Enquanto a sessão histórica para apurar a conduta do ministro Alexandre de Moraes ocorria no Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), nesta terça-feira, 15 de setembro, a campanha do senador Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) à Presidência da República montou uma força-tarefa para tentar associar as acusações contra o magistrado ao presidente Lula (PT), candidato à reeleição. Manifestos, audiências públicas e até ameaças de obstrução do Congresso Nacional fizeram parte das ações. O fato do ex-banqueiro Daniel Vorcaro, nome central das investigações da Polícia Federal no caso Master, ter realizado pagamentos a Flávio Bolsonaro para patrocinar o filme ‘Dark Horse’, no entanto, foi ignorado. 

Na tarde de segunda-feira (14), o senador Rogério Marinho (PL-RN) se reuniu com colegas da oposição no gabinete de uma das principais aliadas, a senadora Tereza Cristina (PP-MS). No mesmo dia, os parlamentares deram uma coletiva de imprensa para reforçar apoio irrestrito às ações do ministro André Mendonça, o “terrivelmente evangélico” indicado por Jair Bolsonaro em 2021. Ele é o responsável pela quebra de sigilo das mensagens entre Daniel Vorcaro, dono do banco Master, e Alexandre de Moraes.

Na terça-feira, dia da sessão no STF, a oposição se reuniu na Comissão de Direitos Humanos (CDH) do Senado para assistir e reagir à transmissão ao vivo da TV Justiça. Os parlamentares refutaram as falas dos ministros Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino e Gilmar Mendes. Eles defenderam uma votação em conjunto com o caso de André Mendonça sobre possíveis irregularidades à frente da relatoria do Caso Master. 

Nada ficou decidido na sessão porque o ministro Flávio Dino pediu vistas do processo, após bate-boca entre os ministros Gilmar Mendes e André Mendonça. Com isso, os ministros da Corte terão mais tempo para analisar o caso. Antes do encerramento, Cármen Lúcia, a única mulher integrante da Corte, manifestou voto favorável ao julgamento de Moraes de forma isolada, pediu desculpas ao povo brasileiro por não ter ajudado a resolver a crise institucional antes e ainda classificou como “espetacularização” as discussões protagonizadas pelos magistrados. 

Os milhares de reais de Vorcaro a Alexandre de Moraes e a Flávio Bolsonaro

Segundo a suspeita apresentada ao plenário do STF pelo ministro André Mendonça, Daniel Vorcaro teria enviado 52 mensagens a Moraes, incluindo questionamentos sobre iminentes operações policiais e a respeito de possíveis mandados de busca, apreensão e bloqueio de bens. Moraes também supostamente atuou na edição de um contrato de R$ 130 milhões firmado entre Daniel Vorcaro e o escritório advocatício da esposa do ministro, Viviane Barci de Moraes. O valor se aproxima dos R$ 134 milhões pedidos ao ex-banqueiro por Flávio Bolsonaro para financiar o filme Dark Horse, sobre o ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro (PL), preso em regime domiciliar, condenado por tentativa de golpe de Estado. 

Rogério Marinho conversou com a imprensa após o encerramento da sessão no STF. Inicialmente, tentou não associar a campanha eleitoral às ações no parlamento – em recesso eleitoral, para que os senadores deem atenção às bases eleitorais nos respectivos estados. Porém, após ser confrontado por jornalistas, Marinho disse que o desgaste de Lula com o julgamento de Moraes seria uma “consequência” dos acontecimentos. Ele ainda fez referência às ações de Moraes contra os presos pela tentativa de golpe de Estado, em 8 de janeiro de 2023, para dizer, sem provas, que o ministro e o presidente Lula mantêm relação de amizade. 

O senador reforçou o discurso de Flávio Bolsonaro sobre a relação com o empresário Daniel Vorcaro, do banco Master. Segundo ele, tudo não passou de uma relação contratual privada. As investigações da PF apontam, entretanto, para uma interlocução direta entre o filho 01 de Jair Bolsonaro e o ex-banqueiro para a obtenção de um patrocínio velado, sem qualquer divulgação no filme. Além disso, o candidato ao Planalto admitiu ter visitado Vorcaro no final de 2025, após a primeira prisão de Vorcaro, que já cumpria medidas cautelares e utilizava tornozeleira eletrônica. 

Centre right MEPs say they want the EU to give itself the tools and resources to protect European democracies from foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid threats.

The assertion comes just ahead of a parliamentary vote on the EU Parliament’s recommendations on the issue.

EPP MEP Tomas Tobé, speaking on Tuesday, has called for a Democracy Shield “with the power to act.”

The deputy, the Parliament’s negotiator on the European Democracy Shield dossier, stated, "Protecting democracy from foreign interference must be a European priority.

“We must respond with greater determination and reinforce the European Democracy Shield. 

"Russia remains the most serious threat to the integrity of our democracies. 

"Its continued attempts to influence elections and manipulate the information space show that the Kremlin sees democratic resilience as a threat to its own interests," says Tobé MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair.

The EPP Group said it wants the Democracy Shield “to be more than just a name.”

