Latest news with #ESN
Euronews
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Trump needs prison space - can Europe help him out?
The three Polish members of the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group in the European Parliament are currently at odds over attitudes to Russia with other members of the group, according to several sources familiar with the matter. Poles Marcin Sypniewski, Stanisław Tyszka, and Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, elected on the "Confederation" list, are reportedly unhappy with their fellow MEPs' general stance on Russia and the behaviour of some individuals in the group, according to the sources. Attendance of Bulgarian party Revival's delegates - including MEP Stanislav Stoyanov - at the Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May, was an aggravating factor according to the sources. Revival recently signed a cooperation agreement with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, and the Renew Europe group in the Parliament has called for an investigation into whether Revival's MEPs have received financial contributions from United Russia. However, this is not the only source of discontent for the Polish MEPs. Some are also uneasy about the alliance with the German far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). AfD members are already seen as being sympathetic to Russian interests, and MEP Peter Bystron is under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes to support those interests. In Poland, Confederation MEPs are being criticised for belonging to the same group as the nationalist German party, an especially sensitive issue given the strong anti-German sentiment among right-wing Polish voters. 'Tensions exist,' said an internal source within the group, 'but they are unlikely to result in a split in the short term.' The three Polish MEPs are aware that if they leave the ESN, they risk becoming non-attached members in the European Parliament. 'They could easily join the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group,' said another internal source, noting that the group already includes Anna Bryłka and Tomasz Buczek, who were also elected on the Confederation ticket. Officially, the PfE group won't comment on whether talks are ongoing, but internal sources told Euronews that the Polish members would likely be more readily accepted than larger delegations, such as the German AfD. It is highly likely that the MEPs in question will not leave the ESN group unless they receive firm assurances that they will be accepted into the PfE, according to one of the sources. MEPs lose certain powers when they are unaffiliated, including reduced speaking time during plenary sessions and less funding for staff, as some aides are employed by the group rather than individual MEPs. The situation is even more delicate for Stanisław Tyszka, one of the three, who serves as co-chairman of the ESN group and is reportedly reluctant to give up the position. Nevertheless, this "marriage of convenience" is also advantageous for the other parties: without the Polish delegation, the ESN group risks falling below the basic threshold required for any group. Each political group in the European Parliament must include at least 23 MEPs from at least seven Member States. The ESN currently has 27 members from eight countries, but Lithuanian lawmaker Petras Gražulis is also reportedly in conflict with other members of the group. The Confederation's MEPs must now decide whether to swallow the views on Russia of their colleagues and take the advantages of group membership. All three Polish MEPs were not immediately available for comment. Donald Trump has recently stepped up his threats to send Americans to foreign jails, saying he would 'love' to deport 'homegrown' US citizens who commit violent crimes to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. 'I would love to do that if it were permissible by law,' Trump said in an interview with Time magazine last month. 'We're looking into that.' Apparently, that legal research hasn't brought a clear answer yet, as Trump has also been on the lookout for more domestic space to house America's top criminals. 'I'm talking about violent people. I'm talking about really bad people. Really bad people,' Trump said, seated beside Salvadorian president Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office a few weeks ago. Bukele's government runs the Terrorism Confinement Center, the megaprison often referred to by its Spanish acronym, CECOT, which has the reputation of being the most brutal jailhouse in the western hemisphere. Trump has repeatedly voiced admiration and respect for the maximum security institution to which his administration has so far deported hundreds of undocumented migrants. But CECOT seems to be becoming too small for the visionary Trump. He wants more prison capacity. That's why, two weeks ago, Trump doubled down on his stunning proposal to re-open and expand Alcatraz, the infamous prison island in San Francisco Bay. Experts are doubtful of the practicability and funding required to expand Alcatraz, a series of buildings that are literally falling apart. If it's island prisons Trump's looking for – the EU has plenty to offer, however, including storied properties that can hold their own beside Alcatraz and which appeal Trump's sense of history and culture. Here are three for starters to trade-off with Trump - no pun intended. Let's start with the most famous prison island: the Château d'If, off the Mediterranean coast near Marseille. Even if its best-known prisoner, the Count of Monte Cristo, was a fictional character in Alexandre Dumas' bestselling novel, the Château d'If has held many real – mostly religious - prisoners from the mid1600s to the end of the 19th century. It's also pretty secure: although the book features one of the main characters escaping the islet, it's believed nobody actually managed this. Trump appeal: The US president could deal directly with his pal Emmanuel Macron and side-step Brussels bureaucrats and the obnoxious Germans. Next is Devil's Island, also on French territory, albeit located