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"Gazetin de Vinèxia" - News from Vinedia

Vinedia

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"GAZETIN DE VINÈXIA"
News from Vinedia

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The historical "Regata" (boat race) during the annual Independence Day celebrations.

VINÈXIA - These days, Vinedia is getting prepared to the greatest and dearest of holidays – the Independence Day of the Republic of Vinedia. It is the main and most important national holiday of the Vinedian people. On the 15th of November the whole country celebrates the anniversary of Independence in wide and bright, which coincides with the foundation of the city of Vinedia on the 15th of November 697. When the time passes by, the great importance of independence in the life and fate of the present and future generations, for Vinedian national development as a whole, is growing. The independence of the Republic is a millenarian and solid foundation for ensuring national interests, peaceful and quiet life of Vinedian people, increasing the country’s prestige in the international arena.

In order to celebrate worthily the anniversary of independence of the Republic, which opened a new chapter in the history of the Vinedian people, to assess achievements in the years of independence, enthusiasm of Vinedian people for past and new accomplishments, the Decree of the Doge Ludovico Dandolo “On preparation and celebration of anniversary of the foundation and the independence of the Republic” has been adopted.

The document approved the composition of the Commission for preparation and holding of the celebration of the anniversary of independence. By this Commission was instructed a Program of organizational, practical, spiritual and enlightening and awareness-raising activities in a week’s time which embody the main idea “Viva San Marco!” ("Long live Saint Mark!", the patron saint of the Republic). Vinedia, with its experience gathered in thirteen centuries of independence and sovereignty, served and still continues to serve as a center for important historical events. Life in peace, prosperity and harmony – these are the main targets of dynamic development of Vinedia in the XX century.


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A battallion of "Fanti da Mar" (Soldiers of the Sea) in Vinedia

 
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Vinedia

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VINÈXIA - 18-year-old Lucia Manin has placed herself in the middle of Vinedia’s continous gender and music struggle. She could become the winner of the "Festival de la cansòn Vinèxiana" (Vinedian Song Festival) with her new song "Give me a hammer" – which is drawing thousands of viewers and fans despite being condemned as ‘immoral’ by the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica (Great Council of the Republic). She beat out 200 other hopefuls who auditioned for the 9th season of the Vinedian Song Festival.

Lucia Manin is the first Vinedian woman to reach the finals of the popular tv show. Dancing in public, including television shows, is considered immoral and "obscene" by a large portion of society. In other words, Vinedia is a place where, for a woman, trying out for becoming the winner of the Vinedian Song Festival is seen as an act of defiance, a political statement in song. Lucia is not only dancing and singing, she is also the first Vinedian woman to reach this far in the tv show competition, and as such, the news of her success has reached newspaper readers and tv viewers in the Dominio da Mar ("Domain of the Sea", the Lagoon).

Since the Vinedian Song Festival premiered on the Televisiòn de Stato (State Television), it has quickly grown into one of the most popular shows in the country. For the same reason it is also becoming one of the most controversial tv shows which conservative members of the Mazor Consejo (Great Council), and ordinary citizens alike, speak against during interviews. Arturo Fabris, a Consilière (Councilman) of the Mazor Consejo was quoted as saying this very strong anti-music statement:
“It’s completely rejected by the moral traditions of the Republic and our society. Someone who goes to listen to this music is guilty of immoral behavior. We must protect the Republic from such decadence and someone who enjoys it should be investigated. He’s no longer a respectful citizen. She is also affecting the minds of other good girls. She should stop singing and dancing in public.”

Lucia's family was reported to appear aware of the potential trouble Lucia’s tv appearances could cause them, but did not want to discuss it. Lucia Manin said said all her friends and family members supported her. “If i worry about the accusations and the threats received in the past weeks, I cannot be a star.” she said, shrugging. “She’s the pride of our family,” Lucia’s mother said.

 

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VINÈXIA - Heavy make-up, dancing, loud music, jeans and dancing halls might be soon a thing of the past in Vinedia if a draft bill prepared by the "Comisiòn par la Moralità Pùblica" (Commission for Public Morality) will be approved by the Great Council of the Republic. The change, which would represent a huge step into the past for the Vinedian youth, must be approved by the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica (Great Council of the Republic) and signed into law by the Most Serene Prince Doge Ludovico Dandolo. But just the possibility that it might be adopted has human rights supporters and those who believe that Vinedia can move towards a full democracy worried.

According to excerpts of the bill published by the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica, women and girls will no longer be allowed to wear heavy make-up and must be properly dressed. Women will also not be allowed to dance in public. Men will not be allowed to sport long hair, wear bracelets, necklaces, rings and other gimmicks like “ girl’s”. Other restrictions will affect gatherings. At weddings men and women must not dance and music must not be loud.

Radio and TV stations will not be allowed to broadcast “immoral” shows harmful to youth. Included, but not specifically mentioned in the draft bill, the popular Festival de la cansòn Vinèxiana (Vinedian Song Festival), guilty in their detractors’ eyes of changing “the behaviour of our women and children.” TV and radio executives pledged however not to bow to the threats, stating that any ban would violate the existing media law.

