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Spanish police make history with record cocaine seizure, intercepting nearly ten metric tons hidden in salt shipment from Brazil. Thirteen crew members arrested, and a handgun recovered. International cooperation plays a key role in the operation, involving U.S., Brazilian, British, French, and Portuguese forces.

Swiss Court Orders Preventive Detention for Bar Owner in New Years Fire Tragedy A Swiss court has ordered Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar, to be held in preventive detention for three months following a devastating fire that killed forty people and injured one hundred sixteen. Moretti and his wife face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Early investigations suggest sparklers ignited soundproofing foam, and regulators are examining fire extinguisher access and exit safety. The community mourns the loss, and the probe continues to uncover what went wrong in this tragic incident.

Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro granted asylum in Hungary amid prosecution for alleged power abuse. Ziobro, a key figure in the nationalist Law and Justice party, accused of misusing victims fund and buying Pegasus spyware. He claims political persecution and vows to fight from exile until Polands rule of law is restored.

Pope Leo XIII, the first American pontiff, held a private meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the Vatican, amidst political turmoil in Venezuela. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, discussed the situation with Pope Leo, who has expressed concern over the crisis and called for human and civil rights protection. The meeting comes after U.S. forces arrested former President Nicolas Maduro and appointed his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as interim leader, leaving many opposition figures in exile or imprisoned.

France launches voluntary national military service for young citizens, aiming to recruit thousands aged 18-25 for a ten-month program. The initiative, announced by President Macron, seeks to bolster defense without mandatory service, focusing on national security missions. The first group of 3,000 will start in September, with numbers expected to reach 10,000 annually by 2030. The program aims to create a hybrid military, blending professionals with volunteers, and offers participants the option to return to civilian life, join reserves, or commit full-time to the forces. The estimated cost for the program is €2.3 billion through 2030.

Cyprus corruption scandal escalates as Presidents chief of staff resigns following leaked video, alleging campaign finance violations, access to the president, and potential sanctions evasion. Officials deny claims, seeking international help to uncover the source, as the country prepares to lead the European Union.