off the coast of French Guiana, the largest of the country's overseas departments, situated off the north east coast of South America. The penal colony, in operation between 1852 to 1952, was notorious for its harsh treatment of detainees and the tropical climate and diseases that contributed to a death rate of 75% at its worst. Devil's Island was immortalised by author Henri Charriere, a former inmate, who penned the 1969 bestseller 'Papillon' about his successful escape. Trump appeal: See Château d'If. Next is Goli Otok, an uninhabited island off the Adriatic coast of Croatia that was used as a top secret prison and labour camp when the country was part of Yugoslavia. It was operated as a high-security institution between 1949 and 1989 and sequestered anti-Tito communists and Stalinists. Earlier during World War I, the Austro-Hungarian empire sent Russian POWs to Goli Otok. The name means 'barren island' in Croatian, because the surface is almost completely devoid of vegetation. The prison became famous after Tito's death in 1980, when Serbian writer Antonije Isakovic released his novel Tren (Moment) about the penal conditions there. The book was an instant bestseller. Trump appeal: The prison has lain abandoned since 1989 giving strong Alcatraz vibes that might chime with the US president. If potential prisons-for-tariffs pitch fails, Europe could point Trump to the criminal justice system in the Netherlands where the prison population shrank from 94 per 100,00 citizens to 51 between 2005 and 2016 – due largely to rehabilitation efforts. The results: Some empty prisons have now been repurposed as hotels or cultural centres. This might appeal to the real estate mogul in Trump. Radio Schuman spoke with outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt about Brussels being without rule for almost a year. She told us how this damages Brussels' reputation, hurts locals and why it is so difficult to come to an agreement. Van den Brandt also touched on the uncertain future of the Metro 3 project, aimed at connecting the city's northern and southern neighbourhoods, and the criticism of her vision to make Brussels liveable. We also head to the Western Balkans for the start of European Council President's four-day tour as part of diplomatic efforts to keep candidate countries on an EU path. And finally, Europe's rapidly ageing population is posing an existential threat to the continent's healthcare system. Which countries are worst affected? This episode of Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Lauren Walker. Audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.
Euronews
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Polish far-right MEPs uncomfortable in Sovereign Nations group
The three Polish members of the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group in the European Parliament are currently at odds over attitudes to Russia with other members of the group, according to several sources familiar with the matter. Poles Marcin Sypniewski, Stanisław Tyszka, and Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, elected on the "Confederation" list, are reportedly unhappy with their fellow MEPs' general stance on Russia and the behaviour of some individuals in the group, according to the sources. Attendance of Bulgarian party Revival's delegates - including MEP Stanislav Stoyanov - at the Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May, was an aggravating factor according to the sources. Revival recently signed a cooperation agreement with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, and the Renew Europe group in the Parliament has calledfor an investigation into whether Revival's MEPs have received financial contributions from United Russia. However, this is not the only source of discontent for the Polish MEPs. Some are also uneasy about the alliance with the German far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). AfD members are already seen as being sympathetic to Russian interests, and MEP Peter Bystron is under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes to support those interests. In Poland, Confederation MEPs are being criticised for belonging to the same group as the nationalist German party, an especially sensitive issue given the strong anti-German sentiment among right-wing Polish voters. 'Tensions exist,' said an internal source within the group, 'but they are unlikely to result in a split in the short term.' The three Polish MEPs are aware that if they leave the ESN, they risk becoming non-attached members in the European Parliament. 'They could easily join the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group,' said another internal source, noting that the group already includes Anna Bryłka and Tomasz Buczek, who were also elected on the Confederation ticket. Officially, the PfE group won't comment on whether talks are ongoing, but internal sources told Euronews that the Polish members would likely be more readily accepted than larger delegations, such as the German AfD. It is highly likely that the MEPs in question will not leave the ESN group unless they receive firm assurances that they will be accepted into the PfE, according to one of the sources. MEPs lose certain powers when they are unaffiliated, including reduced speaking time during plenary sessions and less funding for staff, as some aides are employed by the group rather than individual MEPs. The situation is even more delicate for Stanisław Tyszka, one of the three, who serves as co-chairman of the ESN group and is reportedly reluctant to give up the position. Nevertheless, this "marriage of convenience" is also advantageous for the other parties: without the Polish delegation, the ESN group risks falling below the basic threshold required for any group. Each political group in the European Parliament must include at least 23 MEPs from at least seven Member States. The ESN currently has 27 members from eight countries, but Lithuanian lawmaker Petras Gražulis is also reportedly in conflict with other members of the group. The Confederation's MEPs must now decide whether to swallow the views on Russia of