{"45":{"id":316044,"pic":"20260611155038_media_6a2a2ac599adc6_53953398.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Stabbing victim's family calls for calm amid violent anti-immigration protests in Northern Ireland","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

The family of a Northern Irish man who lost an eye in a knife attack has appealed for calm after the incident triggered a wave of anti-immigrant violence in Belfast, with masked men burning homes and torching vehicles.<\/p>

The appeal came as a Sudanese man appeared in court charged with attempted murder, and as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and politicians in Northern Ireland condemned the violence targeted at ethnic minorities.<\/p>

Police clashed with protesters for a second night on Wednesday, local time, deploying water cannons and armoured vehicles against a few dozen young men hurling bricks and fireworks ​to the north of Belfast.� <\/p>

But there was far less unrest �'than at the same time the previous evening after the video of the knife attack went viral.<\/p>Stabbing victim's family calls for calm

The family of the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, issued a statement calling for calm.<\/p>

\"We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward,\" the statement said.<\/p>

\"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country … We do not want this terrible tragedy to �'be used to divide people or fuel hostility.\"<\/p>

Speaking in parliament in London, Sir Keir said the attack raised serious questions but that \"driving people out of their homes is not … the right way to � respond\".<\/p>

The suspect in the attack, a 30-year-old Sudanese national named as Hadi Alodid, appeared in court on Wednesday and was remanded in �'custody.<\/p>

Mr Ogilvie, who was in his 40s, suffered significant injuries to his face and back, the court heard.<\/p>Protesters set cars and homes alight

Videos of the attack had �'circulated online all day on Tuesday, sparking calls on social media for violent protest.<\/p>

Police had to help one family escape from a burning house. Several cars and a bus were set on fire and reduced to shells. Local politicians and a pastor said many of those targeted were black.Resident Jamie Corry, 33, said he could only watch on as his house went up in flames.<\/span><\/p>

\"I was actually standing right there watching my whole house just go up, slowly but surely,\" he said.<\/p>

\"I told them and all, when they were lighting a car up on fire, 'That's my property, that's �'my property,' … and they still didn't care.\"<\/blockquote>Following the posts from Mr Musk, as well as calls from anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson and others for more protests on Wednesday, Northern Ireland's police chief said an extra 200 officers were being deployed on the �'streets.<\/span><\/div>

\"These idiots didn't ​just target ethnic minority groups … they targeted society,\" Chief � Constable Jon Boutcher said of Tuesday night's rioters.<\/p>Minister accuses 'bad-faith actors' of exploiting attacks

Speaking with 7.30's Sarah Ferguson, Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long paid tribute to members of the local community who had come to Mr Ogilvie's aid during the knife attack.<\/p>

But she said there was no doubt \"bad-faith actors\" who would have previously struggled to find the �'province on a map had sought to weaponise people's fear and anger over the incident to target innocent migrants.<\/p>

\"Last night in my own constituency, we saw infrastructure burned, we saw young families being driven from their homes, based on nothing but the colour of their skin,\"<\/blockquote>

she said.<\/span><\/p>

\"They were not related to the individual who did this; they were not involved in any criminality, but unfortunately, they are now victims of crime themselves.<\/p>

\"That is not in anyone's interest.<\/p>

\"We need to pull together, we need to work through what is a very difficult time, but we need to put community first … so that everybody, whether they were born here or whether they've chosen to live here, can be safe in their home and safe on the street.\"The disorder in Northern Ireland is the latest violence to flare in the UK in response to a crime believed to involve a migrant, which has led to the calls for demonstrations from prominent anti-Islam and anti-immigrant activists.<\/span><\/p>

Immigration has historically been low in Northern Ireland due in part to the three-decade conflict waged between � mainly Catholic Irish nationalists seeking Irish unity and predominantly Protestant pro-British \"loyalists\" wanting to stay in the United Kingdom, and the British military.According to the 2021 census, 96.6 per cent �'of those living in Northern Ireland were white.<\/span><\/p>

However, migration has increased in recent years, and there has been a hardening sentiment against it in both Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic �'of Ireland, with police statistics showing the number of racist incidents reached a record level in 2025.<\/p>

University of Liverpool politics professor Jonathan Tonge told the ABC that anti-immigrant sentiment was present among both Protestant-unionist British and Catholic-nationalist Irish; however, the riots almost exclusively involved members of the former community.It should be said that the vast bulk of that Protestant-unionist British community would completely reject the violence … but there's a section of that community that simply won't listen to [appeals from Mr Ogilvie's family],\" he said.<\/span><\/p>

\"Sixty years ago it was Catholics that were being attacked and burnt out of their homes … a couple of generations on and it's been immigrants.\"<\/blockquote><\/div>

Professor Tonge said reports that a \"hit list\" of migrants' homes had been circulated among the rioters were a \"very sinister development\".<\/p>

\"The family [of Mr Ogilvie] has been very brave in speaking out quite clearly and saying violence achieves nothing â€\" and violence doesn't achieve anything,\" he said.<\/p>