Interviewed by the Gazetin, 18-years old singer and song writer Lucia Manin stated that "This country is permanently stuck into the past and it is not willing to accept social changes. Any attempt to introduce new practices, fashions or trends is considered 'immoral' and anti-Vinedian by the ruling political and social elites of the country. The paranoia over the safety of the Republic is forcing the youth to live in a society that prevents them from expressing their passions, their hobbies, their will to explore new lifestyles. While i believe it is important that we preserve our traditions and our customs, i think banning dancing and jeans is absoloutely ridiculous and unnecessary. Dancing is a form of expression and our constitution guarantees freedom of expression. This draft bill shows how wide is the gap between the ruling elites and the new vibrant generations of Vinedians." she said.
 

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The Alliance for Personal Liberties strongly condemns the actions of the Commission for Public Morality, if not this institution's whole reason to exist. We simply cannot understand how in the 21st century there can still be people who not only wish but can and will enforce a series of reactionary and absurd views on both men and women from a whole people.

While we understand that indoor regulations from both institutions and schools have to be respected and with it make up and certain types of clothing must go, we simply cannot understand why would the state intervene in the private lives of the people and try to instill a series of reactionary values, all in the name of morality, while in reality they trample on human dignity.

The whole idea of banning women from dancing and enforcing some kind of state patented masculinity on men is something that cannot be seen in other way than simply out of our world and with it, the Commission for Public Morality might have "saved" the Vinedian people from harming itself, but looking at the economy of the republic it, the tertiary sector is very important in keeping high standards of living inside it and thus any such law that will impede with the normal and free functioning of the Vinedian Song Festival will also give the Republic financial problems.

We will not stand by when we are seeing human dignity trampled in the name of public morality. In support with us, the RBI, Radio Beira International has stated it's support for Vinedian singers who will suffer should this law pass and they will start broadcasting quality Vinedian music for the whole world to hear. Too bad their homeland is too blind too understand their talent and support and promote them.

Signed
Telma Antunes
President of ApLP
 

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The Alliance for Personal Liberties strongly condemns the actions of the Commission for Public Morality, if not this institution's whole reason to exist. We simply cannot understand how in the 21st century there can still be people who not only wish but can and will enforce a series of reactionary and absurd views on both men and women from a whole people.

While we understand that indoor regulations from both institutions and schools have to be respected and with it make up and certain types of clothing must go, we simply cannot understand why would the state intervene in the private lives of the people and try to instill a series of reactionary values, all in the name of morality, while in reality they trample on human dignity.

The whole idea of banning women from dancing and enforcing some kind of state patented masculinity on men is something that cannot be seen in other way than simply out of our world and with it, the Commission for Public Morality might have "saved" the Vinedian people from harming itself, but looking at the economy of the republic it, the tertiary sector is very important in keeping high standards of living inside it and thus any such law that will impede with the normal and free functioning of the Vinedian Song Festival will also give the Republic financial problems.

We will not stand by when we are seeing human dignity trampled in the name of public morality. In support with us, the RBI, Radio Beira International has stated it's support for Vinedian singers who will suffer should this law pass and they will start broadcasting quality Vinedian music for the whole world to hear. Too bad their homeland is too blind too understand their talent and support and promote them.

Signed
Telma Antunes
President of ApLP

Asociasiòn Cantanti e Artisti Vinèxiani
Comunicado de Stampa
The Vinedian Singers and Artists Association strongly agrees with the statements of the President of the ApLP. As singers and artists, we believe that music represents one of the most important forms of expression. And it is for this freedom that we call upon the youth of Vinedia to start a peaceful civil disobedience action by ignoring the threats of the Commission for Public Morality, considering that no law will be violated until the draft bill is approved (hopefully not) into law by the majority of the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica.

Vinedian society is extremely conservative when it comes to lifestyles and fashion. As citizens of the Republic, we are not demanding society to reject its values and its principles, its cultural and historical heritage shaped in thirteen centuries of history. What we ask from society, is to allow the new generations of Vinedians (who by the way represent the future of this nation) to freely express their feelings and emotion trought art, such as music and dancing.

We believe the actions of the Commission of Public Morality are completely out of time. Actions that are perpetrated by individuals who refuse to accept that the world around Vinedia is changing. We cannot expect the world to change according to Vinedia, but Vinedia to adapt itself to the sorrounding world. After all, all we are asking for is the freedom to sing and dance without interferences from the Commission and the conservative fringes of our society.

Signed
Eduardo Bocchin
President of the ACAV
 
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Vinedian Singer Eduardo Bocchin expressed his opposition to the "anti-music bill" with an unusually explicit choreography on the Televisiòn de Stato (State Television) during the evening broadcast of the popular tv show "Vinedian Song Festival".
VINÈXIA - The "Asociasiòn Cantanti e Artisti Vinèxiani" (Vinedian Singers and Artists Association) will come together on wednesday for a massive dance protest outside the Palace of the Doge against the "anti-music"bill proposed by the Commission for Public Morality and officially supported by a large number of councilmen of the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica (Great Council of the Republic). The dance protest will take place from 2:00pm on the eastern side of the Palace, beginning with a rally featuring the most famous singers of Vinedia and followed by a dance-based celebratory protest.

