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Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Fears Brit couple held hostage by Taliban will die as dad ‘suffers stroke' after months locked up in underground cell
The husband described being shackled to rapists and 'a demon-possessed man' who murdered his family LOCKED UP Fears Brit couple held hostage by Taliban will die as dad 'suffers stroke' after months locked up in underground cell Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ELDERLY Brit couple held hostage and beaten by the Taliban could die if not rescued soon, the UN has warned. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were snatched by Taliban thugs and tossed into Afghanistan's most notorious prison nearly six months ago - where Peter is believed to have since suffered a stroke. 5 Peter and Barbie Reynolds were scooped up in February and thrown into a brutal prison Credit: Supplied 5 The couple moved to Afghanistan in 2009, where they run training projects The parents-of-four had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years managing training projects, when they were kidnapped on February 1 with no explanation. They were locked up separately at the maximum security Pul-e-Charkhi in Kabul, and later moved to an underground cell beneath the Taliban's intelligence HQ. Eighty-year-old Peter has been chained up, shackled and smacked over the head. Alice Edwards, the UN's special rapporteur on torture, said: 'We see no reason why this elderly couple should be detained at all, and have requested an immediate review of the grounds of their detention. READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS TORTURED SOULS Inside dark history of abandoned asylum that starred in blockbuster thriller 'It is inhumane to keep them locked up in such degrading conditions and more worrying when their health is so fragile.' Peter had a mini stroke in 2023, and is thought to have suffered another one or a silent heart attack while being held prisoner. Barbie, meanwhile, is struggling with dizzy spells and numbness linked to anaemia - which can be caused by a lack of sunlight. The married couple were moved out from underground last week, but are still forced to sleep on mats on the hard floor - and have been provided on furniture. Alice said: 'Their physical and mental health is deteriorating rapidly. "Without access to adequate medical care they are at risk of irreparable harm or even death.' Notorious Iranian prison is BLITZED as 'Israel blows up gate to Evin jail in bid to free Ayatollah's fiercest critics' In April, Peter described the excruciating conditions as "the nearest thing to hell". In a phone recording heard by The Sunday Times, he said: 'I've been joined up with rapists and murderers by handcuffs and ankle cuffs, including a man who killed his wife and three children, shouting away, a demon-possessed man.' He continued: "The atmosphere is pretty shocking. I am learning a lot about the underbelly of Afghanistan. "The prison guards shout all the time and beat people with a piece of piping. "It's a horrible atmosphere — the nearest thing to hell I can imagine." The Reynolds were some of the only foreigners not to leave Afghanistan when the Taliban seized back power four years ago. They had been living peaceful lives in the mountainous region of Bamain - famous for the giant Buddha statues blown up by the previous Taliban regime. 5 Faye Hall, the couple's interprator, was arrested with them but later released Credit: AP 5 Hall was received at the Qatari embassy in Kabul and confirmed to be in good health Credit: Reuters Their family said they had never encountered any trouble from the regime since settling there in 2009. Last week was the pair's 55th wedding anniversary. Barbie told a Foreign Office official this week: 'We have been told we are guests of the government but this is no way to treat a guest." Peter and Barbie were arrested on February 1 along with their interpreter, Jaya, and a visiting Chinese-American friend, Faye Hall. The group was detained after flying in a small plane from Kabul to an airstrip near their home in the central province of Bamiyan. They bundled into vans and taken to separate parts of maximum-security Pul-e-Charki. On May 22 the couple were moved to the headquarters of the GDI — the General Directorate of Intelligence — and put in an underground cell. Although the couple are now together, they have had almost no access to phones since being moved. The last time their four children spoke to them was over a month ago. It was initially thought they had been arrested for teaching parenting skills to mothers. The Taliban later bizarrely claimed the arrest was due to a "misunderstanding" - though did not release them. Hall, their interpretor, was released on March 27 following a court order. Following her release the American citizen heaped praises for president Trump. Hall said in a video posted by Trump on Truth Social: "I've never been so proud to be an American citizen. Thank you, Mr President."
