Vrijpoort Press Holdings Pty Ltd - Nieuws van Vrijpoort

[Vrijpoort]

Commonwealth Morning Post »» tea time edition
free, independent and ruthless since 1692 - 6 Guilder

Senior Minister Duinman to Request Meeting with Two Kingdoms to Discuss Deepening Ties

Vrijpoort/Freeport - Senior Minister Bas Duinman will direct the Ministry of Overseas Affairs to officially request a working summit with his counterpart in The Two Kingdoms to discuss deepening economic ties. Currently the former colonial master of Nedernesia and Nedernesia enjoy tarif-free trade and visa-free travel amongst citizens and permanent residents. Many in Senior Minister Duinman's party (People's Action Party) want this greatly expanded to include a customs union and the free movement of people, thereby removing work permit requirements.

Analysts at Vrijpoort Universiteit expect The Two Kingdoms to largely agree in principle to these suggestions, however the sticking point may be the idea of the total free movement of people. Nedernesia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world due to its current and historical open-door immigration policies and reliance on global trade. Some are not so sure that all those in the Jysk society would be happy with an increase in Nedernesians of 'other' non-central European backgrounds being able to come and work in the Kingdoms so freely.

The economic benefits of closer integration, however, would be difficult to argue against with analysts estimating billions of guilders to be saved annually as well as a more liberal workforce that would benefit businesses in both countries.


OTHER NEWS
»Business - The Ministry of Money is set to introduce new regulations on bank account openings that will for the first time require both domestic and foreign account holders to prove their source of wealth. Nedernesia has a robust international financial industry thanks in part to discreet banking practices and the ease of opening an account as a foreigner. Non-citizens and non-permanent residents are not required to pay tax on their deposits, which has drawn criticism from other countries who often find it difficult to track down tax evaders who use Nedernesian accounts to hide their assets. The new regulation is not expected to help in that regard, but is more focused on weeding out potential money launderers.

»Defence - The Royal Sky Force (RSK) hopes to make use of air bases in the far north of The Two Kingdoms as part of cold weather training exercises this winter. RSK Sky Admiral Mark van Daalen hopes to send a squadron of fighters and multiple transport aircraft to test the abilities of both the equipment and wingmen.

»Society - A student-led group 'Stundents for Housing' is planning a large street protest this weekend to criticise the government's lack of attention on the severe affordable housing shortage in Freeport. The city, home to about 95% of the Commonwealth's roughly 6 million residents has not had enough new affordable housing units built in the past few decades, with land prices and rents soaring. Freeport straddles a straight separating the Commonwealth's two largest islands, both of which have mountains not far offshore, making construction difficult and expensive. 'Students for Housing' maintain that this is no excuse and that more lowlands farther out from the city centre need to be rezoned for new housing construction and rents need to be frozen. The Royal Commonwealth Mounted Police (RCMP) expect severe road closures on Saturday and urge those planning to travel to make use of the metro and regional railways instead of cars.

 

[Vrijpoort]

Commonwealth Morning Post »» sunrise edition
free, independent and ruthless since 1692 - 6 Guilder

Senate Quashes Proposal by Extremist Party 'Nedernesië Eerst' to Introduce Tariffs

Vrijpoort/Freeport - Every year it is the same story. The single Senate seat held by the extreme nationalist party Nedernesië Eerst (Nedernesia First) introduces a motion to introduce trade tariffs on a rage of imported goods. Martijn de Vries, Nedernesia First's leader and lone Senator traditionally introduces the motion around Midsomar, hoping to catch Senators off guard before the two week legislative recess. It never works. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) always ensures it has sufficient numbers in the chamber on the day of Mr de Vries's motion to swat it down before it can even hope to see a debate, much less a chance at success. Nearly all goods in the Commonwealth are imported and Nedernesia has never had trade tariffs of any sort on any good since record keeping began. It's what makes the archipelago such an economic wonder, many argue.

Martijn de Vries addressed the Senate in Dutch, which alongside English is an official Senate language, and rallied against the current free-market system: 'Senators, how can we be proud of our metropolis and international, multicultural business paradise if we have poor farmers in the hinterlands and Outer Islands who struggle to get by? How can a dairy farmer from Kleurland, our northernmost island, hope to sell his cheese in a local supermarket in Vrijpoort when the same cheese from Germania costs a third less? Our small farms cannot hope to compete with the large corporate powerhouses of Gallia and Germania. We need modest tariffs to ensure Nedernesian farmers get a fair chance!'

The PAP maintains that introducing tariffs of any level or sort would likely spook foreign investors and lead them to believe that other key industries, such as banking and finance in general, could also be open to further cumbersome regulations. The speaker of the senate called for a second to the motion, of which one was received from a senator from the opposition Kollamese Front, but a verbal vote overwhelmingly killed the motion fur further consideration. 'The bankers on De Waterkant and the traders on the Nedernesian Securities Exchange can rest easy with the PAP at the helm!' declared a PAP Senator on his way from the chamber to the metro to begin the Midsomar recess.

