Latest news with #UNESCOWorldHeritageSite
New York Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Five women slammed for viral pole dancing stunt at famous Greek palace
Five women who staged a semi-nude photo shoot on a pole outside a 'cultural landscape' at 1:30 a.m. while on holiday in Greece have faced court. British dancers Imogen Gunter-Zak, 30, Sharon Randell, 57, Alisha Haddrell, 32, Katie Clark, 40, and a German woman were allegedly filmed swinging around the white post at Corfu's Old Palace, a 200-year-old former royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Footage of the troupe, who were reportedly visiting the Greek Island for a two-week study abroad program with their pole dancing school, showed two members of the group in sexy red lingerie posing for photos as the others cheered them on, The Sun reports. However, the pole dancers were later arrested after the video of the photo shoot went viral, with the women accused of violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area, with Corfu's Ministry of Culture referring to it as an 'illegal act'. 3 Two pole dancers on a two-week study abroad program in Greece in sexy red lingerie posed for photos as three others cheered them on, leading them being sent to court for potential archaeological law violations. Two of the five dancers were handed six-month suspended sentences and ordered to pay $226.95 in court fees, according to local outlet The remaining three dancers were acquitted. 3 The remaining three dancers were acquitted. Outside court, the acquitted dancers apologized, insisting they 'meant no disrespect to the monument' and 'never intended to cause offence'. But the ordeal has been slammed by Steve Gunter-Zak, the father of the youngest woman involved, who claimed the women were treated like 'scrubbers' and locked away with hardened criminals 'They had no idea it was wrong to be performing where they were,' he told The Sun. 'I believe this has been driven by politics. Someone in authority has got it in for them. 'But these women are not scrubbers. They're not tarts and their dancing is not sexual. It's performance art.' His daughter Imogen and Sharon were named by the publication as the two that have been hit with the six-month suspended jail terms. They were convicted of 'degrading the cultural landscape' at the Old Palace of St Michael and St George. Both have appealed with their lawyer Makis Grammenos confident of success. 'They didn't need to spend three nights in cells. They were anxious, sleep-deprived and had no food,' he said. Retired lecturer Steve said Imogen and Alisha – her pal and business partner – hired a local photographer to shoot video and stills of their trip. 'He chose where they would perform. He assured them this site was okay and they trusted him,' the dad claimed. 'They did it late at night to cause as little disturbance and nuisance to locals. 'But it attracted quite a few people and some were videoing on phones. One put it online and it went viral. 'A few days later it became clear the girls were in trouble so they went to a police station to tell them what they'd been doing. 'But as soon as they got there they were charged.' Steve also claimed that despite Imogen being convicted she was never even dancing. Thanos Giannakouris said: 'They didn't leave a scratch on the monument. 3 'They're not tarts and their dancing is not sexual. It's performance art,' the father of Imogen and Sharon, who were named by The Sun as the two dancers hit with six-month suspended jail terms, said. 'It's totally overblown. These were young girls having a bit of fun.' The three women who were acquitted have since apologised on camera. The footage, which was reportedly filmed during the early hours of May 23, 2025, shows a photo shoot taking place after a pole was erected beneath the grand arch of the historic structure. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seen in the footage first opened in 1824 and is a renowned example of Regency architecture. Despite suffering damage during the war, it has since been restored and adapted to house the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu — a unique institution in Greece, featuring rare and extensive collections from China, Japan, India, and other parts of Asia.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Anti-drone system at Taj Mahal to counter aerial threats
AGRA: An anti-drone technology system was installed at the Taj Mahal in Agra on Friday to counter potential aerial threats in and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Police said the system has a range of eight kilometres and will 'soft kill' any threat once it comes within 500 metres of the main dome of the historic monument. The move comes after India carried out military strikes under Operation Sindoor on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed. ACP (Taj Security) Sayed Areeb Ahmad said that the anti-drone system, provided by the security headquarters, successfully detected and neutralised drones during the trial run. According to Ahmad, the system has a range of about eight kilometres and can identify drones flying from any direction within this range. "It not only tracks the drone's current location but also pinpoints where it is being operated from. Drones coming within 500 metres of the monument are automatically neutralised," Ahmad said. "If any drone enters the no-fly zone around the Taj Mahal, the system will detect it immediately. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo A response team will then trace the operator's location, conduct a raid, and take legal action as per the rules," he added. Before the installation of the technology, security teams deployed to protect the Taj Mahal also underwent a week-long training to handle and operate the system, said the ACP Ahmad, adding, "Agra Police and CISF are involved in protecting the Taj Mahal and its periphery, and flying of drones is prohibited within the 500-metre radius of the monument." When asked how the system works, police sources refrained from revealing many details, citing security concerns. However, they said that the anti-drone system automatically jams the signal of any drone approaching the area, rendering it inoperable through a method known as a 'soft kill'. A police team will then trace the origin point of the drone and secure the location from where it was launched. Agra Police will be responsible for operating and maintaining the system. However, the exact location of the radar and other components has not been disclosed.