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Benidorm ‘becoming too POSH' as dejected expat complains of empty beaches & buzz-free bars after Brits ‘priced out'
A BRIT living in Benidorm has revealed that the holiday destination is virtually deserted as tourists have been 'priced out' of the party resort. Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the Advertisement 5 Harry Poulton shared his experience of Benidorm looking 'dead' this summer Credit: TikTok/harrytokky 5 He says that people simply haven't been turning up - despite it being peak season Credit: Getty 5 Harry claimed the strip and beaches are virtually deserted this year Credit: Getty In one recent clip, which has racked up 127,000 views and over a thousand likes, he reveals that And he explained that tourists might be staying away because the holiday spot is becoming too expensive. The 24-year-old begins by asking: 'Is He continues: 'Where is everybody? It's the middle of July, and it's absolutely dead. Advertisement READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS 'Normally at this time of year, Benidorm's mental – it's busy, there are people absolutely everywhere. 'I've just been walking down the beach; no one. 'I've been down the Benidorm strip; hardly anyone there. 'Bars aren't even that busy – what's going on? Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive 'Is everyone going to Harry, from Brighton, said that he 'can't believe' how quiet it is. 'Did you expect smoked salmon-' Brit slammed for complaining his staggeringly cheap Benidorm fry-up tasted 'low quality' Even at peak time, around 7 pm, the streets are still bare, he said. Brits flocked to the comments to explain what's been turning them away - and many had the same story. Advertisement Ivan said: 'Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices." Anthony added: 'Everyone is going to Salou, Spain.' A lady called Jane commented: 'It's got too expensive." Rich said: 'People are fed up with being robbed, mate.' Advertisement 5 Harry and many of his viewers believe that rising prices are to blame for Benidorm emptying out Credit: TikTok/harrytokky 5 Viewers reported that prices, especially hotel rooms, had shot up recently Credit: Getty And Jan said: 'Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. "However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price." Advertisement In another clip, racking up 14,000 views and hundreds of likes, Harry reveals that he has the same feeling. The content creator says: 'Benidorm is getting expensive. 'Is it just me that feels this way? Especially the accommodation. 'Everything this year has gone so much more than last year. Advertisement 'I'm not the only one that feels this way.' One comment which says that it costs almost £1,000 for a single room for a week, to which Harry said: 'Ouch, that's got to hurt. 'Don't get me wrong – eating out, drinking, all those sorts of things are still very reasonable, especially price-wise compared to the UK. 'Everything has got really expensive; not just in Benidorm, but in general. Advertisement 'Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? 'Mad, really – what are holidays ? What's a cheap holiday now?'
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
I'm the dictator of a micro empire in America's desert – we've declared war on Germany & we even get celeb state visits
IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared country with its very own dictator and armed forces. Welcome to Molossia - an 11-acre empire with its own timezone, cookie dough currency, banned catfish, lawless sports, and a kayak-based navy patrolling distant lakes. 14 Bizarre micronation Molossia has its own currency, dictator and armed forces Credit: Supplied 14 The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton Credit: Supplied 14 It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government Credit: Supplied 14 And standing proudly over his micronation is Kevin Baugh, who declared himself the president, founder, dictator and creator of the Republic of Molossia. Molossia (not to be confused with any real-world state) has stood - albeit somewhat unofficially - since May 26, 1977. It is so small that it equals to a tenth of the size of Vatican City, the world's smallest country. Inspired by the satirical Cold War film The Mouse that Roared, teenage Kevin and his friend James created their own fictional country. READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS He told The Sun: 'Back then, Molossia was known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein. 'King James was the king, and I was prime minister.' While James moved on, Kevin stayed on the course. In 1988, upon acquiring land in Nevada, Molossia found a physical home. Most read in The US Sun Since then, the desert realm has been steadily growing, one eccentric decree at a time. A sovereign state - with cookie dough currency Molossia has all the trappings of nationhood - a flag, passports, a national garden, and even a unique currency called the Valora, based on cookie dough. 'People kind of see this as a joke, but then they come here and see the customs station and cookie-dough money, and they start to go, 'Hey, this is kind of a real place,'' Baugh said. The nation has a total population of 38 - 37 humans and one dog - and citizenship is strictly limited to Baugh's family, whether by blood or marrying in. Inside the world's Zone of Death - the 50 square mile area where people get away with murder thanks to legal loophole Molossia even has its own timezone, known as Molossian Standard Time, separate from the US and observed only within its tight borders. 