News summary for
Polish prosecutors classify Krakow market square shooting as terrorism
The management of public funds has reached the front pages, and the ledgers are looking light. Latvia's audit office reported €545m invested in the national airline may have been written off. Montenegro discovered 42% of over €715m in public contracts went to single bidders this year. Swiss authorities began searching for data experts to trace 213m francs in fraudulent Covid-19 test reimbursements. Moldova admitted only 20 of its 76 state enterprises are turning a profit. In Kosovo, the loss was localized: a project manager allegedly took asphalt intended for a village road and used it to pave his own private fields.
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In more detail
State audit office uncovers €545m write-off at national airline
The State Audit Office reported that over €545 million of taxpayer money invested in airBaltic may have already been written off. The discovery was announced just as parliament approved a new budget deficit. Long-standing members of parliament described the shortfall as a great surprise.
Hackers publish blacklist of Italian police and investigators
A group identifying as 'Enemies of Russia' released a blacklist featuring photos of Italian investigators, including the head of the Postal Police. The government noted the digital trail points toward Moscow. Cyber warfare is increasingly moving from institutional sabotage to personal intimidation.
Sanctioned judge resigns after jailing former minister
A judge resigned after the judicial council sanctioned him for his role in imprisoning former minister Daniel Chițoiu. The judge departed stating he had understood the message not to touch politicians. The resignation leaves the balance between judicial independence and political power looking as precarious as ever.
Court convicts Russell Brand of rape and sexual assault
Comedian Russell Brand was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault after an 18-day trial. He was remanded in custody to await a lengthy prison sentence, concluding a highly publicized fall from grace.
Police officer awakens from coma following market square attack
Following a deadly shooting that emptied Krakow's Market Square, investigators discovered the bodies of the attacker's parents and sister in their apartment, and prosecutors are now treating the incident as terrorism. The public response has centered on a seriously wounded police officer who subdued the gunman and recently awoke from a coma.
Key themes Public contract monopolies Hacker blacklist Market square shooting Assault conviction Airline write-off