This protest will be "the first in a string of dance-oriented sites of resistance organized in response to policies and actions taken and proposed by the Commission for Public Morality against the youth of Vinedia." said the president of the Vinedian Singers and Artists Association, singer and composer Eduardo Bocchin. “It is important for the youth of Vinedia to come out and stand strongly in solidarity with Lucia Manin” he said. “Last year alone, nearly 15 individuals were arrested simply because of the way they dressed in dancing halls, most of whom were women. This event is about centering the voices and celebrating the rights of the youth who are now even further under attack by the Commission for Public Morality.
Should the Great Council pass the bill, we appeal the Most Serene Prince Doge Ludovico Dandolo to repeal it. It is unbelievable that such measures are even proposed considering the modern times we live in. The world is progressing into the future, but Vinedia seems stuck in the late eighteenth century. When will the ruling political elites realize it?" he added.

Wednesday’s protest will serve as a direct action against the draft bill. While freedom of opinion is guaranteed by the constitution, violent or unusual protest actions are still considered a major taboo and they are harshly dealt with by the Brigada de Ordine Publico (Public Order Brigade, or abbreviated as "BOP", as displayed on their motorboats and land vehicles) of the Exercito da Mar, and punished by the laws of the Republic with 5 to 10 years of prison. The vote on the "anti-music bill" is scheduled for wednesday afternoon in the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica.
 

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VINÈXIA - Today’s Great Council sitting has been brought to a halt just after commencing. The opposition councilmen started a protest inside the parliament hall even before the session started. The Opposition councilmen kept “yelling out” that the only way the parliament sittings were going to proceed, is if the "anti-music bill" will be taken off the agenda. Despite the efforts made by the speaker to carry on with the session, all he could manage was announcing the agenda. The loud hollering and the screaming noise made it impossible for him to address the Great Council.

Opposition councilmen and spokesperson Marco Padovan has said that they will not allow the Great Council sessions to go on as long as the "anti-music bill" is scheduled in the agenda. Consilière Marco Padovan then addressed the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica in an emotional speech. The following is the official transcript published on the Official Gazzette:


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SESION PLENARIA DEL MAZOR CONSEJO DE LA REPUBLICA
TRANSCRISION UFFICIAL

I believe I am correct in thinking that what you wish me to do is not to make a statement in general terms of my own opinion — which in any case is fairly well-known — but to give exact expression to my views regarding the concrete problem resulting from the urgent need for social and political reforms. The need for security and the protection of our values and our millenarian traditions has given rise to the Commission for Public Morality, established after the Great Reforms of 1797 — an institution which by the way preserved our millenarian traditions. This was the first line of defence against the danger threatening us from without: it was based on the merging of individual efforts with collective values.

But the essential condition of effective resistance against dangerous foreign customs is that Vinedia shall defend itself within and discern what is dangerous, and what is not. What i think is dangerous is the downspiral of authoritarism and backward mentality, an over-burdening bureaucracy, and the lack of lungimirance of the ruling political elites — for it is thus that the achievements of the Republic must be regarded from the standpoint of world history. It is, therefore, against these factors of potential disintegration and decline, of mutual suspicion and self-righteous authoritarism, that we have to fight with all our strength.

We realise that it is for us to save ourselves, to save our heritage of common civilisation based on thirteen centuries of experience. For, while it is true that the Commission for Public Morality encircles the Republic, it is no less true that in this world our nation preserves within itself the most ancient sources of civilisation and its loftiest traditions.

What is the choice before us in this present-day, changing world? We all agree that our homes, our institutions, our dear Most Serene Republic must be defended in the hour of danger. But the rising generation, which is attracted by a coherent and dynamic view of life, hesitates before a choice upon which its very fate may depend — whether to return to the road that was ours before the Great Reforms of 1797, a road strewn with absolutism based on the self-righteous concept of the nation as an absolute entity, or else to move onwards to the co-ordination of certain forces, at times ideal and rational, at times instinctive and irrational, in the hope that life may broaden further, and individual freedom be extended far and wide.


If we do no more than set up common administrations, without any higher social will, there will be a danger that our overburdened bureaucracy and self-righteous conservatism may prove, in comparison with the dynamic force of the youth, to lack warmth and spiritual vitality; it might even seem, at times, to be mere superfluous and burdensome trappings. In that case, the young boys and girls of Vinedia, hearkening to the clearer call of their blood and their homeland, would regard the Republic, if thus constructed, as an obstacle or as an incubus. In that case there would be an obvious danger of degeneration.

Dear members of the Great Council, it is true that each of us has, in his own political activities, problems by which he is on every side beset; it is true, too, that some of us might prefer to carry on this work in other and easier spheres; but every one of us feels that this is an opportunity which will never return. It must be seized and given its logical place in history. That is why, after having paid my tribute to the courageous men and women who have initiated this task and carried it forward, I say that it is now time for us all to resolve to complete it. It is essential that we should not fail in our task. We must enlist in our respective factions the co-operation of all socially progressive forces, and awaken in the hearts of the Vinedian people, renewed faith in the future of our millenarian Republic.

Viva el Doxe! (Long live the Doge!)
Viva la Repùblica! (Long live the Republic!)
Viva la Libartà! (Long live Freedom!)
 
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VINÈXIA - Televisiòn de Stato (State Television) has announced plans to begin broadcasting television programmes in colour from the next month. Vinedia will probably be the last nation in Europe to offer regular programming in colour. The announcement was made in a press conference earlier this evening.