'We like to be unique and unusual,' Baugh explained. And customs? Yes, there's even a checkpoint. 'There's a variety of things you can't bring into Molossia… like walruses or catfish,' the dictator said. Why catfish? 'We got bumped from a magazine article in favor of one about noodling catfish with your bare hands. 'So I banned catfish. Easy to ban something you don't actually have.' Molossia welcomes daily visitors between April and October, and some famous faces have stopped by to check the tiny nation out. Baugh revealed: "Jack Black visited in 2015 as a part of a micronation movie that he was planning to make at that time. He visited with a rather a large entourage, all related to the movie. "The movie was to be roughly based on Molossia, of which he had been aware for over 10 years prior. "It was a great visit, and he is a fun guy. It appears now that probably the movie won't be made but again it was wonderful having him visit Molossia." 14 President Baugh pictured with Hollywood star Jack Black Credit: Supplied 14 The dictator rules the micronation from his government office Credit: Supplied 14 The country has its own post office and souvenir shop Credit: Supplied 14 It also has a constabulary and jail for unwelcome visitors Credit: Supplied Dryland regattas, broom ball, and burning the Guy Despite living under a dictatorship, residents of Molossia enjoy traditions that are more whimsical rather than oppressive. Take the Misfit Regatta, a dry land boat race every two years where cardboard "boats" race across a dry lakeboard. Or broom ball, a lawless national sport featuring brooms, chaos ,a nd minimal structure. Baugh explained: 'It's a sport with no rules… sword fights with broomsticks if you want. 'Games last 10 minutes because it's so exhausting.' And then there's Guy Fawkes Night, the British tradition of burning an effigy of the infamous rebel. Why celebrate it? Baugh explained: 'Well, because it's fun. 'Most Molossians are provided their own Guy… we have knockoff English food and burn the Guy in a bonfire.' There's also Moon Pie Day in September, a sugary twist on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. 'Instead of the moon festival, it's the moon pie festival – and we eat those,' said the Molossian leader. 'We have no problem culturally appropriating, especially if it involves food.' 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied At war with a country that no longer exists Molossia is, bizarrely, at war with East Germany. Yes, the country that hasn't officially existed since 1990. But Baugh insists the conflict is unresolved. 'I declared war on East Germany in the early 1980s when I was stationed in West Germany with the US Army. Got tired of being woken up for drills at 2 am,' he said. Years later, Baugh rediscovered the declaration in a box. He explained: 'Turns out East Germany still exists… sort of. 'There's a tiny island off Cuba that was East German territory, never addressed during reunification. 'It's uninhabited – just marine iguanas – but technically, the war continues.' On Molossia's official website, you can even find war bonds to support the war against East Germany in the value of 10 valora. But don't worry if you're short on cookie dough as the website accepts PayPal. The lake navy & space agency Molossia's military might lies not in an army, but in its unlikely Navy. 'We tried having an Army, but the US Olympic Committee used it against us. We tried having an Air Force, but the plane never flew, and anyway it was too small to fit anyone inside,' Baugh wrote on his website. Instead, the landlocked nation fields a naval force made up of five boats, primarily kayaks, tasked with exploring lakes and reservoirs across the western desert. 'Our goal with the Molossian Navy is to explore those watery places that dot the western landscape like gems in the sand,' the official website states. Despite its desert location, Baugh insists the Navy is ready to defend Molossia 'whenever necessary, through the means of our valiant Naval Infantry.' Molossia also has its own air and space agency. Founded in 1999, it has launched several rockets from its Alphonse Simms Memorial Cosmodrome – also known as the national broomball field. Its most notable innovation is Rocket Mail, a postal system using rockets to deliver letters across the micronation. In 2018, teams successfully launched the P-1 Postal Rocket four times. The agency also tested the Skylofter, a payload rocket used to study flight dynamics, ultimately launching the Molossian flag into the sky for the first time. 14 Molossia's fortified navy Credit: Supplied 14 Molossia's ultra-advanced air and space agency has launched rockets and has its own rocket mail Credit: Supplied A Molossian one-man-show Despite calling himself a dictator, Baugh said he is quite benevolent. 'I don't really get involved in the day-to-day decisions of our citizens' lives,' he explained. 'They kind of just go along with what we're doing. And nobody really wants this job – it's a lot of work.' Still, there may be "rigged elections" in Molossia's future. 'You either vote for me or… you vote for me,' he joked. 'Maybe 300 or 400 votes from a population of 38 – dictatorships are known for that.' Any real coups or uprisings? 