France’s former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has lost his appeal against the conviction of corruption and influence peddling at the Paris Court of Appeals. The court has upheld the three-year prison sentence, with two of those suspended, and Sarkozy wearing an electronic bracelet instead of serving jail time for the remaining year. His lawyer has stated that he committed no wrongdoing, and will challenge the appeal at France’s Supreme Court. Sarkozy has been fighting several legal disputes over the past decade, and earlier this month faced charges relating to corruption and illegal financing of his presidential bid.
The San Antonio Spurs have won the NBA draft lottery, meaning they have the number one pick in the upcoming draft. The team will likely choose 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama, an impressive young talent who has been described as the newest NBA superstar. The Spurs' coach, Gregg Popovich, is a basketball legend, and will be coaching the NBA's newest dynamic duo. Wembanyama is on his way to the NBA and will bring his very specific ballhandling, passing moves and warm-up routine with him. Popovich is said to be excited to help develop Wembanyama and take the pair's game to the next level.
The Council of Europe (CoE) has approved a “Register of Damage” to identify financial compensation owed for damage in Ukraine caused by Russian forces. Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Council head, called the register an “urgent, necessary, first step.” The US, Canada, and Japan, as well as over 40 countries, backed the register. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it would be important in punishing “war crimes of Russian occupiers” while supporting potential future legal proceedings. The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also pledged to provide a coalition giving Ukraine combat air capabilities.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will not immediately be fitted with an electronic bracelet despite the Paris Court of Appeals upholding his 2021 conviction for corruption and influence peddling. The court sentenced him to three years in jail, with two years suspended, but ordered him to wear an electronic bracelet instead of going to jail for the remaining year. However, Sarkozy will appeal Wednesday's ruling in the Court of Cassation, a process that could take up to a year, during which time the penalty may not be applied. Sarkozy is the first French head of state to be sentenced to prison.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has lost an appeal against corruption charges but will now serve his remaining one-year detention sentence at home with an electronic bracelet. Sarkozy, who was accused of influence peddling and seeking favours from a judge in a case exposed by wiretaps, was banned from public office for three years. His lawyer said the defence would appeal the decision. The former president, who served one term, will also face a retrial on appeal from November 2023 in the so-called Bygmalion case. Sarkozy's team was accused of overspending twice the legal limit on his 2012 election campaign.
The proposed acquisition of Asiana by Korean Air may restrict competition in air transport services between Europe and South Korea, according to the European Commission. The commission confirmed it had sent a statement of objections complaining that the deal may reduce competition in passenger transport services on four routes between South Korea and France, Germany, Italy and Spain, and in cargo transport services between all of Europe and South Korea. Korean Air said it would continue to talk to the commission.
Qatar is one of four nations to express an interest in hosting the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, alongside New Zealand, Fiji, and South Africa, after France withdrew its hosting rights. Rugby league’s governing body, the International Rugby League, has yet to make any assessments on the viability of the nations' bids, but Qatar's interest comes as part of the country's push to become a central hub for global sport, having recently hosted international soccer and world cycling competitions. Qatar has no rugby league team or world ranking and has never played an international match.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV makes an effort to electrify the V-Class, a large MPV. It is only available in the UK as a seven-seater as opposed to an eight-seater like the combustion engine-powered V-Class. The EQV has Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system and touchscreen, which looks smart, but may be smudged by fingerprints. 85% of the journeys run well, but charging and range limitations make it difficult to drive on longer journeys, especially considering the amount of planning and commitment required. The official range is 211-213 miles but in reality, it never exceeded 170 miles before needing charging. Its range predicted at its lowest point is 150-160 miles, and at its highest, it is 230 miles. A significant real-world range of 250 miles would be required to create a more usable all-rounder vehicle. The EQV does well as a school drop-off vehicle, and the family-friendly car has plenty of space and an even bigger boot than that of its diesel counterpart.
As the start of prime rosé season approaches, the category is seeing a transformation from fruity, affordable bottles to richer, more elegant wines commanding $40 or more per bottle. Sparkling rosé sales are also booming and winemakers are carefully selecting grapes to produce a rosé with the desired flavour, freshness and colour, inspired by increasing consumer demand. France, the US and Spain rank as the largest producers of rosé each year, with Provence from the former commanding the most familiarity thanks to its long history of producing the pink wine. However, winemakers around the world are now looking to replicate the pale pink colour as it has become so popular. Celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker, Kylie Minogue and John Legend have also got involved, partnering with vintners in the South of France to produce their own rosé brands.
France is resisting EU targets regarding renewable energy out of concern that “low-carbon” hydrogen generated with electricity from atomic power plants will not be included. On Wednesday the EU’s 27 member states were due to agree on an overall target of 42.5% of renewable power in the bloc’s energy mix by 2030. Paris is promoting its nuclear industry, despite missing EU targets for the integration of renewables. Six pro-nuclear countries, including the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Hungary, backed France’s stance on Wednesday and other member states have raised concerns that behavioural precedents may be damaging to overall EU emission targets.
