggitivo di fronte alla Corte d’appello di Parigi e quindi alla corte internazionale dell’Aia.
Gli altri due sospettati di genocidio in Ruanda, Augustin Bizimana e Protais Mpiranya, sono ancora ricercati dalla giustizia internazionale.
Parlamento ungherese vota una legge contro le persone transgender
Video di Euronews
Martedì 19 maggio il Parlamento ungherese ha votato un disegno di legge che costringerà tutti i cittadini a indicare il loro “sesso alla nascita” sui passaporti.
Questo disegno di legge chiude ogni opportunità di cambiare legalmente il proprio genere nel paese.
Le persone transgender affermano che ciò comporterà un’ulteriore discriminazione, poiché dovranno rivelare il loro sesso originale ogni volta che mostreranno il loro documento di identità.
Molte organizzazioni LGBTQ + hanno condotto una lunga campagna contro l’articolo 33 del disegno di legge Omnibus, lanciando l’hashtag #droparticle33 online, ma il parlamento ha comunque votato la legge proposta dal governo, poiché Orban può contare su una maggioranza di 2/3.
Il governo sostiene che questa legge sia stata necessaria per colmare una lacuna legale, per la quale non esisteva una definizione del termine “sesso” nella costituzione ungherese.
Ma molti affermano che il governo ungherese abbia sfruttato lo stato di emergenza, che consente a Orban di governare tramite decreto, per minare i diritti delle persone transgender.
Mercoledì 20 maggio, i cittadini del Burundi sono andati a votare tra timori per il coronavirus e intimidazioni politiche.
Secondo alcuni queste elezioni potrebbero aprire la strada per la democrazia, poiché il presidente Pierre Nkurunziza, il cui governo è stato più volte accusato di violazioni dei diritti umani, si dimetterà dopo 15 anni di governo.
Ma il vincitore sarà comunque tenuto per legge a consultare Nkurunziza, ma non è chiaro se dovrà seguire i suoi consigli.
Le settimane precedenti al voto hanno visto grandi violenze, intimidazioni e accuse.
Il partito di Nkurunziza, il Consiglio nazionale per la difesa della democrazia, sarà guidato da Evariste Ndayishimiye che gareggia contro il leader dell’opposizione Agathon Rwasa e altri cinque candidati.
Ma il governo ha imposto la quarantena agli osservatori elettorali stranieri e alcuni sostengono che sia stato un modo per impedire loro di monitorare le elezioni.
Bosniaci protestano contro commemorazione pro-Croazia
Video di John Rylor
Sabato scorso molti bosniaci hanno protestato contro una commemorazione di alcuni soldati croati uccisi durante la Seconda guerra mondiale in Austria, alleati dei nazisti.
Questa messa è stata voluta dalla Chiesa cattolica bosniaca e dal governo croato.
I manifestanti hanno attraversato la città cantando canzoni antifasciste e mostrando immagini di membri della resistenza, vittime dei Croati, alleati dei nazisti. Ma la polizia ha impedito loro di entrare nella Cattedrale del Sacro Cuore dove si è svolta la Messa.
L’evento si svolgeva solitamente in Austria ed era sponsorizzato dalla Croazia, ma quest’anno è stato cancellato a causa della pandemia, ma poi è stato spostato a Sarajevo, la capitale della Bosnia.
Alcuni critici bosniaci hanno affermato che l’evento è una provocazione e un tentativo del regime croato di ristabilire il suo controllo sulla Bosnia.
Tutti e tre i presidenti della Bosnia si sono opposti a questa commemorazione, che è sempre stata organizzata dalla Chiesa cattolica, ma attira molti estremisti di destra ogni anno.
Questa celebrazione commemora le migliaia di soldati alleati nazisti che morirono a Bleiburg mentre fuggivano dai partigiani jugoslavi nel maggio 1945.
Dopo la sconfitta dello Stato indipendente di Croazia (NGH), che era controllato dalla Germania, si arresero e furono uccisi in Austria.
