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Second Man Charged, Third Arrested in Arson Attacks Linked to UK Prime Minister’s Former Residences

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British police have charged a second man and arrested a third in connection with a string of arson attacks targeting properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Metropolitan Police announced Tuesday that Stanislav Carpiuc, a 26-year-old Romanian national from Romford, east London, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Carpiuc was arrested on Saturday at Luton Airport and is expected to appear in court in the coming days.

His arrest follows the earlier charging of Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian national, who appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Friday. Lavrynovych faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life but did not enter a plea during the hearing. He reportedly denied the allegations in a police interview.

In a further development, a third man, aged 34, was arrested in Chelsea, west London, on Monday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Police have not released his identity or nationality, and he remains in custody for questioning.

The charges and arrests relate to three separate incidents that occurred between 8 and 12 May. These include a fire at Starmer’s private residence in Kentish Town, north London, a vehicle fire on the same street, and a blaze at a property in northwest London where Starmer previously lived. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

Following his election victory in July, Starmer and his family relocated to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British prime minister. Responding to the incidents, Starmer described the attacks as “an assault on all of us, on our democracy and the values we stand for.”

While police have yet to publicly confirm the motive behind the arson attacks, the incidents have raised concerns amid heightened warnings from Western security agencies. Intelligence officials have recently cautioned about the threat of covert operations, including acts of sabotage and arson, potentially linked to Russian intelligence services.

In a speech last November, MI6 chief Richard Moore described Russia’s efforts as a “staggeringly reckless” sabotage campaign. More recently, in April, Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Moscow of “recruiting spies to undertake acts of arson and sabotage on UK soil” as part of a broader campaign of hostility against Britain.

Investigations into the recent fires remain ongoing as police work to determine whether foreign state actors may have played a role.

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EU Leaders Urge Rethink of Human Rights Convention Amid Migration Pressures

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In a move likely to spark debate across Europe, nine European Union member states have jointly called for a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that current interpretations limit national governments’ ability to respond to migration challenges.

The open letter, published Thursday, is led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and is also signed by leaders from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

The group of leaders argues that the evolving jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights has, in certain cases, stretched beyond the Convention’s original scope, creating obstacles for democratically elected governments to implement effective migration policies. “It is important to assess whether, in some cases, the court has over-extended the scope of the convention compared to its original intentions,” the letter states.

Specifically, the signatories say that European governments need more freedom to expel foreign nationals who commit crimes and to take action against perceived abuses of the asylum system. They also warn of the increasing use of migration as a geopolitical tool by “hostile states” seeking to destabilize EU borders.

At a press conference alongside Frederiksen, Prime Minister Meloni said the letter aims to open a broader political debate about the relevance and flexibility of international agreements like the ECHR in light of modern challenges. “We want to question whether the tools created in the past are still adequate for the realities of today, starting with migration,” she said.

The European Convention on Human Rights was adopted in 1950 under the Council of Europe and remains a cornerstone of human rights protection across the continent. It allows individuals to bring cases against states that are found to have violated their rights. All 46 Council of Europe member states, including all 27 EU countries, are bound by its provisions.

While the letter does not call for changes to the Convention itself, it does challenge how the Court has interpreted its provisions, suggesting that this interpretation may at times undermine national sovereignty.

The appeal comes amid rising support for anti-immigration parties across Europe, reflecting growing public concern over migration and border control. The debate is likely to intensify in the lead-up to European elections, as governments grapple with balancing human rights commitments and public demands for tighter immigration policies.

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Tech Takes Center Stage at Taiwan’s Computex 2025 with Handheld Consoles, Split Keyboards, and Smart Rings

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This year’s Computex technology expo in Taiwan’s capital wrapped up Friday after a week of futuristic innovations, eye-catching designs, and quirky concepts. One of Asia’s largest tech trade shows, Computex 2025 showcased everything from cutting-edge gaming hardware to fashion-forward laptop lids.

Gaming remained a dominant theme on the show floor, with global manufacturers unveiling devices aimed at revolutionizing play. One of the most talked-about products came from Taiwanese firm MSI, which introduced its upgraded handheld gaming PC, the Claw A8. Powered by AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, the device features a large battery (80Wh), vibrant color options, and a built-in camera and microphone, eliminating the need for external gear. A release date has yet to be confirmed, though its unveiling comes as anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Asus also turned heads with its ROG Falcata keyboard—a magnetically detachable split keyboard built with gamers in mind. The innovative design allows for expanded mouse space, targeting users who primarily rely on directional keys like W, A, S, and D. The keyboard, which doubles as an ergonomic typing solution, is expected to hit the market this summer, though pricing details are still under wraps.

Wearables also made a splash, particularly Acer’s new entry into the smart ring market. The tech company introduced a $199 (€175) titanium smart ring with no subscription fees—a marked contrast to premium offerings from competitors like Samsung and Ultrahuman. With a four-day battery life, the ring monitors heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen levels. It will be available in black or rose gold and is set to launch later this summer.

On the design front, MSI again impressed by blending art and technology. In collaboration with Japanese art studio Okadayo, MSI unveiled a limited-edition laptop lid adorned with Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The lacquered finish, which also extends to matching computer mice, involves a more complex manufacturing process. Only a few hundred units will be produced monthly.

Finally, Computex wouldn’t be complete without a look at PC cases—and this year didn’t disappoint. Exhibitors showcased an array of customized towers, from artistically painted enclosures to builds that included working beer and wine taps.

As Computex 2025 concludes, it’s clear the boundary between technology and personal expression is increasingly blurred, with functionality and flair going hand in hand on the global stage.

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North Korean Leader Slams Officials After Warship Launch Mishap

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has condemned senior officials and technicians following a failed launch of a newly built 5,000-tonne naval destroyer, labelling the incident a “criminal act” and attributing it to “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility.”

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin, ended in disaster when the warship lost balance during the launch process and tipped over, damaging parts of its hull. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim, who was present at the unveiling, directed harsh criticism toward shipyard workers and military scientists involved in the project, holding them accountable for what he called a “serious accident.”

While the full extent of the damage remains unconfirmed, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday that the vessel remained toppled in the water. There have been no official reports of injuries.

The incident is seen as a significant embarrassment for Kim, who has been actively pushing to modernise North Korea’s naval forces amid ongoing military tensions with the United States and its allies. Despite the regime’s usual secrecy around military setbacks, state media’s unusual admission of the launch failure suggests an effort to project transparency and determination regarding its defence ambitions.

“This is a shameful moment,” said Moon Keun-sik, a naval expert at Hanyang University in Seoul. “But North Korea’s willingness to disclose the accident suggests it wants to underscore its commitment to naval development and its confidence in building a larger, more capable fleet.”

Experts suggest that the accident may have resulted from North Korea’s limited experience with handling large warships, coupled with pressure to proceed quickly. Reports from 38 North, a U.S.-based monitoring group, indicate the ship was launched sideways — an uncommon method in the country that may have contributed to the mishap.

The vessel, named Choe Hyon, was first unveiled in April and was reportedly designed to carry advanced weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean officials believe the destroyer may have been constructed with technical support from Russia.

Kim has pledged to investigate the incident further and promised accountability during a ruling Workers’ Party meeting scheduled for late June.

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