The new service is expected to cost the public company 200.000.000 Vinedian Liras per year, for an initial four hours of colour television per week, rising to 10 hours a week after 1 month and 20 hours after 2 months. The colour programmes will still be available on ordinary television sets in black and white. A colour receiver will cost about 600 Vinedian Liras and there will be a supplementary licence fee.
A spokesperson said the promised four hours of colour programming was based on what the Televisiòn de Stato could produce from its own studios. Vinedian law forbids the broadcast of imported programmes except those approved by the Comisiòn par la Moralità Publica (Commission for Public Morality). No foreign tv show has ever been approved by the Commission so far.

The spokesperson also denied the colour programmes would all be re-runs of old shows: "We have to remember that 95% of people initially will not be seeing these programmes in colour, they'll be seeing them in black and white. The shows that State Television will be scheduling will be exciting new shows in black and white. They'll be that much more exciting and newer in colour". When asked if the "anti-music bill" would affect ST's choices, the spokesperson said "No comment".
 
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VINÈXIA - The Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo, ordered the reform in a Ducal decree delivered on Tuesday night, requesting that boat drivers’ licences be issued to women who wanted them, overturning a cornerstone of Vinedian ultra-conservatism that had been a cause célèbre for activists demanding reforms in the ultra-conservative merchant republic. Following the decree, and eventually the approval by the Mazor Consejo de la Republica (Great Council of the Republic) women will no longer need a special permission from the Brigada de Ordine Publico (Public Order Brigade) to drive a boat, said the 36 years old Most Serence Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo.

“The Vinedian political class must understand our society is ready.” he told reporters. Asked by reporters if Vinedia planned to limit the authority of the Comisiòn par la Moralità Publica (Commission for Public Morality), Doge Ludovico Dandolo would not comment. The Asociasiòn Cantanti e Artisti Vinèxiani (Vinedian Singers and Artists Association) welcomed the move as “a great step in the right direction”. The decision comes amid a broad reform program that Doge Ludovico seeks to implement in the upcoming future.

It is the most significant change yet to a rigidly conservative social order in the Republic that has strictly demarcated gender roles, and severely limits the role of women in public life. Earlier this week, the Commission for Public Morality submitted a draft-bill to the Mazor Consejo de la Republica that would ban dancing, heavy make-up, and loud music. The move by the Doge had been widely anticipated amid a transformation of many aspects of Vinedian society that has been branded by a member of the Consejo de i Diexe (Council of the Ten) as “a cultural revolution ”. Vinedia is the last country in Europe in which women are banned from driving boats – a fact that was frequently used by critics as proof that female citizens of the Republic were among the world’s most repressed. The most recent campaign to allow female boat drivers started in the city of Vinèxia about 3 years ago, when several women who had sat behind the wheel on the city's canals were briefly arrested by the Public Order Brigade.

Vinedias’s young Doge, Ludovico Dandolo, had viewed allowing women to drive boats as a key plank of reforms, insisting that the move would lead to higher female participation in the workforce and a breakdown of gender roles that limit social interaction between men and women outside immediate family environments. However, the Doge had feared that moving too quickly on reforms would cause anger among the ultra-conservative establishment and elements of Vinediansociety who adhere to rigid social rules that have taken root in large parts of the country over more than a millennia.
 
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GREAT COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC APPROVES "ANTI-MUSIC BILL"

VINÈXIA - Vinedia's Mazor Consejo de la Republica (Great Council of the Republic) has passed a law forbidding the use of heavy make-up, loud music and explicit dances in a predicted move that angered many citizens who rely on the related businesses. The law, passed late on Tuesday evening, imposes a fine of up to 2000 Vinedian liras for anyone violating the ban. But it’s unclear how strictly the law would be enforced.

The Great Council of the Republic is dominated by the Partido Conservatore de Vinèxia (Convervative Party of Vinèxia). The assembly announced the ban on the Televisiòn de Stato (State Television) but did not say how many lawmakers voted for or against it. An anonymous Councilman said the “unjust” ban was slipped into a draft law regulating the license fees for upcoming color tv devices. The original article only called for imposing taxes on the tv service, he said.

“This ban is unconstitutional,” he said. “To those ultra-conservative lawmakers, I say: ‘Take care of your life and leave ours for us, we know how to deal with it.” He said some lawmakers will submit an appeal at the Consejo de i Diexe (Council of the Ten). The bill, known as the "anti-music bill" was proposed by the Commission for Public Morality after 18-years old singer Lucia Manin starred in a previous broadcast of the popular tv show "Vinedian Song Festival".
 

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HUNDREDS HOLD "DANCE PROTEST" IN SAINT MARK SQUARE

VINÈXIA - Hundreds gathered outside the palace of the Doge, which is also home to the Great Council of the Republic in Vinèxia to protest regressive policies on freedom of expression. Yesterday the Great Council approved the controversial "anti-music bill" which bans heavy make-ups, explicit dances and loud music. Social rights activists hosted a “dance party” in Saint Mark Square to display their opposition to the controversial law which seeks to suspend, rescind or review freedom of expression in the merchant Republic.

