Latest news with #King'sDay
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Irishwoman went through ‘absolute nightmare' after alleged rape in Amsterdam, court told
The incident was filmed by on-lookers and was widely circulated on social media. An Irishwoman in her 30s who was allegedly raped in Amsterdam says she remembers nothing of the incident, a public prosecutor told a pre-trial hearing for the case. The suspect, who is an Italian national in his 20s, is accused of raping the woman on King's Day earlier this year. The Dutch holiday, which is held annually on April 27, marks the birthday of the Netherlands' current king Willem-Alexander. According to Dutch media, the hearing heard that after the woman was taken to the hospital following the incident, which occured at approximately 6.30pm in the evening, she was told that something sexual had happened to her. She was then unable to recall anything about the incident and she did not recognise a photo of the suspect. File photo of Amsterdam. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th The case has garnered national attention in the Netherlands after several videos of the incident began circulating on social media. Onlookers had filmed the encounter that occurred in broad daylight between two parked cars along the Keizersgracht canal. In the days following the alleged rape, the mayor of Amsterdam asked the public to stop sharing the 'deeply humiliating' videos. "What happened on King's Day can only be described as an absolute nightmare", the prosecution stated in the first introductory hearing ahead of the trial. They stated that the alleged victim only reported the incident after she had been videos of it in Ireland and realised it was about her. According to the Public Prosecution Service, the woman was clear that she did not want to have sex and she 'had no complete control over her movements'. The woman was heavily drunk and was heard telling the man to stop in the video footage of the incident. It was said that the man and the woman did not know each other before the day in the question as they had met earlier that day. Bystanders intervened in the incident and pulled the man away from the woman, with police then arriving soon after. The man was not initially arrested as it had been suggested by bystanders that the two knew each other. The man initially told police that the two had sex and 'made love' but later stated he did not remember anything about the evening in question. Defence lawyer Sophie Hof described the situation as 'complex' and passersby may have been observing due to seeing two people 'kissing and stroking'. "This case is not black or white. He doesn't remember anything. He is ashamed, towards the victim, and how he could get so drunk,' she added. The court was asked to lift the pre-trial detention of the man but the request was not granted on the basis that the man is a flight risk. The trial will begin in October.
Time Business News
27-06-2025
- Time Business News
Best Time to Visit Europe: A Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Planning your dream trip but wondering about the best time to visit Europe? You're not alone. Timing can make or break your experience. Whether you're after sun-soaked beaches, snowy adventures, or colorful festivals, Europe offers something unique every month. Let's explore the best months to travel based on weather, events, and budget. If you don't mind the cold, winter can be magical. January and February are ideal for ski lovers heading to the Alps in Switzerland, France, or Austria. The cities are quieter, and prices drop post-holidays—perfect for budget travelers. Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, fewer tourists Skiing, snowboarding, fewer tourists Top places: Salzburg, Prague, Chamonix, Interlaken Salzburg, Prague, Chamonix, Interlaken Events: Carnival in Venice (February), Snow festivals in Scandinavia Spring is one of the most underrated times to travel. The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the crowds are still thin. April and May are great for walking tours, outdoor cafes, and scenic drives. Best for: Mild weather, blooming landscapes, city trips Mild weather, blooming landscapes, city trips Top places: Amsterdam (tulips!), Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon Amsterdam (tulips!), Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon Events: King's Day in the Netherlands, Primavera Sound Festival in Spain Summer is when Europe buzzes with life. Beaches are packed, museums are busy, and festivals pop up everywhere. However, it's also the most expensive and crowded time. Best for: Beaches, nightlife, open-air events Beaches, nightlife, open-air events Top places: Santorini, Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, French Riviera Santorini, Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, French Riviera Events: Tomorrowland (Belgium), La Tomatina (Spain), Edinburgh Fringe (Scotland) Tip: Book accommodations early, and prepare for heatwaves in southern countries. This is a sweet spot for travelers. The crowds start thinning, the weather remains pleasant, and the landscapes take on a golden glow. It's also the season for grape harvest and food festivals. Best for: Wine tours, photography, nature lovers Wine tours, photography, nature lovers Top places: Tuscany, Bavaria, Bordeaux, Slovenia Tuscany, Bavaria, Bordeaux, Slovenia Events: Oktoberfest (Germany), grape harvest festivals in Italy and France Europe transforms into a festive dream in late November and December. Cities light up with holiday decorations, and Christmas markets are everywhere. Although days are short and chilly, the atmosphere is pure magic. Best for: Holiday shopping, cozy cafés, festive lights Holiday shopping, cozy cafés, festive lights Top places: Vienna, Munich, Strasbourg, Prague Vienna, Munich, Strasbourg, Prague Events: Christmas Markets (Germany, Austria), New Year's Eve celebrations It really depends on your travel style: Budget travelers: January to March, November January to March, November Sun seekers: June to August June to August Cultural explorers: April to June, September April to June, September Holiday lovers: December If you want a balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and decent prices, late April to early June or mid-September to early October are your golden windows. The best time to visit Europe isn't one-size-fits-all. Each season offers a different charm. Whether you want the buzz of summer festivals or the calm of winter walks through snowy alleys, Europe always delivers. So, pack your bags smartly—because whenever you go, Europe is always a good idea. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Minister meets Dutch Ambassador