A spokesman said, “Europe needs stronger coordination and real operational capacity to protect elections, defend democratic institutions and counter foreign interference.

“The European Centre for Democratic Resilience must have the powers and resources to respond effectively to threats.”

Tobé added, "With this report, the European Parliament sends a clear message: we will not be passive while our democracies are under threat.

“We must now turn the European Democracy Shield into effective action to protect our elections, defend our institutions and counter foreign interference," said Tobé. 

Meanwhile, the European Parliament will this week also debate the devastating impact of this summer’s extreme weather.

The focus will be on the human and economic cost which MEPs say “is impossible to ignore.”

Extreme heat has resulted in at least 35,000 excess deaths across Europe and up to €180 billion in lost GDP.

The Socialist group, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “Europe has a choice.

“We can continue to react to each disaster separately, send firefighters when the flames are already spreading, repair the damage afterwards and hope that next summer will be less severe. Or we can prepare for the Europe we know is coming. This summer has made clear that the climate crisis is no longer a future risk.”

Further comment comes from Christophe Clergeau, S&D vice-president, who said he will call for a “healthy planet, healthy people and a sustainable food ecosystem.”

He said: "Europe is paying a devastating price for extreme heat.

“Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives, while extreme weather has caused enormous economic damage. We cannot treat this as the new normal.

“Every fraction of a degree of additional warming means more frequent and severe heatwaves, wildfires, floods and droughts. That is why mitigation, adaptation and protection must be treated as the same fight. 

"We need to phase out fossil fuels, which are driving the climate crisis, while investing much more in identifying and reducing vulnerabilities, adapting our cities and regions, and protecting people from extreme heat and drought.”

The MEP went on, “Our first priority must be protecting those most vulnerable. Cities and regions are on the front line and need stronger support to prepare for and manage crises, while populations must also be better informed and prepared. We must ensure that firefighters and civil protection services have the equipment and resources they need, and support the recovery and repair of territories devastated by fires and other disasters. Civic engagement and volunteers also have a vital role to play in prevention, preparedness and response.

"Europe must also build the industrial capacity needed to protect its citizens. We should produce Canadairs and other firefighting aircraft in Europe, develop a European plan to support the equipment needs of firefighters, and establish a clear R&D roadmap for civil protection technologies. And we need to do much more to prevent wildfires in the first place. When our forests are increasingly exposed to heat, drought and fires, the rejection of a European forest monitoring law by the right and the far right last year was a serious mistake. We need better information and better prevention, not fewer tools to protect our forests and citizens.

"This vote on the forest monitoring law is part of a wider pattern. While the climate crisis is becoming more dangerous, the right and far right keep attacking the Green Deal and downplaying the need for climate action.”

The deputy continued, “Yet there is no fair society if people are left exposed to devastating heat, no competitive economy without decarbonisation, and no energy sovereignty while we remain dependent on imported fossil fuels.”

"The Union Civil Protection Mechanism alone is not enough: its budget is insufficient given the scale of the risks we face. We need an ambitious European adaptation and resilience package focused on anticipation, preparedness and protection. Europe must strengthen the Green Deal and invest in prevention and recovery, rather than give in to climate denial and political obstruction,” added Clergeau.

Ahead of National Curry Week in the UK (5-11 October) MPs are being urged to revive the Parliamentary Tiffin Cup. 

The Tiffin Cup was an annual competition where MPs (advised by their constituents) nominated the Best South Asian Restaurant in their area.

One restaurant from every region was then shortlisted and invited to participate in the Grand Final cook-off event held in the House of Commons in London, and judged by MPs and guest celebrities, with the proceeds going to charity.

The Tiffin Cup was last won in 2019 by Kuti’s Restaurant in Southampton, where former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he worked shifts “just for fun” as a student.

The competition was created by a group of MPs with Keith Vaz as its chairman to celebrate quality South Asian food. The trophy was usually presented by the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Demands for its return are led by George Shaw, editor of the respected Good Curry Guide.

He told this site “These are challenging times for the hospitality sector, with both restaurants and customers being hard hit by rising costs.  The Tiffin Cup will help to promote what is a vital part of our economy. 

“Most curry houses are small independent businesses – not a ubiquitous chain which sucks cash away from the local area, funnelling profits to a corporate headquarters many miles away, or to an offshore bank account.

“Curry is a firmly established part of British history and culture. 

“Queen Elizabeth I granted the first charter in 1600 allowing London merchants to trade with the “East Indies”, hoping to break the Dutch monopoly on the spice trade.”

The earliest surviving curry recipe in English was published in 1747.

The first Indian restaurant in London, the Hindoostane Coffee House, was opened in 1810 by Sake Dean Mahomed, a former captain in the British East India Company.

He went on to become ‘personal shampooing surgeon’ to George IV and William IV.

British appetites for spice became entrenched during the British colonial era in India, from 1600 to 1947.

Queen Victoria, ‘Empress of India’ was introduced to Indian cuisine by her ‘Munshi’, Abdul Karim. 

Thereafter she ate curry every day, with great relish and in considerable quantities, until the end of her life, 25 years later.

The ritual of enjoying a refreshing lager with Indian food was introduced by Prince Axel of Denmark. 