Brandishing flags and banners with slogans against the Commission for Public Morality, fancy-dress-clad protesters danced their way down Saint Mark Square and gathered outside the Palace of the Doge. Chants of “Members of the Commission, come dance!” could be heard as activists danced to blaring pop music. Doge Ludovico Dandolo, who has refused to comment on the anti-music bill, did not appear to be home but metal barricades and armed officers of the Public Order Brigade were still put in place to block off the entrance.

One of the organisers of the protest, singer Eduardo Bocchin who is also President of the Vinedian Singers and Artists Association, argued Doge Ludovico Dandolo was not doing enough to challenge the actions of the Commission for Public Morality. "We definitely believe that the Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo, should leverage the power he has to stand up to the bigotry that Commission for Public Morality and clearly the majority of the Great Council, more broadly, spews," he told the Gazetin. "That means speaking out and acting in solidarity with the people of Vinedia when they are under attack." Mr Bocchin said there was a considerable Public Order Brigade presence, including agents of the Commission for Public Morality, at the event.
 

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YOUNG WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DANCING IN SAINT MARK SQUARE

VINÈXIA - Vinedian authorities have arrested a 27 years old woman for dancing in the middle of Saint Mark Square. The woman, who has not been named, was filmed by undercover functionaries of the Commission for Public Morality while performing the dance routine two days ago but has been arrested this morning. The Commission for Public Morality released a statement to say the woman has been detained.

Commission's functionaries said the woman was being questioned because he had shown “improper public behaviour” and disrupted pedestrian traffic in the square. Authorities will hear hes statements before referring her to the public prosecution. Laws in the Republic of Vinedia give the Comisiòn par la Moralità Publica (Commission for Public Morality) the power to punish and arrest citizens at their discretion.

Some condemned the action and demanded that the woman is punished according to the laws in place, while others say that the woman is a “hero” for challenging the authority of the Commission. An anonymous student said “That woman dancing in the middle of the square is the hero we need.". Another woman, who prefers to stay anonymous in fear of retaliation, said: “Vinedia is the place where the government is so afraid of any form of public expression that it would arrest a young woman who danced in public. This is us, this is our country, this is Vinedia in the 21st century.”. When asked if he would intervene and grant the woman a pardon, the Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo said "No Comment".
 

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20 ARRESTED IN CRACKDOWN ON DISSENT

VINÈXIA - The functionaries Comisiòn par la Moralità Publica (Commission for Public Morality) have arrested more than 20 intellectuals in an apparent crackdown on dissent, activists say. Singers Lucia Manin and Eduardo Bocchin are among those reportedly detained since the weekend. There has so far been no confirmation from the Commission.

But earlier this evening, the Televisiòn de Stato (State Television) said a group of people acting on behalf of "foreign parties against the security of the Republic" were being held. The individuals were not identified, but a Public Order Brigade official told the Gazetin they were accused of "espionage activities and having contacts with external entities, including the Beira based "Alliance for Personal Liberties". The Commission for Public Morality meanwhile urged citizens to report any comments on the streets promoting "immoral ideas and behaviors" via a phone number launched this saturday. The public prosecutor reminded them that "harming the state's reputation or status" constituted a "terrorist crime".

The apparent crackdown also comes after an opposition group calling itself the "Vinedian Singers and Artists Association" issued a call for peaceful protests last week to press the authorities to increase women's rights and release political prisoners, aswell as repeal the infamous "anti-music bill" approved by the Mazor Consejo de la Repùblica (Great Council of the Republic). When asked if he thinks the Commission for Public Morality is abusing its power and authority, the Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo replied "No Comment".
 
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VINEDIA CELEBRATES 1320 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

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VINÈXIA - The first general assembly of the Vinedian people occurred November 15, 697, and marked the foundation of the city of Vinedia. Today came the call for the 1320th general assembly which all Vinedia had been feverishly awaiting. Well drilled, the Vinedian people knew their posts, their cues. A good hour before the Doge's speech, they had left their homes, cafes and shops to gather in public squares. Pulsing nerve centre of all this excitement was the huge square of Saint Mark in Vinedia. Thousands and thousands of eyes in the square were riveted on the buff-colored palace of the Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo. All along the roof torches flickered in the night air. On the second floor the huge windows were flung wide. The crowd in the square could look directly into the vast frescoed office of the Doge, lighted up like a stage setting. Round the edge of the crowd the flash bulbs of photographers flickered like heat lightning.

At exactly 10 o'clock the members of the Consejo de i Diexe (Council of the Ten), followed by the Ducal Guards, all in baroque trimmings & trappings, marched into the great room. Between them sit the Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo. The crowd could see, but it could not hear. Every few minutes a government bigwig would jump up, wave his arms, sit down. It did not take very long. At 10:34 Doge Ludovico Dandolo from the head of the table, strode across the room, stepped out on to the balcony. The cheers of the crowd rose to a shrill, hysterical scream. Finally, Doge Ludovico Dandolo rested both hands on the balustrade and bellowed:


"Citizens of the Republic!

On the eve of the 1320th Independence Day of our nation, I extend warm greetings to all of you in Vinedia and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our armed forced. I pay my tribute to these who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in defending Vinedia's sovereigny for over a millennia.