Hello everyone and welcome back to the weekly press review!
This week we have news from all over the world, starting from the latest on a plane crashing in Pakistan, to a Chinese law in Hong Kong and leading up to elections in Burundi.
If you are super busy and only have a minute, here are the headlines for you!
Hope you enjoy it!
Plane crashes in Pakistan and kills almost 100 people
Video by CBS News
At least 97 people died in a plane crash in Pakistan.
A Pakistan International Airlines plane with 98 passengers on board has crashed in the city of Karachi, while flying to the airport.
The cause of the crash is not yet known.
But one civil aviation official told Reuters the plane may have been unable to lower its undercarriage.
Witnesses say the airbus attempted to land three times before coming down.
Mayor Wasim Akhtar said at least five or six houses were destroyed in the crash.
China has announced new national security legislation for Hong Kong that could threaten the city’s traditional freedoms.
The law is widely drafted to cover any act “to split the country, subvert state power, organise and carry out terrorist activities and other behaviours that seriously endanger national security”, according to Xinhua, China’s state news agency.
Some people in Hong Kong are concerned this will affect free speech and their right to protest – which is currently legal in Hong Kong. In China, activities like this have been known to be classified as subversion.
The Chinese parliament will discuss the controversial new law at its annual session, Xinhua said, in a move likely to stoke further unrest in the semi-autonomous territory.
The legislation will be introduced at the meeting of the National People’s Congress that opens on Friday.
Rwanda’s genocide suspect attested after 25 years on the run
Video by Sky News
On Sunday, May 17th Felicien Kabuga was arrested near Paris, by the French gendarmes.
The 84-year-old is accused of funding militias that massacred about 800,000 people during the Rwanda genocide.
Rwanda’s most-wanted man, who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head, was living under a false identity in a flat in Asnieres-Sur-Seine, according to the French justice ministry.
The arrest paves the way for bringing the fugitive in front of the Paris Appeal Court and then to the international court in The Hague.
Two other Rwandan genocide suspects, Augustin Bizimana and Protais Mpiranya, are still being pursued by international justice.
Hungarian transgender people oppose article 33 of omnibus bill
Video by Euronews
On Tuesday, May 19th, the Hungarian Parliament voted a bill that will force all citizens to indicate their “sex at birth” on their passports.
This bill closes any opportunity to legally change gender in the country.
Transgender people say this will mean further discrimination, as they will have to reveal their transformation any time that they show their ID.
Many LGBTQ+ organisations have long campaigned against article 33 of the Omnibus Bill, launching the #droparticle33 hashtag online, but the parliament still voted the law proposed by the government, as Orban can rely on a 2/3 majority.
The government says they introduce this law to fill a legal gap, for which there was no definition of the term gender.
But many say the Hungarian government has exploited the state of emergency status, that allows Orban to rule by decree, to undermine transgender people’s rights.
On Wednesday, May 20th, Burundi went to vote amidst coronavirus fears and abuses.
This election is set to open a path for democracy, as President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose government has repeatedly been accused of rights abuses, will step down after 15 years.
But whoever wins will be required by law to consult Mr Nkurunziza, but it’s not clear whether they will have to follow his advice.
The build up to the poll saw great violence, intimidations, and accusations.
Nkurunziza’s party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy, will be led by Evariste Ndayishimiye who is running against opposition leader Agathon Rwasa and five others.
But the government imposed quarantine to foreign election observers and some say that it was a way to prevent them from monitoring the elections.
Bosnians protest against Croatian commemoration in Sarajevo
Video by John Rylor
Last Saturday many Bosnian people have protested against a commemoration of some Croatian soldiers killed during the WWII in Austria and who were allied to the Nazis.
This Mass was supported by the Bosnian Catholic Church and the Croatian government.
Protesters walked through the city singing anti-fascist songs and showing pictures of resistance members who were victims of the Nazi-allied Croatian. But police prevented them from entering the Sacred Heart Cathedral where the Mass was held.