Indeed, the markets were up four tenths of a percentage point at the closing bell.


OTHER NEWS
»Defence - The Royal Sky Force and Royal Fleet are to begin a 3-day training operation to test the Royal Expeditionary Force's ability to hunt down and destroy adversarial submarines that violate Nedernesian waters. Normally such operations include the forces of Jyskerige-Østveg, however Senior Minister Bas Duinman has made military independence a cornerstone of his defence and security policy. Operations are unlikely to affect civilian air and naval traffic, although a small area to the west of Vrijpoort has been closed to civilian use, which will require minor rerouting for airliners at the nearby bustling Vrijpoort Transcontinental Skyport and liners of Nedernesië Ponten (Nedernesia Ferries).

»Society - The People's Action Party has agreed to meet with leaders of Students for Housing after the Midsomar holidays to discuss various ideas to tackle Vrijpoort's acute affordable housing shortage. The announcement was welcomed by the student-led group, but large protests for this weekend were not called off and hundreds of thousands of Nedernesians and permanent residents are expected to clog the streets of the metropolis tomorrow. Foreign students and workers on Temporary, Employment, Student and Enterprise Passes are not permitted to partake in political protests. Doing so makes one liable for a hefty 2,000 Guilder fine and even brief detainment and a review of immigration status.

»Business - Koninklijke Luftvaart Maatschappij, or KLM (Eng.: Royal Airline Corporation) announced today that the artificial island 30km to the west of Vrijpoort that will serve as the new home of the country's main airport is officially completed and connected to Zuidland, the main southern island where Vrijpoort is mostly located, via a road and rail bridge. The bridge will now be used to service construction vehicles as the massive terminal and four runways are built. A multi-shift, 24/7 construction approach seeks to complete the airport by year's end. Tens of thousands of mostly foreign-born labourers from the likes of Himyar have been granted Temporary Passes. Radio Television Nedernesia (RTN) will air a special report on the lives and working conditions of these temporary workers this weekend. The number flocking to the Commonwealth for this project alone is so high that a temporary terminal at the current Vrijpoort Intercontinental Skyport in Zuidland was erected this spring to handle the hundreds arriving daily on flights from across the globe. The Commonwealth's current main airport only has two runways and an ageing terminal that is unable to keep up with demand from KLM, a regional powerhouse in the passenger airline industry that specialises in long-haul intercontinental flights connection Scania and Gallia to Himyar as well as Trans-Thaumantic routes to the likes of Sylvania. Cargo air traffic has also massively increased in the last decade.

 

[Vrijpoort]

Radio Televisie Nedernesië | Radio Television Nedernesia
Wij blijven U voortdurend op de hoogte houden | Always keeping you up to date
​

The beeping every second for 10 seconds develops into a brief news chime as the time reaches the top of the hour. A woman's voice introduces the programme:

On radio, on television and online, this is RTN - Radio Television Nedernesia. Broadcast from Freeport to the world.

A man's soothing yet authoritative voice greets the radio listener:

Good evening. My name is Pieter Khadilkhar with a special report today on migrant workers in the Commonwealth of Nedernesia. Nedernesia has been an international trading port and free market as far back as records can show and to this day maintains a very liberal immigration policy. For short tourist and business stays a 'Social Pass' is granted to all arrivals at Vrijpoort Intercontinental Skyport immediately without the need for a visa in advance or a fee, regardless of the citizenship held by the visitor. Such Social Passes typically last 100 days, an unusually long time period in Europe and certainly one of the only countries that doesn't require short term visas from any country.

But what about those wishing to work, study or invest in the Commonwealth? It gets a bit more complicated there, but the system is very well organised and open. Highly skilled workers can apply for an Employment Pass either after already in possession of a work contract, or may do so prior to having secured a job - in this case their Social Pass is extended for up to 6 months while they seek work. Students are granted a Student Pass once accepted into a university or Polytechnical School and business investors are granted various types of Enterprise Passes once they invest a certain amount of money into property or industry. Any citizen from any country can make use of these visas and permits. After just 3 years of working on an Employment Pass - reduced to 2 years if a worker absolved their degree in the Commonwealth - they can apply for Permanent Residency (PR), which grants them access to certain healthcare and housing benefits, although introduces a different income tax rate and cumpulsory savings scheme.

And the the nitty gritty? The jobs 'no one wants'? Well, clearly a lot of people want those jobs because that's what the country was built on, what the country needs and it's the most applied-for pass in the Commonwealth. The Temporary Pass is intended for low-skilled workers such as labourers, cleaners, domestic servants, taxi drivers, etc. It is given out liberally with one of the only ways for an application to be denied being an outstanding criminal record somewhere in Europe or other police or intelligence reasons to reject the application. Nearly half a million residents of Nedernesia hold a Temporary Pass and, like 90% of the country's population, live in the metropolis of Vrijpoort (Freeport).