The Prince attended the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. 

During his visit he discovered the cuisine of Veeraswamy (London’s first high end Indian restaurant and still in existence), which ran a “pop-up” at the Exhibition.  

The Prince brought a barrel of Carlsberg with him and continued to send one each Christmas.

Shaw is urging restaurant curry fans to write to their MPs asking them to reestablish the Tiffin Cup competition as an annual fixture in Parliament, with their own nominations.

Spice lovers can find the email address of their MP via https://www.mysociety.org/wehelpyou/who-is-your-mp

A sessão histórica do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), marcada para analisar as mensagens trocadas entre o ministro Alexandre de Moraes e o ex-banqueiro Daniel Vorcaro, dono do Master, estava marcada para começar às 10h. Já passava das 16h20 desta terça-feira, 15 de setembro, e a reunião ainda não tinha alcançado a discussão do mérito da pauta – nenhum dos nove integrantes da mais alta Corte do país havia se manifestado sobre a abertura de uma investigação sobre a conduta de Moraes, exposta por outro magistrado do grupo, ministro André Mendonça. O debate, naquele momento, envolvia uma Questão de Ordem apresentada pelo decano Gilmar Mendes, que tentou suspender a reunião extraordinária e marcá-la para o próximo dia 23.

Duas horas depois, a sessão foi finalizada, e o mérito continuou sem análise. Ao longo de todo o dia, os ministros deliberaram apenas se Moraes deveria ter seu julgamento conjunto com o de Mendonça. No turbilhão da crise que assolou o Supremo desde o dia 2 de setembro, Moraes havia pedido ao presidente do Corte, Edson Fachin, a inclusão de Mendonça no inquérito das Fake News. A decisão foi baseada em relatórios de inteligência fornecidos pela Polícia Federal (PF), em que a corporação aponta um desequilíbrio na condução de André Mendonça no caso Master contra políticos, com indícios de “enviesamento”.

Prevaleceu no plenário, por quatro votos a três, a recusa à Questão de Ordem apresentada por Gilmar, de unir os dois casos. Foram favoráveis os ministros Gilmar Mendes, Alexandre de Moraes, Cristiano Zanin e Flávio Dino. Enquanto Fachin, André Mendonça e Luiz Fux e Cármen Lúcia foram contrários à união das duas análises. Houve, porém, o pedido de vista do ministro Flávio Dino. Isso significa que a sessão será interrompida por até 90 dias para que ele possa analisar melhor o caso e posteriormente devolver aos magistrados.

Única mulher a integrar a Corte, Cármen Lúcia só tomou a palavra às 17h56, após mais de sete horas do início do julgamento, em que permaneceu em silêncio, diferentemente de seus pares do gênero masculino. Em sua fala, ela declarou estar “profundamente consternada e triste” com a crise institucional do STF. Apontou, ainda, que a Corte provocou “intranquilidade” no país, que está a menos de 20 dias do primeiro turno das eleições presidenciais. Em seguida, pediu “desculpa” ao “povo brasileiro”. “Eu peço desculpa ao povo brasileiro por talvez ter esperado de mim uma postura diferente. Mas acho que todos nós aqui queríamos a mesma coisa, que era tentar resolver, e as questões não foram resolvidas e foram crescendo demais”, afirmou.

A ministra ainda criticou o que chamou de “espetacularização” dos julgamentos do STF. “Nós não garantimos o rigor e seriedade que deveríamos. Peço desculpas aos colegas e ao povo por não ter conseguido resolver essas questões de melhor modo. Houve uma espetacularização desses casos, dessa sessão, que não faz mal apenas ao Supremo, mas ao país. O país espera uma tranquilidade do Supremo que não conseguimos dar.”

A declaração da ministra ocorreu após uma série de embates entre os ministros durante a reunião desta terça-feira. O primeiro deles foi protagonizado pelo ministro Flávio Dino e o próprio presidente da Corte, Edson Fachin, que abriu a sessão centralizando em seu discurso a necessidade de preservar “sensatez, decoro e serenidade”. Ainda na primeira hora, porém, o equilíbrio entre os magistrados pareceu se desfazer. Dino pediu um aparte a Toffoli, que também esteve no epicentro do inquérito do Master, mas teve seu caso arquivado após uma reunião a portas fechadas entre os ministros.

Interrompendo Dino, Fachin respondeu que a palavra deveria ser sempre solicitada à presidência. Último ministro a compor a Corte, Dino retrucou que seguiria o regimento interno do Supremo, que, segundo ele, tem o aparte “dirigido ao relator”. A troca de farpas continuou, com direito a citação por Dino dos filósofos Thomas Hobbes e Aristóteles, além do cantor e compositor Chico César.

Antes mesmo do início da sessão, o ministro encaminhou um requerimento ao decano Gilmar Mendes, para que ele, na sua condição de substituto legal do Presidente e do Vice-presidente da Corte, restabelecesse o cumprimento da Constituição Federal, da lei e do Regimento Interno do STF. De acordo com Dino, há irregularidades na condução do processo por Fachin, que teria avocado para si, sem base legal, as petições que, para Dino, deveriam ter passado por redistribuição de relator.

