A recap of international news stories before the end of the week seen by Newsendip: A German company accused of parking fee fraud, a referendum in Australia on political representation for Indigenous people, and more.
- A German company suspected of parking fee fraud
- In Australia, a referendum on constitutional rights for Indigenous people
- Dutch companies fined for helping Russia in building the Crimea bridge
- Members of the “Red Dragon of Taiwan” arrested in Peru
- Five years of cannabis legalization in Canada
- Ski brakes rejected by ski jumpers
- Russia loses its seat at the UN Human Rights Council
- A debate in Romania about the return of military service…
- …Malaysia brings back its national service, again
- Spanish court rules in favor of worker fired for watching porn in office
- In case you missed it
A German company suspected of parking fee fraud
German police suspect the car-sharing company Miles Mobility defrauded Berlin of 25 to 30 million euros in parking fees by manipulating parking data since 2019. Last year, the company’s chief executive argued that the Berlin government favored private cars. Berlin residents can park their cars in their parking zones for free except for the 20 euros (21 dollars) of administrative fees to pay every two years.
In Australia, a referendum on constitutional rights for Indigenous people
Australia votes on Saturday on a referendum about changing the constitution for better political representation of Indigenous people. However, intense debates surrounding the issue have created divisions in society and among Indigenous communities themselves, in which some stress the new law would be deficient in providing appropriate recognition.
Dutch companies fined for helping Russia in building its bridge in Crimea
Four Dutch companies have been fined, and eight people were given community service for participating in the construction of Russia’s bridge in Crimea. The cases have been settled extrajudicially. The European Union sanctioned the sale of goods and services for any person or any use in Crimea in 2014, following its condemnation of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Members of the “Red Dragon of Taiwan” arrested in Peru
Forty-three Asian immigrants were rescued in a Peru house after being held against their will by members of a criminal organization called by Peruvian authorities “the Red Dragon of Taiwan”. The hostages had allegedly been convinced to leave their home country to work in Peru in a call center. But they didn’t know it was to scam people. The Malaysian Embassy said they were victims of the Macau Scam syndicate, a group described as impersonating banks or public officials to trick people into disclosing personal banking details or transferring money into another third-party account.
Five years of cannabis legalization in Canada: Too early for definitive conclusions
Five years after the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, studies of its consequences show mixed results with increased health issues but positive gains in social benefits. “At this stage, cannabis legalization in Canada appears not to have been the public health disaster anticipated by some of its opponents, but it cannot be described as a comprehensive or unequivocal success for public health either,” said the co-authors of the study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. But five years is too early to draw definitive conclusions: “It is too early to draw conclusions on the impact of cannabis legalization in Canada that can robustly inform policy reform.”
Ski brakes refused by ski jumpers
The International Ski Federation (FIS) wanted to introduce ski brakes for ski jumpers, a piece of equipment preventing skis from sliding down a slope when the bindings are released after a fall. The decision was meant to increase the safety of athletes following several accidents since 2021, but it received criticism because they are considered expensive and not tested enough. A petition was then signed by all jumpers participating in the World Cup against the obligation. The FIS reversed its decision and only recommended using them.
Russia loses its seat at the U.N. Human Rights Council
Russia lost its seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council, the body investigating allegations of breaches of human rights. Russia was suspended 18 months ago and the seat was available in a vote at the U.N. General Assembly. Of the 193 member states, 160 voted for including Bulgaria and 123 for Albania, giving them a 3‑year term on the Human Rights Council. Russia came third with 83 votes.
A debate in Romania about the return of military service
Debates about mandatory military service have resurfaced in Romania since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to General Virgil Bălăceanu, a former NATO command representative, Romania has only 2,000 reservists while Poland has 38,000 and called the situation “critical” for the government. A reform about voluntary 3‑month service that offered little pay failed. After the invasion of Ukraine, Latvia decided to reintroduce an 11-month compulsory military service for all men aged 18 to 27.
Malaysia brings back its national service, again
Malaysia brings back its national service. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan announced in the Parliament the return of the national service training program, called PLKN. It had been abolished in 2018, but the new program would be shorter, only 45 days scattered across years instead of 3 months, and cheaper. Created in 2003, national service also ceased in 2015 before resuming in 2016.
Spanish court of Catalonia rules in favor of worker fired for watching porn in office
The Superior Court of Catalonia upheld a justice decision from a case in 2022, claiming that watching porn in the workplace is not sufficient reason for dismissal. Since the worker in question was in an isolated room, and since it was “unclear” whether or not he was masturbating based on the security camera footage provided, he could not be fired for indecent exposure in front of co-workers. As far as his viewing of porn, there is no doubt, the court ruled, that this fact alone does not constitute a “severe contractual transgression of good faith.”
Also, in case you missed it:
- California governor signed the Delete Act, which requires data brokers to register with the California Privacy Protection Agency. It aims to make it easier for individuals to request the deletion of their personal data from private databases all at once. Such a possibility should be ready by January 2026.
- After its eviction from the Council of Europe, Russia adjusted its national legislation to stop telling the Council of Europe about introducing or lifting martial law or a state of emergency. Russia is still bound to inform the United Nations Secretary-General.