The event used to happen in Austria, sponsored but Croatia, but this year it was cancelled due to the pandemic, but then moved to Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital.
Some Bosnian critics have said the fact that the event took place in Sarajevo is a provocation and an attempt from Croatia’s regime to establish its control over Bosnia.
All three Bosnia’s presidents have opposed this commemoration, which has always been organised by the Catholic Church, but attracts many right-wing extremists every year.
This celebration commemorates the thousands nazi-allied soldiers who died in Bleiburg as they were fleeing from the Yugoslav Partisans in May 1945.
After the Independent State of Croatia (NGH), which was controlled by Germany, was defeated they surrendered and were killed in Austria.
Ciao a tutti e bentrovati nel nuovo episodio della rubrica It’s BookDay!
La rubrica che ogni venerdì vi consiglia i migliori libri della settimana, da tutto il mondo!
Oggi viaggiamo tra romanzi fantasy di vampiri e streghe, fino al lontano Kazakistan, per poi perderci nelle riflessive, ma argute poesie delle valli del Galles!
Una puntata davvero speciale! Spero che vi piaccia.
Il libro della vita e della morte – Debora Harkness
Morgana, dall’Italia, ci suggerisce questo romanzo fantasy, che appartiene a una saga dell’autrice statunitense Deborah Harkness.
È una storia di streghe e vampiri, ma non si tratta del tipico romanzo fantasy, perchè la narrazione si intreccia con racconti storici e scientifici che vi interesseranno molto.
I due protagonisti sono Diana e Matthew: lei una strega e lui un vampiro. Il loro amore è destinato a fallire a causa di antiche regole prestabilite, alle quali, però, i nostri eroi non si adegueranno.
Se volete perdervi tra storie d’amore, ma allo stesso tempo scoprire arcani misteri di scienza e alchimia, allora questa è la lettura perfetta per voi!
Il cammino di Abai – Mukhtar Auezov
Yerdana, dal Kazakistan, ci consiglia invece un vero classico della letteratura del suo paese: “Il cammino di Abai” di Mukhtar Auezov .
Se volete conoscere la cultura kazaka, allora dovete assolutamente leggere questo libro, perchè
“È un must della letteratura del Kazakistan”
Yerdana
Il racconto narra l’intera vita di un poeta e va bene proprio per tutti i gusti. Infatti ci sono elementi di tragedia, commedia e storie d’amore!
Insomma, non possiamo proprio perdercelo!
La mia famiglia e altri supereroi – Jonathan Edwards
Claudia, dal Galles, propone di trascorrere la nostra quarantena in compagnia di Jonathan Edwards, con il suo “La mia famiglia e altri supereroi”.
Si tratta di una raccolta di poesie che raccontano con introspezione e ironia la realtà delle valli gallesi.
L’autore, che è cresciuto nella valle Ebbw Vale, ci accompagna in un viaggio alla scoperta di come è stato per lui vivere in quei luoghi di povertà e corruzione, che però
“Mantengono un certo fascino e carisma, grazie alle persone che ci vivono”
Claudia
Ecco i migliori tre libri della settimana, proposti da Morgana, Yerdana e Claudia, che vorrei ringraziare calorosamente per l’entusiasmo e la passione con cui ci hanno raccontato le loro scelte.
Vi abbiamo fatto venir voglia di leggerli?
Se anche voi volete suggerire il vostro libro preferito, non dovete far altro che scrivermi una mail a pasinos1@cardiff.ac.uk o contattarmi tramite i miei social
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the fourth episode of It’s Bookday!
Just like every Friday, I’ll be bringing you the best three books of the week that you have suggested.
This week we’re travelling through vampires and witches’ stories, going to the far Kazakhstan and then losing ourselves in the charming poems of the Welsh valleys.
Are you ready to start travelling with me?