Source: abc.net.au<\/p>


<\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/article-27126-e231ab\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"11\/06\/2026","byline":"Peter Brimble<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"44":{"id":316942,"pic":"20260713181053_media_6a547b1462e076_96590257.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Religious studies scholars raise concerns over detention of elderly religious leader","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
At the Ninth Annual Conference of the European Academy of Religion held in Rome, scholars of religion discussed the situation surrounding Shincheonji Church during a session titled Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context, which featured academic presentations on the church and included discussion of the recent detention of its Chairman, Lee Man-hee.<\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
Dr Massimo Introvigne, sociologist of religion and Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), says that the detention of the 95-year-old religious leader is inconsistent with international human rights standards.<\/span><\/div>
According to Dr. Introvigne, European Union countries generally reserve the detention of individuals over the age of 80 for exceptional circumstances, typically involving serious violent crimes where there is a significant risk of further violence.<\/div>
He noted that the allegations against Chairman Lee concern violations of electoral law rather than violent offenses.<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>
<\/div>
Dr Introvigne further stated that the detention may conflict with international human rights principles, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules), which encourage the limited use of pretria<\/span>l detention, particularly for elderly individuals.<\/span><\/div>
He described the case as \"an unmitigated scandal\" and suggested it reflects political and religious motivations.<\/div>
<\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
Eric Roux, President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), also expressed concern over the detention.<\/span><\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
He stated that imprisoning a 95-year-old man raises serious questions about respect for human dignity and urged South Korean authorities to review the case promptly, warning that it could negatively affect the country's international reputation.<\/span><\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
Human rights lawyer Alessandro Amicarelli, Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB), likewise criticized the detention.<\/span><\/span><\/div>
A solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a barrister in Italy, Amicarelli says he had long regarded South Korea as a democracy with a strong commitment to human rights but des<\/span>cribed the current situation as \"truly shocking.<\/span><\/span><\/div>
He expressed concern that the treatment of Chairman Lee appears inconsistent with South Korea's constitutional and human rights principles and voiced support for Shincheonji's efforts to oppose what he described as religious persecution.<\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
Shincheonji Church stated that the detention of Chairman Lee has become an international human rights issue extending beyond academic discussion.<\/span><\/span><\/div>
The organizations also alleged that, in December 2025, South Korea's president ordered the creation of a joint police-prosecutor task force specifically targeting Shincheonji Church and noted that public references to the church as a \"criminal organization\" by senior officials undermine the presumption of innocence.<\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
The statement called on the Government of the Republic of Korea to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and state neutrality.<\/span><\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
The church maintained that Chairman Lee's prompt release is essential to protecting religious freedom and fundamental human rights, which it described as core democratic values.<\/span><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/religious-studies-scholars-raise-concerns-over-detention-of-elderly-religious-leader-f75a3c\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"13\/07\/2026","byline":"Mikaele Liga<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"43":{"id":316600,"pic":"20260701090633_media_6a4328d1d66c53_43408633.jpg","picdesc":"Source: Church Newsroom","title":"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide humanitarian aid to more than 23,500 Venezuela earthquake victims","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

<\/p>

<\/div>

<\/p>

More than 23,500 people affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela will receive humanitarian assistance from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Church has launched a humanitarian response that includes the distribution of about 5,000 relief kits<\/span> to support people in the affected communities.<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

It says the response is being coordinated with humanitarian organisations and government authorities to assess the most urgent needs and ensure assistance reaches those who need it as quickly as possible.<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

The relief kits contain food, drinking water, hygiene items and other essential supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Families staying in temporary shelters are also receiving mattresses, blankets and pillows as part of the initial phase of assistance.<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

The Church says the aid is available to anyone in need, regardless of their background or faith.<\/p>\n

It is also preparing additional recovery projects to help families who have lost their belongings in the earthquakes.<\/p>

<\/p>\"\"

<\/p>

The Church says it remains committed to supporting affected communities throughout their recovery.<\/p>

Source: Church Newsroom� <\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-to-provide-humanitarian-aid-to-more-than-23-500-venezuela-earthquake-victims-7bb0c1\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"01\/07\/2026","byline":"Pita Toganivalu<\/a>","ntags":"Assistance<\/a> World-News<\/a>"},"42":{"id":316823,"pic":"20260709065754_media_6a4e9c46545ec8_70178207.jpg","picdesc":"Reuters","title":"Trump says ceasefire is 'over' after US and Iran trade strikes","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
Donald Trump says the ceasefire agreement with Iran is over.<\/div>

<\/div>
Speaking later to reporters at a Nato summit in Turkey,<\/span> Trump says the US \"hit them very hard last night\" and will \"probably hit them hard again tonight\".<\/div>

<\/div>
He accused Tehran of violating an interim deal signed by both countries in June that called for an end to the conflict, adding that they \"lie\" and \"cheat\".<\/div>

<\/div>
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded in a post on X: \"We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action, fearlessly and with great valour.\"<\/div>