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Anti-drone technology installed to protect Taj Mahal from aerial attacks during wartime
LUCKNOW: In the wake of the Indo-Pak military face-off following Operation Sindoor, security agencies recognising the potential threat to national monuments have installed anti-drone technology at the Taj Mahal in Agra to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage Site against possible aerial attacks during times of war. According to district police sources, the system has a range of eight kilometres and is capable of a 'soft kill' neutralising any aerial threat that comes within 500 metres of the main dome of the iconic monument. This development follows heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this month, after India conducted airstrikes that destroyed nine terror hubs deep inside Pakistani territory. The strikes were in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. The anti-drone system, supplied by the security headquarters, was successfully tested during a trial run and demonstrated effective detection and neutralisation capabilities.
Japan Forward
16 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Gunkanjima: An Island Frozen in Time
このページを 日本語 で読む The only sound that echoed was the crashing of waves against the pier. On this once-sealed island, it felt as if time had stood still. Gunkanjima, officially known as Hashima, is a small island about 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) in circumference, lying off the Nagasaki Peninsula. Once a thriving undersea coal mining site, it is now part of Nagasaki City. The island earned its nickname — meaning "Battleship Island" — because its silhouette resembles the warship Tosa. Remnants of what were once apartment blocks. Tourism and Global Recognition In April 2009, after 35 years of closure, Gunkanjima reopened to tourists. It has since appeared in several films, most notably the 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall. The island gained further recognition in July 2015, when its coal mine was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution." Tourists on Gunkanjima. Gunkanjima's history dates back to the early Meiji era. Before the mine shut down in 1974, approximately 15.7 million tons of coal had been extracted, with mining operations reaching depths of 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) below sea level. At its peak, the island was home to around 5,300 residents — making it the most densely populated place on Earth at the time. The buildings are now in a state of ruin. Prosperity Amid Hardship Coal mining was grueling, but life on the island was relatively prosperous. Goro Kumasho, who spent his twenties there, recalled: "We always bought the best — televisions, washing machines, everything," he said. "Every week, we'd take the ferry to Nagasaki just for fun." No matter how much overtime someone worked elsewhere, he added, they couldn't out-earn a coal miner. Today, what were once schools, hospitals, high-rise apartments, pachinko parlors, and movie theaters lie in ruins. The island that once bustled with life now stands abandoned. Yet its role in Japan's modernization is undeniable. (All photos and videos in this article are from 2015.) Advertisement RELATED: Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Europe's best country to visit in 2025 has Maldives-like coast and ancient city
The world's best countries to visit in 2025 have been ranked with one gorgeous European destination taking the top spot - and it's got heaps for Brits to explore The world's best country to visit in 2025 has been revealed, and it boasts some incredible Maldives -worthy beaches, not to mention it's easy for Brits to visit on a budget as it's in Europe. Albania has been emerging as must-visit holiday destination in recent yers, and now travel insiders have ranked it as the top spot that's 'preserved from mass tourism, authentic and affordable', closely followed by Colombia and Laos. The travel experts at HelloSafe, who conducted the study, explained: "Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money." According to the research, the best months to visit are between May and September, which isn't surprising considering this is when the country boasts some enviable hot and sunny weather, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August. There's so much to see and do across the country, but the team flagged that if you're only going to visit one area, make it the "preserved valley of Theth, nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps". Theth itself is a small village that looks like it's straight out of a storybook, thanks to the lush green valley that surrounds it, complete with ethereal waterfalls and colourful flowers. Hikers will definitely want to don some sturdy boots and take on many of the countless trails that weave through the landscape, with some Instagram-worthy views. For those after more social media fodder, the small coastal village of Ksamil is worth having on your radar. Dubbed 'Europe's answer to the Maldives', it boasts plenty of incredible white beaches and crystal-clear waters, while the Ksamil Islands can be reached by boat or even by kayak if you fancy a day trip. (It's also just a 30-minute ferry ride from Corfu if you want to add a Greek island to the itinerary!). Meanwhile, the 'Stone City' of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its 'rare examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period'. This citadel town, along with Berat which is part of the site, looks like it belongs in a film set with the ancient ruins, historic churches and dense green surroundings. For those who prefer a city break, the Albanian capital, Tirana, is sure to tick all of the boxes. Boasting an enviable nightlife, plenty of restaurants and heaps of museums to explore, the city also has a plethora of attractions to fill up the itinerary whether that's taking in the mountain views from the cable car, discovering the Cold War bunkers, or taking a guided walking tour of all of the incredible street art nestled across the city. If you want to visit Albania, one of the easiest routes is to fly direct to Tirana, with airlines including Wizz Air and Ryanair offering a range of options from the UK, with fares starting from £19.99 each way (excluding luggage fees).