When Vinedia attained freedom on 15th November 697, we did not have an instrument of governance of our own. Given the dramatic circumstances which forced our people to move in the lagoon, Vinedians gave to themselves a Constitution to secure for all its citizens, peace, justice and liberty. We promised to promote fraternity, dignity of the individual, and unity and integrity of the nation. The faith and commitment of our people gave life to our Republic and our founding fathers, wisely and carefully, steered the new nation past its troubles of being a poor subsistence economy and a vast citizenry deprived of even basic necessities.

It goes to the credit of the strong institutions built by our founders that for the 1320 years, the Republic of Vinedia has been an oasis of stability in the region troubled by unrest. Plagues, wars, empires rising and collapsing all around us, natural disasters, poverty, famine. But we have endured, we have successfully won all the challenges brought on us by our destiny, and we lived and witnessed the history of Europe for over a millennia. From a population of a few hundreds, we are now a 140.000 strong nation. The journey so far has been eventful, sometimes painful, but most of the times, exhilarating.

What has brought us thus far will take us further ahead. But we will have to learn to adjust our sails, quickly and deftly, to the winds of change. Evolutionary and incremental growth will have to accommodate rapid disruptions brought in by advances of science and technology. Innovation, more so inclusive innovation, will have to become a way of life. Education will have to keep pace with technology. In the race between man and machine, the winner will have to be job generation. The velocity of technology adoption will call for a workforce that is willing to learn and adapt. Our education system will have to join hands with innovation to prepare our youth for life-long learning.

Youth today are brimming with hope and aspirations. They pursue their life goals, which they perceive will bring them fame, success and happiness, with single-minded devotion. They consider happiness as their existential objective, which of course is understandable. They search for happiness in the highs and lows of day-to-day emotions, and in the fulfilment of the objectives they have set for themselves. They look for a job as well as a purpose in life. Lack of opportunities leads to frustration and unhappiness which manifests itself in anger, anxiety, stress and aberrations in behaviour. This has to be dealt with by inculcating pro-social behaviour through gainful employment, active engagement with community, parental guidance, and empathetic response from a caring society.

One of my predecessors left on my table a framed quotation which reads: the object of government in peace and in war is not the glory of rulers or races but the happiness of the common man". Happiness is fundamental to the human experience of life. Happiness is equally the outcome of economic and non-economic parameters. The quest for happiness is closely tied to sustainable development, which combines human well-being, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. We must make happiness and well-being of our people as the touchstones of public policy.

Dear Vinedians, it is my firm conviction that Vinedia's glory and her social, cultural, linguistic and religious heritage are our greatest strength. Our tradition has always celebrated the 'argumentative' Vinedian; not the 'intolerant' Vinedian. Multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries in our country. A wise and discerning mind is necessary for our Republic to flourish. More than the unison of ideas, a healthy Republic calls for conformity to the values of tolerance, patience and respect for others. These values must reside in the hearts and minds of every Vinedian; inculcating in them a temperament of understanding and responsibility.

As our Republic enters her 1320th year, we must acknowledge that our systems are not perfect. The imperfections have to be recognized and rectified. The settled complacencies have to be questioned. The edifice of trust has to be strengthened.

Fellow Citizens,

In a fiercely competitive world, we have to work harder than ever to redeem the promises that we make to our people. We have to work harder to provide enhanced employment opportunities to our youth through the creation of world-class manufacturing and services sectors. The competitiveness of the domestic industry has to be improved by focusing on quality, productivity and efficiency.

We have to work harder to provide safety and security to our women and children. Women must be able to lead their lives with honour and dignity. Children must be able to enjoy their childhood to the fullest. We have to work harder to change our consumption pattern which has resulted in environmental and ecological de-gradation. We have to appease nature to prevent it from unleashing its fury in the form of floods, landslides and droughts.

We have to work harder because our identity and sovereignty are still being put to test by vested interests. Reason and moderation should be our guide in dealing with such situations. We have to work harder to keep at bay the dark forces of obscurantism. These forces have to be dealt with firmly and decisively. The forces inimical to our interests cannot be allowed to grow. We have to work harder to ensure the well-being of our soldiers and security personnel who protect us from internal and external threats.

And we have to work harder because we are all equal children before our mother and the Republic asks each of us in whatever role we play to do our duty with integrity, commitment and unflinching loyalty to the values enshrined in our Constitution.

Per San Marco!
Viva la Repùblica! Viva la libartà! (For Saint Mark! Long live the Republic! Long live freedom!)
 
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Vinedia

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VINEDIA REINTRODUCES HISTORICAL "SAINT MARK" BANNER

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A platoon of "Fanti da Mar" (Marine Infantrymen) in late 18th century uniforms
hoist the historical flag of the Republic.

VINÈXIA - The Most Serene Prince, Doge Ludovico Dandolo, has officially unveiled the country's controversial new flag.
Today the Mazor Consejo de la Republica (Great Council of the Republic) approved a bill that replaces the current flag (adopted in 1797) and reinstates the original flag used between 697 and 1797. The Leone de San Marco (Lion of Saint Mark) is, for the first time in over 200 years, the dominant element of the official flag.

The opposition has condemned the new flag as illegitimate, saying there had been no proper consultation, but Doge Ludovico Dandolo used the 1320th anniversary of Vinedia's independence to present the new one to the general public. Ordinary Vinedians caught a first glimpse of their new flag at a large military parade held today in Saint mark Square as battallions of the Fanteria da Mar (Marine Infantry) carrying the flag goose-stepped past the podium of the Doge who himself hoisted the new banner. Praising the new design, the Doge said the Lion of Saint Mark had now been "freed".