A crítica ao presidente da Corte continuou ao longo do julgamento. “Temos uma situação complexa, tão complexa, que a pauta que nós recebemos traz como relator o ministro André Mendonça. Não houve redistribuição. Não houve publicação de pauta com a redistribuição feita. Quero dizer, presidente, teria que ser ele. Esse é o meu ponto. Vossa Excelência avocou cinco processos. Um meu, três do André [Mendonça] e um do Alexandre [de Moraes]”, afirmou Dino. Ainda segundo o ministro, ao aceitar a suposta avocatória de Fachin, a Corte estaria “abrindo uma avenida de autoritarismo, de despotismo, de tirania, nos tribunais”.

Ao pedir vista, no fim da sessão, o ministro Flávio Dino subiu o tom contra Fachin novamente. “Nós estamos em termos que degradam a imagem deste tribunal. Vossa Excelência está assistindo isso há horas e está transformando o Supremo, nas próximas semanas, quiçá meses, neste debate. Se Vossa Excelência vai assistir a isto, eu não vou”, concluiu.

Impedidos

No início da sessão, o ministro Kassio Nunes Marques, também presidente do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE), se declarou impedido de julgar naquela situação porque, segundo ele, o TSE mantém uma “equidistância” do caso Master. Marques, no entanto, aproveitou a oportunidade de fala para citar indiretamente a conversa extraída do celular de Daniel Vorcaro, que mostraria que o advogado Kevin Marques, filho do ministro, teria recebido o valor de R$ 500 mil do ex-banqueiro. “Nunca prestou nenhum serviço”, afirmou o ministro sobre o filho durante seu pronunciamento. 

Na sequência, Dias Toffoli também tomou a palavra e, “para manter a coerência”, já que desde que saiu da relatoria do caso Master, de forma voluntária — ressaltou —, não tem votado em assuntos referentes a esse inquérito. Diferente de Nunes Marques, que se retirou do plenário, Toffoli declarou que, mesmo sem votar, seguiria na sessão e se manifestaria, caso sentisse necessidade. O ministro já esteve no epicentro de acusações de envolvimento com Daniel Vorcaro quando foi relator do inquérito. Na época, declarou suspeição por motivo de foro íntimo e desde então não participa de julgamentos relacionados ao banco Master. Entre as suspeitas que recaem sobre Tóffoli estão negócios imobiliários e aportes financeiros ligados ao Master.

Como ministros votaram na questão de ordem

Flávio Dino votou para que Alexandre de Moraes e André Mendonça fossem julgados juntos no dia 23. Ele falou num “combate seletivo” à corrupção no Brasil e apontou a existência de um “inquérito” contra Alexandre de Moraes e uma “inadequação procedimental” na apreciação do caso. Luiz Fux, por sua vez, rebateu: “nós temos uma apuração, isso não é inquérito”.

Fachin foi questionado por Dino sobre os motivos pelos quais o ministro Alexandre de Moraes estava sendo julgado de forma isolada. “Por que Elon Musk não gostou, porque Trump não gostou, porque os autores do homicídio de Marielle não gostaram?”, indagou.

Já o ministro Cristiano Zanin fez uma defesa mais curta e também acompanhou a proposta de Gilmar Mendes para votar o caso de Alexandre de Moraes e André Mendonça em conjunto. O presidente Fachin argumentou sobre o posicionamento de Zanin, afirmando que não houve diferença no tratamento dos casos em relação às datas dos julgamentos.

Como previsto, André Mendonça acompanhou Edson Fachin para julgar Alexandre de Moraes na sessão à parte da sua. Ele ainda refutou a acusação de que estaria atuando com parcialidade sobre a seletividade de nomes nas investigações da PF. “Entendo não haver as mesmas bases fáticas, como foram referidas. O que há em relação a mim é um suposto relatório de inteligência que a própria imprensa encara como fake. (…) são situações jurídicas totalmente distintas”.

Em 2 de setembro deste ano, Mendonça confirmou ter se encontrado com Daniel Vorcaro em março de 2025. Entretanto, o magistrado disse não ter conversado em momento algum sobre o banco Master com o ex-banqueiro, mas sim a respeito do pagamento de precatórios decorrentes de prejuízos de uma usina do setor sucroalcooleiro.

Em manifestação no momento da defesa do voto de André Mendonça, Alexandre de Moraes disse ser vítima de um “dossiê criminoso” montado contra ele para ser vazado à imprensa. Moraes ainda acusou Mendonça de realizar uma “investigação de ofício”. Em contrapartida, André Mendonça negou qualquer “juízo de valor” enquanto relator do caso Master e afirmou ter seguido os precedentes constitucionais do STF. “Ninguém foi buscar informação, nós temos os autos e os documentos”.

Mesmo após Flávio Dino pedir vistas, a ministra Carmen Lúcia manifestou voto no sentido de manter os casos de Moraes e de Mendonça separados. Ela também rebateu as declarações de Flávio Dino sobre uma possível pressão externa para influenciar nas condutas no STF. “Não é por pressão de fora ou de dentro, é porque é a nossa compreensão de que é o nosso dever”, declarou a ministra, que lamentou, mais uma vez, a situação que estava sendo analisada. “Essa é uma sessão que não é das páginas mais festivas [da Corte] de jeito nenhum, longe disso”.

