Latest news with #Pearcey
7NEWS
05-05-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce counselled over social media post relating to war in Gaza
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce has been counselled after he shared a post on social media which caused offence to the Jewish community. Late last month, the AFL defender reshared a post from Irish hip hop band Kneecap relating to the war in Gaza. The post read: 'Let us be absolutely clear. The reason Kneecap is being targeted is simple — we are telling the truth, and our audience is growing. Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. 'They weaponize false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide. 'We do not give a f*** what religion anyone practices. We know there are massive numbers of Jewish people outraged by this genocide just as we are. What we care about is that governments of the countries we perform in are enabling some of the most horrific crimes of our lifetimes - and we will not stay silent.' Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was asked by Jewish AFL reporter Ronny Lerner after his side's game on Friday if Pearce would issue an apology to the Jewish community. 'Earlier in the week, your captain caused quite significant offence and distress to the Jewish community. Will he apologise at any stage or not?' Lerner asked during the post-match press conference. Longmuir responded: 'I'm not going to sit here and talk to Pearcey. 'I know the club's had discussions with Pearcey. I wasn't involved in those discussions, so I'll leave that one.' Raising the issue on Monday night's episode of The Agenda Setters, Caroline Wilson said it's a story that 'has been bubbling under the surface'. 'No one has been prepared to talk about this, the AFL isn't prepared to make a comment about this,' she said. 'Simon Garlick hasn't been prepared to say anything publicly, nor Alex Pearce's manager, Tim Hazel, who said he was out of reach last week, but he's available now and he still doesn't want to say anything. 'Alex Pearce had a view, liked a couple of posts of the Irish band, Kneecap, and they're strong Palestinian supporters. 'I'm not taking a position on this, but I can tell you that there are many people in the AFL Jewish community who are very upset by the social media post put up by Alex Pearce. 'Alex Pearce has been counselled; apparently he's been explained away as being naive. 'But as I say, there are people within the AFL who are very disappointed that, given the harsh penalties the AFL chose to place on some players, like those involved in Wacky Wednesday, that they're not prepared to make a comment about this. 'I'll leave it at that.'
Trade Arabia
19-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Arabia gears up for mega World Defence Show 2026
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) will be showcasing the latest advancements in defence technologies across all its five domains - air, land, sea, space and security - at its biggest ever World Defence Show, to be held next year in Riyadh from February 8 to 12. Announcing the expo details, GAMI said building on the success of its two prior editions, WDS 2026 will bring together global defence stakeholders to foster further collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships to strengthen global defense capabilities. Furthermore, the WDS 2026 will span 273,000 cu m of exhibition space, including a new fourth hall. Since its inception in 2022, the area of exhibition stands has grown by a considerable 58%. WDS 2026 is set to be even bigger and has received global participation, with 65% of exhibition stands already sold, said GAMI in a statement. At the expanded 2026 venue, attendees can experience several world-class features, participate in strategic networking opportunities, engage in discussions on crucial topics transforming the defense landscape, and view live and static displays, it added. According to GAMI, several new features will be introduced at its upcoming third edition being held under the theme "The Future of Defense Integration." Additionally, WDS contributes to Saudi Arabia's growth in the defence sector and is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which is to localize 50% of defence spending in the Kingdom. World Defence Show CEO Andrew Pearcey pointed out that the upcoming edition will surpass the records of the previous edition. "The 2026 show will be larger in size and expanded in scope, with increased international and local participation, expanded exhibition space, and a stronger focus on technological advancements, zooming in on unmanned systems and naval," stated Pearcey. "WDS has introduced a range of important new features to promote further integration across the full spectrum of defense operations and deliver attendees another unmatched experience," he added. Pearcey said a key highlight of the 2026 show will be the Future Defense Lab, a revolutionary platform showcasing a new era of innovators, from startups to global primes, presenting cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the Unmanned Systems Zone too will bring the latest advancements in autonomous technology to the forefront, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the next phase of unmanned developments across all defence domains, he noted. A key new feature that reflects the kingdom's growing defence sector capabilities is the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, which enables small- and medium-sized Saudi enterprises the opportunity to connect with key players in the global defense supply chain, thereby strengthening local and international partnerships, said GAMI, the founder of World Defence Show. Additionally, there will be a Naval Zone that will offer a comprehensive look at the future of maritime defence, underscoring the integral role of naval capabilities in maintaining global stability and securing economic interests, it added. Pearcey said WDS had received resounding positive feedback from the previous two editions, exceeding its expectations across the board.