A discovery of witches – Deborah Harkness
Morgana, from Italy, recommends a fantasy book called “A discovery of witches” by the American author Deborah Harkness.
This novel isn’t the typical story of vampires and demons, but it’s a rather mature and instructive book, that will make you discover the mysteries of alchemy and science.
The love story of the two protagonists, Diana and Matthew, is threatened by ancient rules, that the two will try to fight!
So, if you like vampires, witches, love stories and a bit of mystery and science, this is the book for you!
The path of Abai – Mukhtar Auezov
Yerdana, from Kazakhstan, suggests one of the most important books of his culture: “The path of Abai”, by Mukhtar Auezov.
If you want to learn something about the Kazan culture, then start by this book, which is
“A must-have and must-read book in Kazakhstan”
Yerdana
The book tells the story of the whole life of a poet and it really has it all: from comedy, to tragedy to love stories!
It’s good for everyone.
My family and other superheroes – Jonathan Edwards
Claudia, from Wales, talks us through “My family and other superheroes” by the poet Jonathan Edwards.
This collection of poems is an insightful narration of the life in the Welsh valleys.
Edwards grew up in Ebbw Vale and, through his writing, he shows us the poverty and depravation entrenched in those places, that however still
“Retain a sort of charm and charisma from the people that live there”
Claudia
So these are the top three books of the week.
I would like to thank Morgana, Yerdana and Claudia for the enthusiasm and passion, with which they have talked about these brilliant books!
Do you want to go and read them now? I certainly do!
If you too want to suggest your favourite books, all you have to do is send me an email at pasinos1@cardiff.ac.uk or contact me via my social media!
On Friday, May 8th, Malawi’s Supreme Court decided to annul President Peter Mutharika’s election victory last year.
The court says there were irregularities in the election that brought Mutharika to power last May and concluded that “none of the candidates obtained a majority”.
Mutharika had won the elections with 38.5 % of the votes.
The decision of annulling the result of the election had been made by the Constitutional Court in February and this new ruling has upheld that decision.
A new election will now be held on July 2nd. There will be three candidates, including Mutharika.
The other two parties, Malawi Congress Party and United Transformation Movement, joined forces to try to unseat Mutharika.
US Women’s football team appeal against equal pay bid dismissal
Video from The Washington Post
US women football team have appealed a judge’s decision that rejected the charge that women in football were paid less than men.
Last year, 28 women of the US national team had filed a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation for unequal pay.
But last week, a judge rejected this claim.
On Friday, May 8th, they have appealed against this decision.
The court ruled that the women’s team had been paid more than the men’s. But Gary Klausner, the judge, has allowed the case for unfair treatment in travel, housing and medical support to go to trial.
Spanish court proposes to release one of the killers of Atocha massacre
A court in Ciudad Real, Spain, has proposed to release García Juliá next 19th November 2020, almost 10 years before the end of his sentence.
García Juliá was charged for the murder of five labour workers during the Atocha Massacre in 1977. This terroristic attack was conducted from a group of right-wing extremists against some workers of the Communist Party of Spain.
García Juliá had escaped to Brazil, where he hid for around 20 years, but he was then captured and extradited back to Spain on February, 21st 2020.
Now, García Juliá’s lawyers are asking for a new calculation of the years he must spend in prison and it’s been proposed that he is released next November.
In the next few weeks, the Audencia Provincial court will make a decision.
Ciao a tutti e bentornati alla rassegna stampa di questa settimana!
Qui trovate una versione molto breve delle storie più importanti!
Video realizzato con Lumen 5
Buona lettura
16 lavoratori migranti vengono investiti da un treno in India
Video di NDTV
16 lavoratori sono morti dopo essere stati investiti da un treno nello stato di Maharashtra, in India.
Il treno ha investito un gruppo di lavoratori migranti che stavano tornando verso il loro villaggio a causa del lockdown.
Secondo una dichiarazione del governo, 16 persone sono morte e altre 2 sono rimaste ferite.