A crise no STF

O estopim da crise no STF ocorreu após o então relator do caso Master, ministro André Mendonça, retirar o sigilo de conversas que envolveriam Daniel Vorcaro e o ministro Alexandre de Moraes. Mensagens de celular obtidas pela Polícia Federal mostram que o empresário teria enviado 52 mensagens ao magistrado, incluindo questionamentos sobre iminentes operações policiais e pedidos de informações sobre possíveis mandados de busca e apreensão e bloqueio de bens.

Moraes também atuou na edição de um contrato de R$ 130 milhões firmado entre Vorcaro e o escritório advocatício da esposa do ministro, Viviane Barci de Moraes. Após a revelação do acordo, o escritório Barci de Moraes divulgou uma nota alegando ter consultado o próprio ministro sobre a existência de impedimentos legais para a contratação, mas que nenhuma irregularidade teria sido identificada.

Uma possível seletividade intencional de André Mendonça na escolha dos documentos que teriam a quebra de sigilo divulgada deixou ainda mais à mostra a divisão interna no Supremo. Ao lado de Moraes: Flávio Dino, Gilmar Mendes e Cristiano Zanin. Um outro aliado é o ministro Dias Toffoli, que contou com o apoio dos ministros quando foi o alvo das suspeitas como relator do caso Master.

Campanha de Flávio aproveita julgamento de Moraes

Numa ação atípica para o período de campanha eleitoral, parlamentares da oposição se reuniram no Congresso Nacional para declarar apoio irrestrito às ações de André Mendonça e pedir o afastamento de Alexandre de Moraes do cargo ocupado no STF. À frente do grupo no parlamento, o senador Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), coordenador da campanha do também senador Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) à Presidência da República. 

O senador Carlos Viana (PSD-MG), que abriu uma frente de ataque contra o presidente do Congresso, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), chegou a afirmar que a oposição iria obstruir os trabalhos no parlamento caso Alexandre de Moraes não fosse afastado no julgamento do STF e nem fosse aberto um processo de impeachment contra o ministro no Senado – medida que depende do aval de Alcolumbre.

NPR's A Martínez asks Michael Ratney, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, where the Saudis go from here now they're not getting the support they want from the United States.

Iranian officials say a meeting with Gulf states to discuss the Strait of Hormuz has been postponed, dealing a blow to efforts to reopen the strait.

The mayor of Albania’s capital city says he has “not lost hope” despite being held in detention for over 18 months.

Erion Veliaj (pictured) has remained nominally in office as mayor of Tirana despite being held in what is known as pre-trial detention (PTD) since February 2025.

He is accused of corruption and money laundering but strongly denies any wrong doing.

The latest, and arguably most significant, in a protracted series of court cases takes place on 15 September when his case will be reviewed by Albania’s Supreme Court.

This comes after the country’s Constitutional Court called for a review.

In a dramatic new twist, the jailed mayor has now written a letter from prison in which speaks of a “political persecution” being waged against him.

It is thought to be the first time the hugely experienced official has spoken directly to the media in what has been a protracted legal case.

In the letter, dated 8 September, he says it has now been 19 months that he had been held in what is known as “pre-trial detention”.

He points out that his continued detention is “without being sentenced.”

He goes on,  “Despite having won twice in the constitutional court the system is endlessly dragging its feet and delaying beyond reason my detention review despite the two constitutional court decisions.”

The Constitutional Court of Albania has issued two landmark rulings in favour of Veliaj, protecting his elected mandate and ordering a  a fresh review of his pretrial detention.

The court first overturned the Tirana Municipal Council's decision to dismiss Veliaj following his detention in February 2025 on corruption and money laundering charges.

In a second ruling in July the court annulled a Supreme Court decision upholding Veliaj's continued pretrial detention and remanded the matter back for a renewed review.

The constitutional court found that lower courts failed to properly evaluate the necessity and proportionality of keeping a democratically elected mayor in prison, or to weigh less restrictive alternatives against his constitutional duties and the rights of voters.

The letter by Veliaj addresses his continued detention for over 18 months, saying that the “delays alone is, in itself, a punishment for the citizens of Tirana too, not only for me and my family.”

“They too are being deprived of the right to be served by their democratically elected mayor.”

He continues, “Albania’s democracy has, thus, been sentenced without a court order, much like my friend Ekrem İmamoğlu in Istanbul.”

This is a reference to Ekrem İmamoğlu, the main political rival of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

İmamoğlu was arrested in March 2025 and remains in pre-trial detention at Marmara Prison.

He faces charges including bribery and extortion but denies any wrong doing.

Turkey’s opposition leader has said the charges were intended to prevent İmamoğlu running for president in the 2028 election.

His arrest was met with outrage from the CHP and prompted demonstrations across Turkey.

In his letter,Veliaj states, “In December 2024 I had my last meal with İmamoğlu hopeful that the future would be brighter for our democracies, citizens and countries.”