their colleagues and take the advantages of group membership. All three Polish MEPs were not immediately available for comment. Radio Schuman spoke with outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt about Brussels being without rule for almost a year. She told us how this damages Brussels' reputation, hurts locals and why it is so difficult to come to an agreement. Van den Brandt also touched on the uncertain future of the Metro 3 project, aimed at connecting the city's northern and southern neighbourhoods, and the criticism of her vision to make Brussels liveable. We also head to the Western Balkans for the start of European Council President's four-day tour as part of diplomatic efforts to keep candidate countries on an EU path. And finally, Europe's rapidly ageing population is posing an existential threat to the continent's healthcare system. Which countries are worst affected? This episode of Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Lauren Walker. Audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Nnamdi Kanu announce creation of ESN, threaten Tinubu and ginger attack on Lagos
Nnamdi Kanu announce creation of ESN, threaten Tinubu and ginger attack on Lagos - Court play video 6 minutes wey don pass Di trial of di leader of di Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) Nnamdi Kanu Kontinu on Wednesday for di Federal High Court, Abuja. Kanu dey stand trial sake of allegation of terrorism wey di federal goment sama am. As di matter start, di prosecution lawyer call dia second witness say im name na Mr BBB (no be real name). Di witness na anoda DSS officer wey follow lead investigation into Kanu matter. E tell di court how di former Attorney General of di Federation, Abubakar Malami, bin write letter to di Director General of di DSS on June 10, 2021, accusing Kanu of "conspiracy, murder, arson, and persistent killings of security operatives". Di witness say na im take Nnamdi Kanu statement afta dem arrest am. E also follow for di officers we interview am for di DSS headquarters for Abuja. Di court admit di letter of di AGF as evidence and also one flash drive wey di prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo bin present for court. Di flash drive contain one video broadcast of Nnamdi Kanu on December 12, 2020. For dat video Kanu announce say di IPOB don establish di Eastern Security Network (ESN) as e tok say "we don wait for di guvnors of di southeast to do wetin dia counterparts for di southwest bin don do, but since dem no wan do am, we dey take am into our hands to do am". Di voice wey be allegedly Nnamdi Kanu also tell one of im caller say make dem go prepare any weapon wey dem fit make and use am to kill police pipo anywia dem dey. "And anyone una kill, make una cut off im head so dat dem go go to hell," di alleged Nnamdi Kanu voice tok. For inside anoda recording, di alleged Nnamdi Kanu voice tok say im go pay anybodi wey fit bring down Wike N100 million. For dat video, Kanu tok say Wike bin offer 50 million naira bounty on top of some IPOB members head, diafore im dey double di offer on too anyone wey fit kill Wike. Witness BBB tok say di DSS bin play di video and audio recordings to Nnamdi Kanu and e bin gree say na im do dem. Some of di tins Kanu tok for di video include: We no fit ever surrender our land to any janjaweed Any attempt by di Zoo army to kill any Biafran go dey reciprocated We get coward, spineless, Lilly-livered men as govnors ESN na to combat di excesses of di vagabonds wey dey attack us from across di Sahel ESN no be di Biafran army, just a security outfit like Amotekun for Yorubaland For anoda video wey di goment play for court, one voice wey di DSS say na Nnamdi Kanu dey talk and tell pipo to "go and burn down Lagos", "set Murtala Mohammed Airport on fire", "burn down dat Tinubu hotel", "go into di bush, collect police dem gun and kill dem", etc. Also, inside anoda video, dat voice wey be allegedly Nnamdi also tok say "evri Federal goment building for Lagos suppose dey on fire. Any goment vehicle burn am. Manfacture una own weapons, ambush dem". Yet for anoda audio recording wey di Nigeria goment play for court, voice wey allegedly belong to Kanu dey tell pipo say "any police pipo wey una kill, go to dia station and set am on fire. Kill dem. Na janjaweeds dem be". E also say "Tinubu don enta trouble, e no go fit run. Anywia wey e run to for dis world we go find am". "If we no behave like mad pipo for dis zoological republic, dis revolution no go work". "Start killing sojas now, set ambush for dem, dig hole for di roads so dat wen dia vehicles dey come e go somersault and dem go die". Dis particular audio recording be like say na during di End SARS protest of October 2020 bicos di voice wey allegedly belong to Kanu dey ansa calls from pipo across Nigeria who dey give am update of wetin dey happen wia dem dey.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Creatine powder vs pills: which is better for muscle gains?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Aside from protein powder, creatine is one of the most popular and researched sport supplements that you're bound to find in any gym bros kitchen cabinet. It helps the body recover more quickly so that you can continue pushing hard with your training, leading to better gains. However, these days, creatine comes in many different forms, with powder and pills being the two most popular. But is one better than the other for optimal gains? Daniel Margis, MSc in Nutritional Medicine and Product Developer at leading sports nutrition brand, ESN, answers. 'Creatine is a natural substance produced in the body, primarily stored in the muscles and is used to regenerate ATP, the body's primary energy source during high-intensity exercise,' explains Daniel. 'It's one of the most studied health supplements in the world and The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has stated that creatine supplementation is safe, beneficial throughout the lifespan, and should not be restricted.' Just to note, taking a scoop of creatine won't make you super strong or directly lead to muscle growth. But, because it helps to enhance your recovery speed, this allows to train harder, and the harder you work, overtime, you'll have better results. We've got a whole creatine guide that delves into its benefits, side effects and the best time to take it. Creatine powder is absorbed faster into the bloodstream than pills, which is arguably more beneficial for those seeking faster performance improvements. 