La polizia sostiene che le vittime lavoravano in un’acciaieria e che si erano addormentate sulle rotaie, mentre tornavano nel loro villaggio nello stato di Madhya Pradesh.
Il ministro dei trasporti, Piyush Goyal, ha detto su Twitter che è iniziata un’investigazione sull’incidente.
Corte del Malawi annulla le elezioni presidenziali
Video di ALjazeera English
Venerdì 8 maggio, la Corte Suprema del Malawi ha deciso di annullare la vittoria del presidente Peter Mutharika alle elezioni dello scorso anno.
Secondo la corte ci sono state delle irregolarità nelle elezioni che hanno portato Mutharika al potere lo scorso maggio, concludendo che “nessuno dei candidati ha ottenuto la maggioranza”.
Mutharika aveva vinto le elezioni con una maggioranza del 38.5 %.
La decisione di annullare i risultati delle elezioni era già stata presa dalla Corte Costituzionale a Febbraio 2020 ed è stata confermata da questa nuova sentenza.
Nuove elezioni si terranno il 2 di luglio.
Ci saranno tre candidati, incluso Mutharika.
Gli altri due partiti, il Malawi Congress Party e lo United Transformation Movement si sono coalizzati per cercare di sconfiggere Mutharika.
Nazionale di calcio femminile degli US fa appello contro l’archiviazione della causa per la parità di salario
Video del Washington Post
La squadra di calcio femminile degli Stati Uniti ha fatto appello contro la decisione di un giudice che non ha accettato la denuncia per disparità di salario.
L’anno scorso, 28 giocatrici della nazionale di calcio statunitense hanno denunciato la Federazione di Calcio degli Stati Uniti per disparità di salario tra le giocatrici donne e gli uomini.
Ma la scorsa settimana, un giudice ha respinto questa mozione.
Venerdì 8 maggio la squadra ha fatto appello.
La corte aveva sostenuto che le donne fossero state pagate di più degli uomini. Ma il giudice Gary Klausner ha permesso di continuare la sentenza sul trattamento impari negli spostamenti, alloggio e assistenza medica.
Questa sentenza sarà discussa il 16 di giugno a Los Angeles.
Fotografie di Giove potrebbero svelare un importante mistero
Video di V101 Science
Alcuni astronomi hanno ottenuto nuove immagini di Giove che potrebbero aiutarli a comprendere il mistero delle tormente che imperversano sul pianeta.
Queste immagini sarebbero le migliori mai scattate dalla Terra, grazie a delle tecniche speciali chiamate: “lucky imaging”.
Le fotografie hanno permesso agli scienziati di capire che i temporali e i fulmini sul pianeta si creano su delle immense nuvole di ghiaccio e liquido.
Sembrerebbe inoltre che i punti neri che si vedono sulla superficie del pianeta sono in realtà dei buchi nella superficie di nuvole che ricopre Giove.
Queste immagini sono frutto di almeno tre anni di osservazioni.
Corte spagnola propone il rilascio anticipato di uno degli assassini del massacro di Atocha
Una corte della Ciudad Real in Spagna ha proposto di rilasciare García Juliá il prossimo 19 Novembre 2020, quasi dieci anni prima della fine della sua pena.
García Juliá era stato accusato dell’uccisione di cinque lavoratori durante il massacro di Atocha, del 1977. Si tratta di un attacco terroristico di un gruppo estremista di destra nei confronti di alcuni lavoratori del Partito Comunista di Spagna.
García Juliá era scappato in Brasile, dove era rimasto latitante per quasi 20 anni, ma era poi stato catturato ed estradato in Spagna lo scorso 21 febbraio.
Ora, gli avvocati di García Juliá hanno chiesto alla corte di fare un nuovo calcolo degli anni che l’uomo deve passare in prigione ed è stato proposto che García Juliá venga rilasciato il prossimo novembre.
Nelle prossime settimane la Audencia Provincial dovrà prendere una decisione.
Understanding 