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, held a significant meeting with H.E. Henny de Vries, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, as attend the King's Day celebrations here in Lahore. The meeting underscored the growing importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international relations and youth engagement. On the occasion, the Minister highlighted key initiatives of the Sports Department Punjab, particularly those launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. These initiatives are designed to enhance sports infrastructure, promote youth participation, and revive traditional sports across the province. Minister Khokhar expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the Netherlands, with a specific focus on hockey—a sport historically cherished by both nations. He emphasized the potential for technical cooperation, capacity building, and mutual exchange programs to support player development, coaching, and sports science. The discussions were further enriched by the presence of legendary Dutch hockey player Floris Jan Bovelander and Pakistan's celebrated Olympian Touqeer Dar, symbolizing the shared legacy and passion for hockey. Both legends shared insights on the development of the sport and opportunities to mentor young athletes. Ambassador Henny de Vries welcomed the proposals and affirmed the Netherlands' commitment to fostering sports-based partnerships. 'Such partnerships can play a pivotal role in building bridges of friendship and excellence through sports diplomacy,' he remarked. He praised the Punjab government's proactive approach to youth and sports development and expressed optimism for future collaborations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Much ado about May, moods & mangoes
The start of this Summer seems as though a looming, leaden Cumulonimbus has swallowed half of the ripening sun. Summer's bright palettes appear to be muted and mellowed by stark shadows. The season of the sizzling sun heralds its own palettes. Political colours to botanical colours, street palettes to sporting hues. On the political canvas, from Pahalgam to the Pope's passing, Summer signalled a stark start. Black and grey look to be the palettes heralding the month of May. Take the Pope's funeral. In a world grappling with wars and terror, black, but naturally, mirrored the mood of the moment. Literally and figuratively. Melancholy moments Most heads of states stuck to customary black mourning couture. Trust Trump to stick out like a sore thumb there too and turn up instead in bizarre blue. The quintessential odd man out. The one place where blue was but befitting was on IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi's shoulders. The curious case of 'When in Rome, Do Not Do As the Romans Do'. Mango moods Closer home, the start of summer is seeing a splash of orange. From the King's Day festivities at the Dutch embassy to the burst of orange on the streets. Mangoes making this season's debut on middle-class India's humble stage -- the thhele-wallahs and pheri-wallahs. The groggy Gulmohars fluttering open their eyelids from winter's sleep to kiss Summer with scarlet lips. The sea of orangy yellowness on the streets --- mangoes landing and lording it --- brings back memories of another day, another time. Childhood was a time when mangoes came not as a trickle, but as a pouring called petis. Childhood was a time when the King of Fruits was not so dear that only a handful made it into Big Basket or Blinkit's brown bag. Childhood was a bumpy bylane where half the fun and frolic lay in felling or stealing ambis from neighbours' trees, with weaponry made of pellets to pebbles. Childhood was a sprawling vehra where mangoes meant community bonding, over the peeling, pruning and pickling of ambis and aams. A community bonding as sweet as mango murabbas, as healthy as aam pannas. Childhood was a bountiful bageecha where the coming of a summer storm spelt holiday homework. 'Oh dear, all those luscious mangoes meeting an untimely death!' the matriarchs would roar a requiem louder than the storm upon surveying the 'king's' casualties. 'Get to work, bachchas, time for the holiday projects.' This meant grovelling in groves for storm's shaheeds, to grant them a new lease of life in chutneys and curries. For those who miss that sensory experience, that ritualism of revelry inherent in the unboxing of mango petis, the digital age promises newer narratives. Mango petis at the doorstep, thanks to many an App. The other day, an ad kept popping up on YouTube, like niggling neon screens at an IPL stadium. 'Get mangoes direct from farms, straight from farmers, minus middlemen,' the marketeer bloke bleated. All that needs to be done, the commercial chortled, is to download the App. The curious case of Digital India bridging the gap. Summer fury Orange ruled elsewhere, too. Alas, this had to do not with things mouth-lickin, but with a licking that spelt loss. Leaping, licking flames of fury consumed the culture-scape that is Dilli Haat. Brocades and Bhagalpuris of artisans from Farrukhabad to Bengal, precious pashminas to papier mache of Kashmiri craftsmen who had rebuilt lives and livelihoods after the exodus of the 1990s from the Valley, all turned to ghastly grey ashes in this sea of furious and fuming orange. What a sad commentary that fire extinguishers were scarcely in working condition and exit points stood clogged or closed. Summer's angry ochres to raging reds --- The united colours of loss, lament and livelihoods gutted 'n' gone. The furious case of there's no smoke without fire. chetnakeer@
Atlantic
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Atlantic
Photos of the Week: May Day, Fire Festival, Finger Wrestling
A sandstorm in northeastern Syria, the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, a motorcycle-sidecar race in England, a restored artificial grotto in Bavaria, King's Day celebrations in the Netherlands, a giant birdsong amplifier in Slovakia, a stormtrooper surfing in France, and much more