Britain has said it will support all countries that want to send F-16 jets to Ukraine, subject to US approval for the transfer of the military technology. It is part of the effort to set up an international coalition with the Dutch and other nations to come to the aid of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. It was announced amid a web of diplomatic efforts over the invasion of Ukraine, including the extension of a deal with Turkey that would allow the country to export millions of tonnes of grain through the Black Sea, which would otherwise be blocked by Russian warships. China has also sent peace envoys to mediate talks in Russia, Poland, France, and Germany about the conflict.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were involved in a "near catastrophic car chase" involving paparazzi photographers. Kensington Palace has issued a statement condemning the "relentless pursuit”, which lasted over two hours and resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers. The trio were forced to seek refuge in multiple police stations as they tried to lose the photographers. The couple had been attending an event in New York.
Andy Murray suffered a 6-3, 6-0 defeat against Stan Wawrinka in the second round of the ATP Challenger Tour event in Bordeaux. Murray, who turned 34 on Monday, had won his first title since 2019 earlier this month at a second-tier tournament in Aix-en-Provence. The Scot failed to capitalize on this form and was knocked out of the Italian Open in the first round by Fabio Fognini. Murray is expected to decide whether to compete on clay in Paris or begin his preparations early for the grass-court season ahead of Wimbledon.
Stellantis has become the first carmaker to urge the UK to renegotiate the terms of its Brexit deal. The parent company of car brands including Alpha Romeo, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Chrysler has called for a delay to beefed-up European Union (EU) “rules of origin”, saying that these could lead to it having to close its Ellesmere Port factory. The factory could be forced into closure as electric vans produced there, which comprise over 70% imported components, face a 10% tariff when they are exported to the EU from next year. Stellantis warned rising costs of raw materials, supply chains and the conflict in Ukraine had prevented it from meeting its planned content standards when announcing the expansion of the Cheshire plant in 2021. Car manufacturers across the UK and continental Europe have echoed its concerns over the rules of origin, which they claim will raise costs for EV drivers and reduce uptake.
Manchester City have taken a step closer to winning the treble after beating Real Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg. City dominated the game, with two goals from Bernardo Silva putting the team in control by half-time. A further goal from Eder Militão's own goal and another from Julian Alvarez added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time. City will now go into the Champions League final against Inter Milan as heavy favourites, and require just one more league win from three matches to secure the Premier League title. City will face rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Following the match, Mike McGrath assessed the star performers for City, with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva all receiving high praise for their performances. Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid was criticised for his difficulty dealing with Jack Grealish, whilst Federico Valverde also received a low rating, due to Real Madrid's inability to hold onto the ball.
Manchester City are only three games from a historic treble after defeating Real Madrid 4-0 on the night and 5-1 over two legs to advance to the Champions League final. Bernardo Silva scored twice with an own goal by Eder Militao and a goal from Gabriel Jesus sub Julian Alvarez sealing victory over the holders, booking a final against Inter Milan. Pep Guardiola's side, runners-up two years ago to Chelsea, are now favourites to win the trophy for the first time since the club was bought by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour in 2008.
Canada's Lawson Crouse tallies twice in win over Kazakhstan at men's hockey worlds
CBC
23-05-17 20:28
Canada dominated Kazakhstan 5-1 to extend their unbeaten run at hockey world championship, with Lawson Crouse scoring twice, helped by Joe Veleno and Sammy Blais' goal and two assists apiece, and MacKenzie Weegar scoring one and assisting one. Canada moves two points ahead of Switzerland in Group B, who maintain a perfect record and are yet to concede a goal. U.S. also maintained their unbeaten run with a 4-1 victory against Austria. Meanwhile, Finland and Latvia emerged victorious against France and Norway respectively.
Women who take part in regular moderate physical activity, such as cycling, cleaning, walking and gardening, and participating in sports, may reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's by 25%, according to a study published in Neurology. Researchers noted that 10 years before Parkinson's diagnosis, levels of exercise fell at a faster rate in those with Parkinson’s than in those without, likely due to early symptoms of the disease.
Australian Waratahs and Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will remain in Sydney for at least another 12 months after signing a one-year extension until the end of next season. The 22-year-old made his international debut against Italy in 2020 and said he was keen to make a lasting impression with the Waratahs before eventually considering a move overseas or to rugby league. Waratahs coach Darren Coleman described Nawaqanitawase as an “exceptional talent” and said his electric attacking play had already made a “significant impact”.
Leaders from Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam are to attend the Group of Seven summit (G7) in Hiroshima this year, along with the leaders of the G7 nations. Japanese President Fumio Kishida has a determination to make nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation priorities of this year’s summit, with discussions expected to centre on Putin's threats against Ukraine and China's increasing threats against Taiwan.
