A recap of international news stories before the weekend as seen by Newsendip: Sex shops denied COVID-19 aid package in Japan, anticipation of a humanitarian crisis in Colombia, Italy protective of its beaches, and more.
No scarcity of beaches: In Italy, the government tries to avoid European companies getting its resorts
To protect its beach resorts from foreign competition, the Italian government tries to circumvent a European directive by giving national companies exclusive rights to the current concessions. According to Italy, 67% of its beaches are still available and it argues it can open more resorts where international companies could compete between them.
In Belgium, a monastery in a natural reserve to be removed in spite of its royal origins
A monastery, built by request of the late King Baudouin of Belgium, is to be demolished in the long term due to violation of environmental laws. “Rules are there for everyone, including the church or the king,” said the Flemish minister of the environment.
In Brazil, the “smell of marijuana” on a person does not justify an unwarranted home search
On suspicion of drug trafficking, entering a home without a warrant or consent from the suspect is unlawful in Brazil. Not such an uncommon situation in the country, but a man was recently acquitted because the evidence against him had been found illegally.
President of Colombia denied emergency powers in Indigenous region
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, declared a state of emergency in the department of La Guajira, anticipating a humanitarian crisis at the end of 2023 because of El Niño. The Constitutional Court has blocked it, stating that the situation is not “sufficient” to warrant emergency intervention while acknowledging its urgency. Congress didn’t do enough to solve the issue, so the president will keep special rights until July 2024, but the court will monitor his decisions.
Japanese sex industry denied compensation for businesses closed during COVID-19 by the High Court
Japanese sex industry filed a complaint against their exclusion from financial support during COVID-19 that forced their businesses to close. They argued that this decision violated the constitution and equality before the law. The complaint was rejected.
Last year, an initial lawsuit had already been rejected by the Supreme Court on the grounds that “the sex industry violates society’s moral conscience so there is a rational reason to treat it differently.” Although prohibited by law, prostitution remains marginally tolerated in Japan. It takes many forms, from bars with obscure practices to soaplands, a sort of brothel where people become acquainted during a massage. Unlike restaurants or casinos (pachinkos), which got compensated during the pandemic but require an operating license, adult entertainment businesses like sex shops only need a declaration.
The highest increase of homelessness in Vancouver since 2005
A total of 4,821 homeless people have been recorded in the area of Vancouver in a study carried out in March and published in October. It nearly accounts for a 32% increase since 2020 (2021 and 2022 studies were canceled due to the pandemic), the largest spike since 2005. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon explained the increase by the inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said measures would be taken to help homeless people.
Also, in case you missed it:
- Taiwan recorded the world’s third most powerful wind gust ever with Typhoon Koinu with 213 mph (343km/h). Western Australia’s Barrow Island recorded a 253 mph (408km/h) gust in 1996, and a 231 mph (372km/h) gust was recorded in the United States on Mount Washington in New Hampshire in 1934.
- In Germany, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that a health insurance company didn’t have to cover the costs of an experimental therapy on a 3‑year-old with Tay-Sachs syndrome. This rare genetic disorder results in the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, severely shortening his life expectancy. The court rejected the claims it was a violation of his fundamental rights, arguing there was no sufficient scientific data on therapy only tested on animals so far.
- French department store chain Galeries Lafayette will close its Berlin store, where 190 employees will lose their jobs by the end of 2024. The Berlin Senate plans to buy the building to accommodate the city’s central and regional library.