He concludes, “We were wrong – the demise of local democracy will be a stain for both our countries. We have exchanged letters from jail and still have not lost hope.”

He says that his legal team have been refused permission to meet with him to prepare his appeal to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights, "without providing a reason."

Although it has naturally received a lot of publicity within Albania itself the case has remained largely under the radar outside the country. But international interest is now starting to grow with highly respected publications and media outlets running articles about it.

The local lawyer acting for Veliaj, who has regularly appeared in court with him, told this site, “The decision on September 15 is highly significant. The Constitutional Court overturned the Supreme Court’s decision because it had failed to adequately address and justify the proportionality of pre-trial detention—the most restrictive security measure—in relation to Erion Veliaj’s constitutional mandate.

“He could potentially be released on the 15th. Our view is that the Constitutional Court has already settled the key legal issues, providing a basis for his release. However, that outcome is not guaranteed and will depend on the court’s decision that day,” said the Tirana-based lawyer.

This website reached out to the Albanian authorities for comment on the case.

Ida Vodica, director of the Public, Media and Foreign Relations Directorate for the  Supreme Court, said, “I can confirm that the case concerning Mr. Erion Veliaj has been registered in the Supreme Court and is currently scheduled for 15 September 2026.

“The appeal (cassation) will be considered by the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, in consultation room, sitting as a panel of three judges, in accordance with the applicable procedural rules.

“At this stage, no further comments can be provided regarding the merits of the case or the outcome of the proceedings.”

Albania itself is a leading front runner to join the EU, possibly as soon as 2030, and has been consistently praised by the EU for its ongoing efforts to introduce reforms seen as necessary for it to become the EU’s next member. But some fear ongoing issues with its judiciary may slow progress towards accession.

European Democratics, a pan European body, recently posted a statement on the case, adding that Albania’s Constitutional Court had overturned a Supreme Court decision and ordered a new review of his detention, “questioning its proportionality in light of his mandate as Tirana’s democratically elected mayor.”

European Democratics called on the Albanian authorities to “uphold the rule of law, the presumption of innocence and the principle of proportionality.

“We will keep the spotlight on it (the case), because Albania deserves a European future — one that is fully democratic, transparent and firmly committed to fighting corruption, while guaranteeing that justice is always exercised with fairness, independence and respect for fundamental rights.”

The case has also shed a light on the general use of pre trial detention.

On January 30, a joint letter was issued by the “B40 Balkan Cities Network” calling for an end to PTD. The letter calls PTD a “dangerous trend.”

The network promotes local democracy, sustainable development, and regional cooperation among Balkan cities.

Member mayors signed a joint solidarity letter addressing the pretrial detention of key figures, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Erion Veliaj.

The heirs of Oswaldo Cisneros, once one of Venezuela’s richest men, received unusual news last April: strangers were touring their oil fields in the Orinoco Belt. On paper, they remained the legitimate operators of the assets, but it soon became clear that, even as those visits took place in plain sight, a plan was being put in motion to take the fields away from them.

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A new study claims to show the scale of psychosocial risks, stress and mental health of those in work.

The findings were made public just ahead of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) vote on psychosocial risks, stress and mental health at work.

The “unique” mapping was carried out across all 27 EU member states

It reveals what it calls “significant differences” in national approaches to tackling the issue.

There are, it goes on, “uneven levels” of worker protection, a problem which “strengthens” the case for a common preventive approach at EU level.

The good news is that a majority of European countries have already introduced legislation to address the problem.

Social partners and courts have also taken action to address these risks, says the report.

The report is called 'Mapping of national laws, collective agreements and jurisprudence concerning work-related psychosocial risks, workplace bullying and work-related stress in the EU27.'

It was conducted by the European Trade Union Institute, he independent research and training centre of the European Trade Union Confederation.

The research was authored by Aude Cefaliello, ETUI Senior Researcher and conducted along with colleagues, Aditya Jain and Stavroula Leka

Cefaliello said: “It is not a lack of action that makes the case for an EU initiative, but rather the fragmented nature of that action and the uneven levels of protection that result from it.”

The report says, “Psychosocial risks at work constitute a major and growing occupational health problem.

“Almost 45% of workers in the EU report being exposed to risks at work that could negatively affect their mental health, and almost one-third experience stress, depression or anxiety linked to work.

What makes the ETUI’s mapping “unique”, says the authors, is that it examines not only how work-related psychosocial risks are defined, regulated and prevented across the Member States, but also the role played by collective bargaining and the courts where legislative frameworks are incomplete.

It states that Europe is “not starting from scratch – but action is urgently needed.”

The findings build on those of the ETUI Policy Brief published in the spring.

It concludes, “The time for a coherent and binding EU approach to psychosocial risk prevention is now. It stresses that psychosocial risks at work should not be reduced to an individual mental health issue: they need to be prevented at source, by addressing inadequacies in work organisation, design and management.”

“While EU occupational safety and health legislation requires employers to protect workers from all work-related risks, psychosocial risks at work are still neither explicitly defined nor specifically regulated at EU level.

