Latest news with #Metropol
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Hungarian Newspaper Faces Backlash For Using Photos Of Women Without Consent
Last Updated: Hungary's Newspaper asked readers to share photos of women taken in public places like streets and subways in skirts. A Hungarian newspaper, Metropol, is facing strong criticism after it asked readers to send photos of women's legs seen through shorts and skirts. Their message, 'The shorter, the better," left many upset because their goal ignores women's privacy. This request led to protests outside the newspaper's office soon after multiple pictures were published. People gathered to demand an apology and resignation from the entire editorial team for their offensive campaign. Reportedly, the photos were taken in public places like streets and subways, without women's consent. As per the local news portal, HVG, the pro-government newspaper shared pictures of several women with the headline, 'The shorter, the better." Below, they mentioned, 'This statement is certainly true for fashion, if not for life span. But in the case of skirts and dresses worn by girls, it is certainly true with the beginning of summer." Close to 50 to 60 young people gathered outside the Metropol publisher's offices, Mediaworks, to protest against their campaign. They were angry and held signs with strong messages, saying that women should not be treated as objects and that taking photos without permission is not real journalism. Many shouted slogans to share their frustration and made it clear that they 'are not here to please you." Protestors even created a Facebook page to organise the protest. On that page, one young woman shared her experience of finding her photo in the newspaper without her knowledge. She wrote, 'Today I went to attend a graduation exam and I would not have thought that when I came out, I had entered the Metropol newspaper, without my consent, a photo I had taken of me was secretly used. I find it upsetting that some people are happy to be humiliated and ridiculed by young women, and in addition, this is supported by one of the most popular government party newspapers in the country, and even encourages its readers to illegally take photos of foreign people on the streets." 'I don't think it's up to anyone else what kind of clothes I wear, what clothes I feel complete and happy. I can understand if someone doesn't like my style, everyone has different tastes but no one has the right to share their opinion about it on any public media platforms," the woman added. Metropol has a history of publishing upsetting content. Earlier, they targeted homeless people by printing a 'beggar map.' Because of this, the National Media and Communications Authority's Media Council fined them in July 2021. The issue later went to court, where Mediaworks, the company behind the newspaper, argued that their content wasn't against the law. But the court disagreed. In the end, the media group lost the case and had to pay a fine.
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
Hungarian Newspaper Publishes Pics Of Women In Short Skirts Without Consent, Faces Backlash
A Hungarian newspaper, Metropol, has faced backlash for publishing a photo spread featuring women in short skirts without their consent. The images, taken in public spaces such as subways and streets, were part of the paper's "Take a photo and send it in!" column, which has previously been criticised for exploiting vulnerable groups, Hungarian news website Telex reported. The publication's ties to Hungary's ruling government have added to the controversy, sparking widespread protests from women's rights advocates and the Hungarian public. The photo spread, titled "The shorter, the better," featured images of women in short skirts taken without their knowledge or consent. The article below the headline read, "This statement is certainly true for fashion, if not for life-span. But in the case of skirts and dresses worn by girls, it is certainly true with the beginning of summer." The situation worsened when the feature invited readers to submit similar photos, further fueling the controversy over the newspaper's objectification of women. Women's rights activists and social media users condemned Metropol's feature, calling it invasive and objectifying. A protest was held outside the publisher's offices, where around 50-60 demonstrators chanted slogans like "Harassment is not journalism" and "My body is not an object," demanding a public apology from the newspaper. The PATENT Association, a civil rights organisation, strongly condemned the article, calling it "blatant objectification and vile sexism." They argued that it perpetuates a dangerous message, implying women are never safe in public, even during the day. "Men who take photos up women's skirts don't even need to hide anymore. They can proudly send their 'prey' to a widely distributed newspaper, which publishes the images with disgusting commentary across two pages," the group wrote. One of the affected girls shared her distressing experience, revealing she had no idea her photo was taken or published. "It's humiliating that some people find joy in mocking young women and that a major, government-aligned newspaper not only supports but encourages this," she wrote. She added, "I don't think it's anyone else's business what I wear or what clothes make me feel complete and happy. I can understand if someone doesn't like my style; everyone has different tastes, but no one has the right to share their personal opinion about it on public media platforms." Reacting to the photos, one person on Reddit wrote, "So is the purpose to titillate the paper's (presumably straight male) readers, or to shame women wearing short skirts? Both." Another said, "I think this is the most Disgusting thing I will see today. Or this week." In response, the PATENT Association is providing free legal support to individuals featured in the publication without their consent and is encouraging others to come forward.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Hungary newspaper asks readers to submit pics of women in skirts: ‘The shorter the better'