'No. Again, nobody wants this job. It's just me answering emails, maintaining buildings in Red Square – that's our town square – and running the country.' Baugh walks around his country draped in full military uniform, ready to show off his many medals while posing in front of Molossia's monuments. When asked where the condecorations come from, he said: "Some of the medals that I wear were awarded to me by me for doing great things for the nation. "This is in keeping with the look that most dictators have. "However, most of the medals that I wear, as well as as many, many more that I do not wear, were awarded to me by other nations for contributions to their nation or the micronational world in general." 14 Molossia is bizarrely at war with East Germany, which ceased to exist in 1990 – but the conflict is unresolved Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied Funding a nation on a shoestring Operating on a "third-world budget," Molossia does need to break away from the cookie dough and spend real world money to make the country run. The country only spends around $2,000 to $3,000 a year, mostly funded through tourism and merchandise. 'We try to be imaginative instead of throwing money at things,' Baugh says. Their passports, for instance, are made from cardstock and pocket calendar sleeves – designed to look like 1930s documents so they aren't mistaken for real ones at airports. Future plans for the desert empire Molossia may be small, but its ambitions are… moderately bigger. There's talk of acquiring land across the road, which would double its territory, and dreams of building a tourist railroad. 'A small one, like the kind you see in parks. But that's a bit beyond our budget right now.' Despite its quirky tone, Baugh insists Molossia is more than a parody. 'This is something I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into. It's a serious project with a sense of humor.' And for anyone wondering how the U.S. government feels about this tiny nation in its midst? 'Nothing official. We did get a Christmas card from President Barack Obama once – four months late, but who's counting.' So whether it's banning catfish, waging eternal war against long-defunct nations, or ruling by cheerful decree, Molossia continues to thrive – one moon pie and broomstick sword fight at a time. Can you start your own country? DECLARING your own country is easier than it sounds - but getting the world to take it seriously is another matter. Under international law, a state must meet four key criteria, as outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention: a defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Many so-called micronations, like Molossia, meet some of these requirements — often with a set of self-made laws, borders, and even currencies — but fall short of gaining any official recognition. Recognition is the critical hurdle. Without it, a self-declared nation cannot join the United Nations, sign treaties, or maintain diplomatic relations. Most governments simply ignore micronations, especially if they pose no legal or territorial threat. In short: you can declare your backyard a republic, draft a constitution, and crown yourself president — but legally speaking, you're more novelty than nation.
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-un weeps over coffins of troops he sent to die in Putin's meatgrinder war in Ukraine
KIM Jong-un wept as he watched himself back draping flags over the coffins of North Korean troops he sent to die on Putin's front-line in Ukraine. Around 12,000 North Koreans were battlefield and many were decimated. 7 Kim Jong-un teared up as he watched back himself laying the North Korean flag over soldiers' coffins Credit: Reuters 7 The coffins are thought to contain the bodies of North Koreans killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine Credit: X 7 Kim enters the ceremony with his daughter Kim Ju-ae, right, and Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, left Credit: AFP Kim hosted a ceremony which remembered the soldiers taken out by Zelensky's brave army - and things got emotional for the tyrant. Thousands of North Koreans stood to attention in the vast auditorium, with Kim in the front row. Images of Kim draping the North Korean flag over soldiers' coffins were broadcast on a giant screen at the front while a huge orchestra played emotional music. Women in long dresses sang passionately and there was even a harp player stationed on the stage. READ MORE IN WORLD NEWS Kim draped flags over at least six coffins, and could be seen resting his hands on them in reflection. Watching the scenes back, the dictator's eyes shone with emotion. Other members of the audience - which reportedly included North Korean and Russian soldiers - were also visibly moved. The state-run Korea Central News Agency hailed the gala for reaffirming the "ties of friendship and the genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries that were forged at the cost of blood. Most read in The US Sun The event was attended by Russia's culture minster Olga Lyubimov, who was visiting the Hermit Kingdom to mark the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty. Signed last June by Putin and Kim, it included a mutual defence pact - guaranteeing they will protect one another. North Korea's 'Benidorm' to FINALLY open next week as tyrant Kim Jong-Un cuts ribbon - and Brits have signed up to visit The treaty is believed to have majorly ramped up co-operation between the nations. Moscow is understood to be providing Pyongyang with vital military technology - including blueprints for missile guidance systems and air defence weapons. And after months of speculation, the leaders Kim's men were first reported to be 7 Kim seemed moved by the sacrifices of his troops Credit: X 7 The military ceremony was a pompous affair complete with a choir and orchestra Credit: EPA 7 The event marked a year since North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defence agreement Credit: AFP They Ukraine took in a surprise incursion. Thousands of the North Koreans died, with analysts suggesting they were not prepared for the modern style of drone warfare. However, it was admitted that the Korean soldiers were ultimately instrumental in Russia winning back the land in March this year. As the rotten partnership blooms, North Korea is expected to send another 6,000 troops over to Russia later this summer . The military assistance has been slammed by concerned nations, including South Korea and Japan. Officials in Seoul have raised concerns that it violates UN sanctions on North Korea. 