“The absence of clear legal obligations contributes to the fragmented national approaches highlighted by the mapping, generating legal uncertainty and uneven levels of worker protection across the EU.”

Minorities say they fear a rise in anti-Roma rhetoric following predictions of Germany’s AfD surge in Sunday’s Saxony-Anhalt election.

As Germany heads into a closely watched state election in Saxony-Anhalt this Sunday, 6 September, with the AfD polling above 40% and potentially within reach of an outright majority, right groups say they are “growing concerns over what its increasing electoral strength means for minorities and Germany’s and the EU’s democratic norms and values.”

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, Executive Director of the Berlin-based European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, looks ahead to the election.

She told this site: “For Roma and Sinti communities in particular, the election comes against a backdrop of increasingly visible anti-Roma racism.”

The Central Council of German Sinti and Roma described the situation “as a cynical example of a far-right party once again targeting Sinti and Roma.”

The incident, says the institute, comes amid "growing evidence of antigypsyism in Germany."

The Institute says that MIA, the country’s reporting and information centre documenting anti-Roma racism, reportedly recorded 1,193 cases of stereotyping and disparaging remarks targeting Roma and Sinti in 2025, as well as 55 physical attacks, up from the previous year, and eight cases of extreme violence.

The institute says Roma experts warn of a changing political landscape in Germany and the growing strength of the far right.

They note that “the normalisation of nationalist, racist and anti-minority rhetoric is reshaping political discourse, including the increasing use of anti-Roma stereotypes.”

Mirga-Kruszelnicka said: “Over 80 years since more than 4,300 Roma and Sinti were murdered during the liquidation of the “Zigeunerlager” at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, a far-right party that openly stigmatises and singles out Roma citizens is yet again on the rise in Germany. In April 2026, AfD politician Enxhi Seli-Zacharias led party colleagues through a German city, handing brooms to residents she took to be Sinti and Roma and filming them as they swept the pavement, telling one woman: “Germans have had enough—look what this looks like.”

As the EU prepares its next €2 trillion budget, the institute says experts are also questioning whether Roma communities are "being adequately accounted" for in how European funding is tracked and measured with”, says the insititute, “antigypsyism not mentioned once in the Performance Framework Regulation".

“Fascism is never simply a chapter in history books. It begins with words, stereotypes, indifference and the gradual erosion of democratic values. Honouring those who were murdered is not enough. We must also recognise how quickly democratic societies can unravel when prejudice, dehumanisation and political extremism become accepted as ordinary," concluded Mirga-Kruszelnicka.

It’s one of the most anticipated arts events in the UK and the starting pistol is set to sound on Herefordshire Art Week.

h.Art 2026, as it is affectionately called, runs from 5 to 13 September and is hailed as a “celebration of local creativity”.

The event takes place right across Herefordshire and its neighbouring borders where hundreds of artists will open their doors to share their work. 

h.Art is widely seen as being special for art lovers,offering personal encounters with some of the UK’s finest artists and makers in the intimacy of their own homes and studios. 

It is a chance to discover new work and buy or commission artwork, all direct with the artists.

h.Art was founded in 2002 as part of Herefordshire Council’s ‘Creative Industry’ programme, with the vision to offer “personal life enhancing experiences through art, whilst stimulating a vibrant local economy.”

It celebrates its 25th anniversary next year and has recently been taken over by a new organiser.

A spokesman said, “It’s a chance to gain a rare insight into the creative lives of our artists and craft-makers. You’ll uncover amazing art in atmospheric and unexpected locations as well as learn new skills through hands-on workshops and demos.”

Among those taking part for this year’s edition are Canwood Gallery and Eastnor Pottery.

Eastnor Pottery and “the Flying Potter”, located near Ledbury, is recognised as one of the country’s leading studios for potter’s wheel courses, classes and educational experiences.

Jon Williams shares Eastnor Pottery with his wife and fellow potter, Sarah Monk.

In an interview with the event organisers, Jon, who makes ceramic sculpture and decorative items, explained, “Although our ceramic work is very different to each other (chalk and cheese!) we collaborate on our courses, classes and experiences, taking it in turns to lead and support the sessions.”

Asked to describe his work, he added, “Through skilful facilitation and a love of clay and people in equal measure, I travel all over the West Midlands and beyond exploring and developing creativity in others.

“I regularly work in early year’s settings, schools, libraries, art galleries and museums, encouraging people to play and express themselves in clay.

“My approach has its roots in Reggio Emilia philosophy. Reggio is a pedagogy based upon self-directed, experiential learning.

“Children, young people and adults are offered a range of tools, materials and environments and encouraged to develop their own, totally unique way of working. When I get opportunity to produce my own ceramics, I approach my making in a similar fashion to my social engagement work. The concept of play is at the centre of everything. Nearly all my work starts its life on the potter’s wheel.”

He says it means “everything” to be an artist, adding, “It is being independent, resourceful, resilient and creative whilst having a shed load of fun. I enjoy partnership working with individuals and organisations and am always up for a collaboration.”