But on the other side of Vinedia, around 400 opposition members were demonstrating against the new national symbol. They say they cannot accept the changes because they were not consulted and said the opposition would go on using the old tricolour banner, adopted after the "Great Reforms" of 1797 which introduced general elections for Great Council of the Republic.

"We will continue using our tricolour flag, the flag that we progressives recognise. At this moment, the Vinedians have two flags - one of totalitarianism and autocracy, that is the Lion of Saint Mark, and one of democrats and progressives - that is tricolour, which is the only one we recognise." said an opposition spokesperson. According to the bill public buildings will have to switch to the new flag. Stamps, coins and passports will also have to be revamped.

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The old historical "Saint Mark Banner" has been reintroduced as the official flag of the Republic.

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The old Coat of Arms has been reintroduced along with the flag.
 
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Vinedia

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WHY VINEDIA REJECTS MODERNITY
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It is often said that Vinedians in the 21st century have rejected modernity. What they are in fact rejecting is the process of suiting themselves to changing circumstances. There are two kinds of thinking: one that seeks to change in order to relate to times and one that seeks to change the world to suit its tenets. There are two ways principles can be formulated. One is to establish them on the basis of facts; the other, on the basis of doctrine. The latter necessitates coercion.

In the 18th century Vinedians embraced modernity by limiting much of the powers and authority previously held by the aristocracy and the rich merchant families. The two often coincided. In the 21st century, however, Vinedians are rejecting the socially progressive doctrine. Their laws increasingly reflect this rejection. The ‘rational’ is being replaced by the ‘doctrinal’. And the popular furore against this or that foe is propelled by the urge to change the world to suit it to doctrine.

A very interesting book Vinedia: The last battle of the Tiburan Empire, discusses the Vinedian attitude towards modernity. The majority of Vinedians rejected modernity by first rejecting some of the events which undisputably occured in Europe during is pluri-millenarian history. In antiquity, the Ducatus Venetus (Vinedian Duchy) was officially part of the Tiburan Empire. Following the collapse of the ancient Empire, Vinedia soon emerged as a sovereign and at least nominally independent Duchy which reformed itself into a Maritime Republic. However, no institution of the Republic has ever aknowledge the collapse of the Empire or the authority it exercises in Vinedia, thus creating a rather curious historical and political paradox: The Republic of Vinedia, according to its State Archives, is still part of the Tiburan Empire. European historians, however, consider Vinedia as one of the many rump states that emerged in Europe following the end of Imperial authority in the region. At the same time, the Doge and the institutions of the Republic constantly remind us of how Vinedia has successfully defended its sovereignty and its independence for the past thirteen centuries.

Vinedia has however officially recognized the legitimate successor as the Southern Tiburan Empire, which is still referred by Vinedians as "Imperium Tiburanum", otherwise known as Pelasgia. The insigna of the ancient Tiburan Empire are still displayed in the Office of the Doge, but they are rarely displayed in public. Even so, trought the centuries the Tiburan Empire has been heavily reformed into a constitutional monarchy, while Vinedia has implemented only a few reforms, the last major one being the "Great Reform" of 1797 which introduced an elected legislative body, the Mazor Consejo de la Republica (Great Council of the Republic).

It is by rejecting historical changes that potentially threaten their prosperity and their institutions that Vinedians take their first step towards dismissing modernity from their universe. Since doctrine is impervious to experiment, no amount of evidence against the “Republican Autocracy” can lead to self-correction.
 

Vinedia

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VINEDIAN MILITARY ANNOUNCES TAKEOVER ON TV
VINÈXIA - The Fanteria da Mar in Vinedia says it has taken over the country, with officers at strategic points in the country and two navy Destroyers patrolling the lagoon around the capital city, Vinedia. A statement read on Televisiòn de Stato (State Television) said a "National Salvation Council" now ran the country and there was a curfew and martial law. It is unclear who the group is or its level of support, but it seems elements of the military and the law enforcement are involved. Some top officials of the Fanteria da Mar (Marine Infantry) are said to be detained.

The military group's statement on State Television, read by an announcer, said that the traditions and the values of the Republic had been eroded by the current Doge who, according to the statement "Subscribes to immoral values". There would be a new constitution, it said. An anonymous source told the Gazetin that the statement was not authorised by the army's command.

There are reports that Doge Ludovico Dandolo is among those taken hostage at the Ducal Palace in Saint Mark Squarte. Traffic has been stopped from crossing the bridge which connects the city of Vinedia with the Stato da Tera (Mainland). There are reports of gunshots and at least one loud explosion in the capital. Other confusing reports said soldiers were inside the assembly of the Mazor Consejo de la Republica (Great Council of the Republic). Tanks are said to be stationed outside Vinedia's airport. All flights are cancelled, reports say.
 

Gunnland

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Officium Legati + Regnum Marpesiae / Foreign Office + Kingdom of Gunnland

The Kingdom protests the removal of the Doge Ludovico Dandolo, the noble leader of an ancient and honorable republic. The Doge must be given a fair trial. Failing that, Gunnland offers him asylum.