7 Kim and the Russian minister had much to chat about Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Bayesian's interior finally revealed as luxury superyacht turned into chaotic mess after being raised from seabed
HAUNTING pictures of the Bayesian superyacht's wrecked interior have been revealed - after it sank off the coast off Sicily last summer. Tech tycoon 10 Haunting pictures show the aftermath of the Bayesian's sinking Credit: TG/RAINEWS 10 The Bayesian's interior pictured before it sank 10 months ago 10 Chilling pictures showed the extent of the ship's damage nearly a year after it sank Credit: TG/RAINEWS 10 Tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah died in the horror accident Credit: Darren Fletcher It comes after the £14million luxury vessel was The new photographs reveal the A ruined reception area holds soaked furniture scattered across one side of the dilapidated room. Waterlogged armchairs and pillows thrown all over the eerie compartment sit next to ghastly tables which have been soaked under water for the last 10 months. READ MORE WORLD NEWS The once The A further 15 people were rescued following the ship's horror plummet. Last week, chilling pictures showed the Most read in The Sun The Bayesian was then transported about 15 miles along the coast to the port of Termini Imerese. The multimillion-pound vessel was pulled onto a specially made steel cradle at the port. I found doomed Bayesian I saw still haunts me It is currently being examined by investigators, who are trying to work out what caused it to sink so rapidly. Italian builders insisted the ship was virtually unsinkable and suggested the crew may have been at fault. Speculation circulated that someone could have left a hatch open during the storm. But after it was hauled up last week, investigators found every hatch was shut tight. It comes after a After examining the 10 Damaged equipment on board the Bayesian Credit: TG/RAINEWS 10 Superyacht Bayesian being lifted up from the bottom of the sea Credit: AFP 10 The top of the passenger area of the superyacht Bayesian being lifted Credit: Reuters And they confirmed the vessel's critical weakness was that the ship was vulnerable to wind. An interim report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said the yacht had a 'vulnerability' to lighter winds but the owner and crew would not have known. It added it had 'limited verified evidence' as the criminal probe in Italy had restricted its access. Italian prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the yacht's sudden sinking. They are probing the ship's skipper New Zealand national James Cutfield, Brit chief engineer Tim Parker Eaton, and deckhand Matthew Griffiths, for potential manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. Inside the Bayesian's final 16 minutes By Ellie Doughty, Foreign News Reporter Data recovered from the Bayesian's Automatic Identification System (AIS) breaks down exactly how it sank in a painful minute-by-minute timeline. At 3.50am on Monday August 19 the Bayesian began to shake "dangerously" during a fierce storm, Italian outlet Just minutes later at 3.59am the boat's anchor gave way, with a source saying the data showed there was "no anchor left to hold". After the ferocious weather ripped away the boat's mooring it was dragged some 358 metres through the water. By 4am it had began to take on water and was plunged into a blackout, indicating that the waves had reached its generator or even engine room. At 4.05am the An emergency GPS signal was finally emitted at 4.06am to the coastguard station in Bari, a city nearby, alerting them that the vessel had sunk. Early reports suggested the disaster struck around 5am local time off the coast of Porticello Harbour in Palermo, Sicily. The new data pulled from the boat's AIS appears to suggest it happened an hour earlier at around 4am. Some 15 of the 22 onboard were rescued, 11 of them scrambling onto an inflatable life raft that sprung up on the deck. A smaller nearby boat - named Sir Robert Baden Powell - then helped take those people to shore. The huge £20million recovery undertaking was plagued by delays and Robcornelis Maria Huijben Uiben, 39, died when working 160ft below the ocean alongside other workers - just days after recovery operations began. This prompted some locals to believe that the sunken ship is "cursed". Floating cranes, remote-controlled robots, and specialist divers amongst other marine experts were brought in to recover the vessel. Billionaire Dr Lynch was celebrating being cleared of a massive fraud over the sale of Autonomy to computer giant Hewlett-Packard in 2011 when the Bayesian went down. 10 Lynch, 59, died as the yacht sank Credit: Reuters 10 Tycoon Mike Lynch's superyacht sank because it was vulnerable to wind, a report claims Credit: EPA 10