Eastnor also gives the public a chance to take part in various pottery workshops and experiences, including beginner’s classes, day courses, and weekend courses. It is a chance to learn to use a potter’s wheel under expert guidance, with all materials included. They also offer clay modelling sessions and a ‘Flying Potter’ service that can take the workshop to an individual’s own location.

Jon adds, “It’s always really hard to describe what I do, as my creative practice is so varied and wide-ranging. I am The Flying Potter, I am a maker, a studio potter, a ceramic artist, educationalist and facilitator.”

Artist Andrew Findlay, also taking part in the week-long event, is based at The Forge Eastnor, just 100m from the pottery.

Another participating in Art Week is Canwood Gallery which is nestled in the serene Herefordshire countryside.

It is a contemporary art gallery and sculpture park dedicated to providing an “art oasis.”

Set across ten acres of landscape, the site includes two indoor gallery spaces and an expansive sculpture park, alongside an on site café.

It showcases a diverse range of work by internationally recognised alongside emerging and local artists, offering a great opportunity to experience and purchase art in a tranquil rural setting.  The gallery is free to enter, with free on site parking.

Also participating are Old Chapel Gallery, Wobage and Sorrel & Sage (full details available via the  links below).

The Art Week is expected to attract people from both the UK and abroad and one excellent way of finding out more about the event and much else in the county is via the Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, the leading independent destination marketing company for the county.

Its supports not only Herefordshire’s food and drink businesses, accommodation providers, activities, leisure venues and pursuits and events but promotes the county’s crafts, creatives and artisans.

You can discover more about Herefordshire via www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk

Further info:

Old Chapel Gallery – Home
https://eastnorpottery.co.uk
https://www.wobage.co.uk
https://sorrelandsage.square.site
https://www.h-art.org.uk
www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk

Photo credit: Herefordshire Art Week

Since June 2026, Brussels’ bustline Place Noord has made a space available to three local associations led by young people to develop their activities, projects, and events.

The associations are primarily from the Quartier Nord (spanning the City of Brussels and Schaerbeek).

The space is now gradually becoming a hub for meeting, creativity, and initiative for the neighbourhood's youth.

This Thursday, 3 September, the venue is opening its doors to the public for an evening to mark what is called 'Residents Day'.

The initiative stemmed directly from a request made by young people. 

In May, Laila, Marouane, and Rashad came to meet the Place Noord team one by one to ask if a space could be made available to them—both for their weekly activities and for organizing their own events.

Pauline Omnes, programmer at Place Noord, told this site on Wednesday: "I have been working in the Quartier Nord for several years, collaborating closely with local community groups.

“The idea was for Place Noord to also serve projects led by the neighbourhood's youth, with support from those who have been working here longer.

“The goal is not only to provide them with a venue but also to connect them with others so they can grow their projects.

“On one hand, Play Label organizes events that generate the funds needed to make the space available for free, thereby supporting these local initiatives."

Since their arrival, the three associations have been gradually settling into the premises. Young people work on their projects there, but also come to study, play board games, organize movie nights, or simply socialize.

The presence of the three associations also creates a collective dynamic that extends beyond their individual activities, said Omnes.

"Young people share ideas, skills, and projects, and are beginning to build a shared life within the space."

MEPs return to business from their summer vacation to a packed programme this week. An assortment of committee meetings awaits the deputies when they get back to their offices in Brussels. First up will be the issue of the devastating wildfires this summer and EU preparedness to handle such evens. Today (1 September), MEPs from the Climate, Environment and Food Safety Committee will quiz Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on the EU’s response to the summer wildfires across the continent, and discuss lessons learnt. Mental health at work is another issue that will confront MEPs during the coming week.

In a vote on Wednesday (2 September), the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs is set to demand the Commission propose legislation to protect the mental and physical health of workers. The aim is also to prevent, eliminate or reduce work-related psychosocial risks and ensure safe and dignified working conditions. Childhood cancer is another item on the agenda. Together with a 10-year-old survivor and sectoral experts, on Wednesday MEPs in the Public Health Committee will discuss aspects of paediatric cancer. This includes innovation, public investment, and policy recommendations.

Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola will open the debate. Greenland, which has come under the spotlight during President Trump’s 2nd term, is also up for debate. The Development and Foreign Affairs committees will host Greenland’s minister for foreign affairs, business and minerals, Múte Bourup Egede, on Wednesday. The meeting takes place in the context of ongoing discussions on updating the rules governing the EU’s relationship with Greenland, and other overseas countries and territories (OCTs), and future financial support for Greenland under the EU’s next long-term budget. Another issue in Brussels will be that of Afghanistan/refugees and asylum seekers.

On Thursday (3 September), MEPs in the Subcommittee on Human Rights will discuss the return of refugees and asylum seekers from the EU to Afghanistan following Commission meetings with Taliban-appointed representatives and in the light of the human rights situation in the country. Ireland has taken over the rotating presidency and Irish presidency priorities also come under the spotlight next week. Ireland’s ministers will continue to present their priorities in meetings with the relevant parliamentary committees. Ireland holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2026. On Tuesday morning,meanwhile, Roberta Metsola will host an informal breakfast with the permanent representatives of the governments of the member states to the EU.