James Gunn Gallagher
Prime Minister of Gunnland
Foreign Minister

Bulletin [Top Secret]: National Security Service contacts within Vinedia are asked to ascertain the position of the ranking Catholic clergy in Cardinal Ipato's absence regarding the military coup d'etat.
 

Vinedia

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GUNFIRE HEARD IN SAINT MARK SQUARE

VINÈXIA - Members of the Fanteria da Mar have opened fire inside the Doge's Palace. The attacks are ongoing. Early reports from on scene sources are conflicting, but seven people are so far believed killed in the attack. Reports suggest Doge Ludovico Dandolo is being held hostage in his office by members of the military and armed funtionaries of Comisiòn par la Moralità Publica (Commission for Public Morality). The standoff continues, with Ducal Guards having entered the building to rescue the Doge. It is understood that an unkown number of Ducal Guards refused to surrender and drop their weapons.

Our source report that elements of the Ducal Guard shot their way into the Palace of the Doge, killing two soldiers. While reports remain mixed, most witnesses place the number of Ducal Guards at fifteen. State Television quotes a member of the Consejo de i Diexe (Council of the Ten) as saying gunfire continues. It reported Ducal sources saying there are seven dead within the building, with the Doge being detained on the top floor in his office.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the military has now detonated a frag grenade as Ducal Guards entered the second floor. A reporter saw several snipers on the rooftops of buildings around the the Doge's Palace. Shops in the area were shut down and gunfire could be heard. Witnesses said the military were shooting from the top of the Palace down at ducal guards in the square below. “I was passing by Saint Mark Square. I thought that children were playing with fireworks, but I realised people are hiding and lying down on the streets. The military is trying to fend off the Ducal Guards.” said a witness. Public Order Brigade helicopters circled over the Palace and all mobile phone lines from inside were disconnected. Reports said all entrance and exit gates at the Ducal Palace were closed and that lawmakers were ordered to remain in place inside the assembly room of the Great Council of the Republic.

Vinedia’s relatively moderate government - led by Doge Ludovico Dandolo - embarked upon a campaign to improve civil rights in the country, restarting internal dialogue over his nation’s ultra conservative elites which, in his opinion, are holding back the progress and the prosperity of the Republic. Doge Ludovico often criticized the actions of the Commission for Public Morality. In recent times, however, he had often refused to comment on the issue, suggesting that behind-the-shadows balances and intrigues had forced the young Doge in a weaker position. Rumors claim the Commission for Public Morality could be the mind behind the ongoing coup attempt.

More updates will follow.
 
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Vinedia

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VINEDIAN COUP ATTEMPT CRUMBLES
DOGE LUDOVICO APPEARS ON STATE TELEVISION

VINÈXIA - In an unprecedented event in the history of the Republic, military factions in Vinedia tried to seize control of the country last night, setting off a scramble for power and plunging the country into chaos. However, by Thursday morning Doge Ludovico Dandolo, whose whereabouts were unclear and was rumored to have been taken hostage in the palace of the Doge, appeared on State Television, signalling that the coup had failed.

“A minority within the armed forces has unfortunately been unable to stomach Vinedia’s unity,” the Doge said during a televised speech. Blaming the Commission for Public Morality, Doge Ludovico said “what is being perpetrated is a rebellion and a treason. They will pay a heavy price for their treason to the Republic. The reason behind this coup, orchestrated by the Commission for Public Morality itself, is my will and my determination to improve the rights of the individuals, dismantle the obsolete balances of power which prevent our country from entering the modern age, and sit around the table of democratic and liberal nations. The People of Vinedia have clearly rejected this reactionary putsch proposed by the Commission with the participation of rogue elements of the Fanteria da Mar. Those responsible will be harshly dealt with, and i announce here that the Commission for Public Morality has been disbanded, forever.”

In essence, thanks to the very poorly planned coup - which some, including Doge Ludovico, have suggested had been orchestrated by the Commission for Public Morality - has given the Doge legitimacy to accelerate the recent trend of converting Vinedia from a republican autocracy into a more liberal democracy. There were strong indications that coup leaders, at a minimum, did not have a tight grip on many parts of the country. One could go further and say that the military never really had much control anywhere. Supporters of the Doge took to the streets of Vinedia early on in the coup hours to oppose the coup plotters, and there were scattered reports some of its leaders had been arrested. Martial law was declared in the country, although few if any casualties were confirmed, despite constant media reports of clashes between the army and the protesters.

After Doge Ludovico's appeal for people to take to the streets, many of his followers obeyed his orders and loudspeakers exhorted his supporters to go out and protest the coup attempt. What was surprising, is that some prominent military figures spoke out against a coup, who issued a statement saying, “The Fanteria da Mar does not support this movement comprised of a small group within our ranks.” One wonders then just how organized and orchestrated this "low level" coup. Even leaders of opposition political parties, who have otherwise worked against Doge Ludovico Dandolo, spoke out against a seizure of government by the military.

One thing is undisputed: the coup was poorly organized from the beginning: instead of arresting Doge Ludovico on the spot and taking over all medias, while unleashing infantry forces around key choke points, the army was on the defensive almost from the beginning, and was unable to open fire on its own people when the momentum started to slip away
. Ludovico Dandolo appears to have won, as the banner of the Doge has been reported waving on the top of the Ducal Palace in Saint Mark Square.
 
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