A newspaper in Hungary asked its readers to submit photographs of women in short skirts, sparking protests and condemnation from women's rights groups. According to a report in Hungarian news website Telex, Metropol newspaper published a photo spread of women in shorts skirts in its June 4 issue. The photographs appeared to have been taken without the knowledge or consent of the subjects. The photo spread appeared in Metropol's infamous 'Take a photo and send it in!' column which has previously faced scrutiny for targeting vulnerable groups. 'The shorter, the better' declared the provocative headline accompanying the pictures. The article below the headline read, 'this statement is certainly true for fashion, if not for life-span. But in the case of skirts and dresses worn by girls, it is certainly true with the beginning of summer.' The photo spread included pictures of women in skirts, taken on subways and on the road. The strange feature drew condemnation in Hungary and on social media. According to a report in local news website around 50 to 60 people staged a protest outside the office of Mediaworks, which publishes Metropol, on Wednesday afternoon. They raised slogans like 'Harassment is not journalism' and 'My body is not an object' to express their anger against the offensive piece. Some protestors also demanded a public apology from Metropol, which is a free newspaper with ties to the ruling government. Reactions on social media were similarly critical. 'So is the purpose to titillate the paper's (presumably straight male) readers, or to shame women wearing short skirts? Both?' asked one person on Reddit. Another called it 'State sponsored harassment of young women.' 'Traditionalism. They want women to be domestic servants with 'modest dress' outside the bedroom. This type of harassment is meant to herd women into that direction,' a user opined.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar captivated by Moscow's historic Hotel Metropol, hails Russia's literary legacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the historic Hotel Metropol in Moscow offered a moment of rich cultural reflection as he engaged warmly with hotel staff and expressed admiration for the landmark's historical and literary legacy. During a light-hearted and engaging exchange with the hotel staff captured by Bernama, Anwar was fascinated by the hotel's legacy and spirit. "Why didn't you invite me here earlier?" Anwar joked, drawing laughter from the hotel staff. He then quipped upon hearing the names of literary legends attached to some of the suites. "Why did you give the room for Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov? But they were not here, never here," Anwar said knowingly. Anwar's knowledge of Russian history was evident when he quickly mentioned that Vladimir Lenin stayed at the hotel before and was confirmed by the staff adding that Lenin had met workers in some of the original suites, many of which have been preserved in their authentic forms. The hotel staff, keen to share the hotel's historical past, offered Anwar a commemorative book detailing its legacy, a gesture the prime minister graciously accepted. Earlier, Anwar chaired a high-level roundtable with top Russian business leaders at the hotel, in a move to expand Malaysia's trade footprint and unlock new strategic collaborations across critical sectors. The Metropol, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, is a grand symbol of Russia's architectural and cultural heritage. Opened in 1905, it was the first hotel in Moscow to feature modern amenities such as electricity, elevators and hot running water. Visibly moved by the hotel's literary and historical resonance, Anwar said he is tempted by history, culture, and the literary works. A known bibliophile and supporter of the arts, Anwar has consistently emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Later, Anwar mentioned the brief exchange in his official Facebook page, describing Metropol as "a legendary landmark in Moscow that has stood witness to momentous events since the Tsarist era and has hosted some of the world's most prominent figures". "I was struck by how proudly Russia's literary heritage is preserved here. With rooms named after Tolstoy, Turgenev and Chekhov, and their portraits adorning the walls, the Metropol reminds us that material progress must always be anchored in spirit, culture, and humanity." Beyond the cultural appreciation, the prime minister took the opportunity to discuss potential avenues for expanding sustainable trade and investment ties between Malaysia and Russia.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar captivated by Moscow's historic Hotel Metropol, hails Russia's literary legacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the historic Hotel Metropol in Moscow offered a moment of rich cultural reflection as he engaged warmly with hotel staff and expressed admiration for the landmark's historical and literary legacy. During a light-hearted and engaging exchange with the hotel staff captured by Bernama, Anwar was clearly fascinated by the hotel's legacy and spirit. 'Why didn't you invite me here earlier?' Anwar joked, drawing laughter from the hotel staff. He then quipped upon hearing the names of literary legends attached to some of the suites. 'Why did you give the room for Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov? But they were not here, never here,' Anwar said knowingly. Anwar's knowledge of Russian history was evident when he quickly mentioned that Vladimir Lenin stayed at the hotel before and was confirmed by the staff adding that Lenin had met workers in some of the original suites, many of which have been preserved in their authentic forms. The hotel staff, keen to share the hotel's historical past, offered Anwar a commemorative book detailing its legacy, a gesture the Prime Minister graciously accepted. Earlier, Anwar chaired a high-level roundtable with top Russian business leaders at the hotel, in a move to expand Malaysia's trade footprint and unlock new strategic collaborations across critical sectors. The Metropol, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, is a grand symbol of Russia's architectural and cultural heritage. Opened in 1905, it was the first hotel in Moscow to feature modern amenities such as electricity, elevators and hot running water. Visibly moved by the hotel's literary and historical resonance, Anwar said he is tempted by history, culture, and the literary works. A known bibliophile and supporter of the arts, Anwar has consistently emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Later Anwar mentioned the brief exchange in his official Facebook page, describing Metropol as 'a legendary landmark in Moscow that has stood witness to momentous events since the Tsarist era and has hosted some of the world's most prominent figures'. 'I was struck by how proudly Russia's literary heritage is preserved here. With rooms named after Tolstoy, Turgenev and Chekhov, and their portraits adorning the walls, the Metropol reminds us that material progress must always be anchored in spirit, culture, and humanity.' Beyond the cultural appreciation, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to discuss potential avenues for expanding sustainable trade and investment ties between Malaysia and Russia.
