A  piano factory now a Belgian cultural hub

In April, GP Thomas Plimmer was struck off following complaints of sexual misconduct towards five women and allegedly threatening another, with his appeal pending. A woman has now accused him of attempting to choke her during sex without her consent, after meeting him on a dating app in 2017. Plimmer apologized when she expressed discomfort, but the incident raises further concerns about his behavior. Full Article

The Independent relies on reader support to cover stories ranging from reproductive rights to Big Tech, with a commitment to unbiased reporting. European countries are pausing Syrian asylum applications post-Assad's fall, pending clarity on Syria's future. EU nations are monitoring migration flows and expressing concern over potential threats posed by Assad loyalists and extremist groups amid the country's transition. Full Article

Sir Brian Leveson will lead a comprehensive review of the courts system in England and Wales to address the growing backlog of cases, with a focus on potential reforms such as removing the right to a jury trial for certain offenses and empowering magistrates to issue longer sentences. The review, set to report in the spring of 2025, comes in response to increasing delays in court proceedings, including a nearly fourfold increase in delayed murder...

The NHS is preparing for a challenging winter amid concerns of a potential “quademic” involving flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, with a 350% surge in hospital flu admissions averaging over 1,000 daily compared to last year. Eligible individuals are urged to get their flu jab as soon as possible, with expanded vaccine eligibility including pregnant women, children, and vulnerable populations, as over 27 million vaccinations have been administered. Despite proactive measures like vaccinations, health experts...

Few documents have had as profound and enduring an impact on global governance as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a cornerstone of universal rights. Illustrated by the return of people to their home village in Sudan after years of displacement, the declaration sets out fundamental human rights that all individuals are entitled to, serving as a guiding framework for governments and organizations worldwide. Its principles continue to shape policies and actions aimed at promoting...

Sara Sharif's ex-partner, Urfan Sharif, was found guilty of brutally murdering their 10-year-old daughter by using a metal pole, a cricket bat, and inflicting other forms of violence. Sara's mother, Olga Domin, referred to him as a "monster" and expressed disbelief at the inhumane treatment their daughter endured. Domin lost custody of Sara in 2019 after a court battle, following a history of domestic violence with Sharif. Full Article