<\/div>
Source: BBC<\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/trump-says-ceasefire-is-over-after-us-and-iran-trade-strikes-529709\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"09\/07\/2026","byline":"Mansi Chand<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"41":{"id":311746,"pic":"20260610155937_media_696077d69b4d80_12658639.jpg","picdesc":"Shein had its first physical pop-up shop in Madrid in 2022","title":"Shein picks France to open its first permanent outlets","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Asian fast-fashion giant Shein has chosen France as the location to open its first permanent physical outlets.<\/p>\n\n

It will occupy concessions in department stores first in Paris, followed by five others in the cities of Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges.<\/p>\n\n

Shein told the BBC on Thursday that France's \"influential global fashion market\" was a \"natural choice\" as the firm's testbed for physical stores.<\/p>\n\n

The fashion brand has become best known for its discounted and trendy clothes, but has drawn criticism over its environmental impact and working conditions.<\/p>\n\n

The company has previously opened temporary pop-up stores in cities such as Madrid and Paris, but has never operated a permanent physical shop.<\/p>\n\n

The new outlets are being opened through a partnership with retail property group Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM). The French company runs the BHV Marais and Galeries Lafayette department stores that will house what Shein calls \"shop-in-shop\" outlets.<\/p>\n\n

The outlets will create an estimated 200 jobs in France, Shein said in a statement, adding that the collaboration aimed to revitalise city centres and department stores in the country.<\/p>\n\n

\"By choosing France as the place to trial physical retail, Shein aims to benefit French customers and the wider retail sector,\" the firm said.<\/p>\n\n

This comes after the French Senate adopted a bill in June to regulate the fast-fashion industry by sanctioning companies, such as Shein and rival Temu, and banning their adverts.<\/p>\n\n

Shein, which ships to more than 150 countries, has primarily operated online through its website and app.<\/p>\n\n

Founded in China in 2008 and headquartered in Singapore, Shein has come under scrutiny over its production of fast-fashion goods. The business model rapidly produces low-cost clothes based on the latest styles, but has drawn criticism for its environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n

Concerns have also been raised about the working conditions within Shein's supply chain.<\/p>\n\n

An investigation published in 2024 by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye found that workers in some suppliers at one point worked for 75 hours a week, despite Shein promising to improve conditions.<\/p>

[Source: BBC]<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/shein-picks-france-to-open-its-first-permanent-outlets-1b2358\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"10\/06\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"40":{"id":315699,"pic":"20260604114940_media_6a1b46f597adf4_62111768.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Best Male Model award opens new doors for Marist student","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Winning the Best Male Model award at the Fiji Fashion Week Student Designer Show came as a surprise to Marist Brothers High School student Samuela Waqaniburotukula, who says the opportunity has opened new doors for him.<\/p>

Waqaniburotukula, who hails from Matuku in Lau, modelled for St Joseph Secondary School and credited the student designers for giving him the opportunity to take part in the competition.<\/p>

The award-winning outfit was designed by Year 12 students Sina Tonu and Ilisapeci Bulilevukala.<\/p>

The young designers say their collection, Serene, was inspired by peace and calmness, featuring shades of blue and white to reflect the beauty and purity of the ocean.<\/p>

They say one of the standout pieces in the collection was a modern version of the traditional sulu vakataga, featuring buckles and fringe details.<\/p>

The students say they faced challenges during the design process, including difficulties communicating and coordinating during the school holidays, but remained determined to complete the collection.<\/p>

Tonu is encouraging young people interested in fashion to step out of their comfort zones and make the most of opportunities, saying success can come from trying something new.<\/p>


<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/best-male-model-award-opens-new-doors-for-marist-student-4d1277\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"04\/06\/2026","byline":"Antornette Vuniuca<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a> FJFW<\/a> <\/a>"},"39":{"id":315757,"pic":"20260604115040_media_6a1e28eab71bf6_51698026.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"From dentistry to the runway: Anushka Chand named Female Model of the Year at FJFW","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Balancing a career in dentistry with the demands of the fashion industry has paid off for Anushka Chand, who was named Female Model of the Year at the Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week awards on Saturday night.<\/p>

The 23-year-old model received the prestigious accolade at Vodafone Arena, capping off a journey that she says has helped her grow both personally and professionally.<\/p>

Speaking to fijivillage News, Chand reflected on the valuable lessons she has gained through modelling and encouraged others to give it a try.<\/p>

She says modelling had pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her develop confidence while introducing her to people from all walks of life.<\/p>

Insert: Anushka - throws you into the deep end June 01<\/span><\/p>

While celebrating success on the runway, Chand has also been building a career in healthcare.<\/p>

She recently completed her internship as a dentist and was based in Naitasiri, an experience she describes as rewarding.<\/p>

Chand also acknowledged that modelling comes with its own challenges, particularly for young women, but believes the opportunities and personal growth gained from the industry make the journey worthwhile.<\/p>

She is encouraging aspiring models to take a chance on themselves and pursue their ambitions.<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>