'It's also a cost-effective way to supplement, as it is typically cheaper per serving,' Daniel says. 'Opt for a high-quality option such as ESN's Ultrapure Creatine, which can be quickly absorbed by the body when dissolved in liquid.' On the other hand, creatine powder (even if flavoured) can have quite a bitter taste and, if you store it in your gym bag, can get quite messy. 'It's also less convenient to consume on-the-go as it requires measuring and mixing, which can be more cumbersome than creatine pills.' Creatine pills, on the other hand, are less messy, more portable and don't require measuring or mixing. If you're someone who leads a busy lifestyle, then Daniel says they may be best. 'It's also easier to control the dosage as there is a consistent serving per capsule,' he adds. 'Just make sure you check the ingredients when choosing your creatine pills to ensure each capsule delivers an optimum amount of creatine in its purest form. ESN's Ultrapure Creatine Capsules contain 3.4g per daily serving. 'Creatine pills are also more expensive, and they can be larger than the average supplement capsule, making it difficult for some people to swallow.' You may also be required to take multiple tablets (for some brands it's up to five a day) which, ultimately may not be as quick as chugging back a glass of water. Not to mention, if you aren't the best at swallowing tablets then this will be your worst nightmare. The short answer here is no. 'There's no significant difference that exists between creatine powder and pills regarding effectiveness for muscle-building,' says Daniel. 'Both deliver Creatine Monohydrate as the same active ingredient.' Your choice between the two is depends on your own individual preferences and budget. 'The key factor is consistency in taking the supplement regularly, rather than the form chosen.'
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Draconian' school policies unfairly impact ethnic minority children, MPs told
'Draconian behavioural policies' in schools are 'disproportionately' impacting ethnic minority children, MPs have heard. Labour MP Kim Johnson said racism in schools is a continuing problem as she called for a public inquiry into a 'significant miscarriage of justice' that saw hundreds of ethnic minority children in the 1960s and 70s wrongly sent to schools that were designed for pupils with severe physical and mental disabilities. These children were incorrectly designated as 'educationally subnormal' (ESN). Ms Johnson's adjournment debate coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Swann Report that was commissioned to examine disparities in educational attainment and made recommendations to tackle institutional racism in the education system. The Liverpool Riverside MP said: 'I hope the minister will join me today in recognising the wrong that was done to the survivors of ESN. 'A public inquiry into the scandal of these ESN schools is necessary, not only to secure justice for the victims of these historic discriminatory policies, but also for us to understand how systemic racism and discrimination takes form in our current education system and how we can eradicate it. 'The survivors and the campaigners are calling on the Government to give due consideration to a public inquiry, and four decades on from the first public inquiry report into racism in education, to learn the lessons of the past and secure justice for all whose lives were impacted and continue to suffer.' Ms Johnson told MPs that 'many racist barriers still exist in education' that have 'evolved directly from the policies and attitudes that drove the ESN scandal'. She said: 'The closure of ESN schools in the 1980s directly led to a rapid expansion in the use of school exclusions, and we began to see higher numbers incarcerated in prisons, the expansion of the use of set and tiering in education whereby certain groups of children, increasing numbers, are being denied the opportunity to sit exams at certain levels and then denied the opportunity to progress in educational settings, including going to university. 'The establishment of pupil referral units (PRUs) is recognised as another method of systematic exclusion from education. 'The use of PRUs and exclusions are a symptom of failure of the education system; disruptive behaviour of a child is a cry for help, not a crime. 'An education system that does not respond with care and support is an education system that is broken. 'The number of exclusions have soared in recent years, with children as young as five being kicked out of school. 'Draconian behavioural policies impacting disproportionately poor children, those living in care and those from black Caribbean, mixed and Gypsy-Roma and traveller backgrounds. 'Swann's recommendations for an inclusive education system are more important today, and we must take this opportunity to update those lessons learned and apply them to our current system.' Education minister Catherine McKinnell said the Government 'doesn't currently plan to establish a public inquiry' but is committed to ensuring ' Britain is a country that will respect your contribution and will give you a fair chance to get on in life'. She said: 'While overall the outcomes of some ethnic groups now compare positively with national average outcomes for some groups, outcomes are significantly below average or worse than other groups throughout the education system, and that includes black Caribbean children. 'But one of the most significant factors affecting pupil attainment, which cuts across all ethnicities, is economic disadvantage.' She added: 'It's why this Government's opportunity mission will break down barriers and that unfair link between background and success, we're determined to help all children achieve and thrive.'