The sounds of airliners taking off, humming of people in an airport terminal and public announcements in 5 languages can be heard before the presenter's voice returns:

Vrijpoort Intercontinental Skyport is the lifeblood of the Commonwealth and for years has served not only this country, but the wider region and world as a major passengers transit hub and cargo centre. With only two runways and a now overcrowded terminal, the government, led by the People's Action Party, declared 5 years ago that a brand new, significantly larger airport would be built. With limited room on Zuidland - the island where the southern half of Vrijpoort is located - due to rugged mountain terrain, an artificial island was to be built west of the city. This island took 3 years of dredging, dumping of gravel and sand and reinforcement. It was finally completed this week and now construction of the passengers and cargo terminals, as well as the runways and taxiways, can begin. But who will build it?

This is exactly the kind of job that a person, citizen or PR, born in Nedernesia would not take. Long hours, hard work and low pay make it an unnattractive offer. The Temporary Pass was created exactly with these jobs in mind. Himyaris and others found out about the massive infrastructure project through government-backed labour agencies that advertise online and in newspapers and even have small recruitment offices on the other side of the world. They book airfare (often at a reduced rate with national flag carrier KLM) and organise housing and Temporary Pass applications for these workers who are seeking a couple of years of higher wages than they could hope to get at home. Bank accounts are even organised by the labour agencies so that the workers can remit money back to their families. Many of these workers do not speak much Engelsh, let alone Dutch, and they rely on these labour agencies to handle the majority of their interactions with Nedernesian society and services.

But these workers are not tucked away into far-off corners - they are visible on the labyrinthine streets of Vrijpoort, in the tangle of metro tunnels, on the double decker busses, in the hawker food stalls...but at the same time they are invisible, keeping to themselves, living in dormitories amongst themselves, working long shifts and far from the glitz and glamour of De Waterkant and other streets in the financial district.

What is life like for these Temporary Pass workers or Tempos as they are often called? Are they happy to have found work? Do they miss home? Do they find life in the Commonwealth difficult? Do they hope to qualify for PR and settle here, like so many other ancestors of Nedernesians have done?

Stay tuned for part two of our special report...for now, a short break for our sponsors...​

The RTN chime and music returns and then a man's voice with a working class Natalian accent comes on:​

Ahhh, shift done, mates! Meet you at the bar in a jiff, just have to pop round to the bankomat to send my girl this month's takings!

The sound of a hastily stopped LP record is followed by a woman's Nedernesian accented Engelsh:​

Hold on a moment, lad! Are you still sending your monthly remittance via the Bankomat? Queing up behind the rest at the end of every month, going out of your way to find a Bankomat nearby? Why, eh? Use your smartphone, open up the Standard Chartered banking app, put in your honey's account number and Interbank Code, and zap! She's got your Guilders in her local currency in a flash! Best bit? Make at least one global remitance a month and you only pay a fee of nought point three per cent! We even offer the app in languages like Mbunda and Wala! What's that, lad? You don't bank with Standard Chartered? Geen probleem, jongetje! Download our app, upload a photo of your Nedernesia Temporary Pass and agree to the Ts & Cs. Alternatively, visit a Standard Chartered bankomat and select 'account opening' or pop in to one of our dozens of branches in Vrijpoort for a friendly chat! We'll take the hassle out of switching banks. ​

Standard Chartered - the bank on your side.

The woman's voice is now sped up considerably:
​

All account, app and remitance services are provided by Standard Chartered Bank Incorporated Entity, registered in Vrijpoort, Commonwealth of Nedernesia. 'Global Remittance' is a registered service mark of the bank. Account opening subject to Ts & Cs and the successful pass of background and anti-money laundering checks. For further details consult your local Standard Chartered branch or visit standard DASH chartered DOT ne FORWARD SLASH global remittance.​

 

[Vrijpoort]

het financiële rapport 6 gulden/guilders​

»» KLM Eyes Takeover of Struggling Lairs | Reserve Bank Unlikely to Drop Rates
»» Gov't Agrees to Public Housing Reform | LTA Prepares COAE Auction 2019

KLM Airways Reviewing Possible Takeover of Struggling Lars Airline 'Lairs'
Lars's national airline 'Lairs' has been struggling financially in the last few years due to a mix of tough competition in the region and fluctuating jet fuel prices. KLM Airways of Nedernesia, one of the region's largest airlines, has officially begun internal discussions to see if a takeover of Lairs would be possible and economically beneficial to the Nedernesian flag carrier's future plans and shareholders. It is expected that senior executives of KLM will travel to Lars later this month to partake in talks with their Lairs counterparts. KLM shares were up 3 per cent on the Nedernesian Securities Exchange.

Nedernesian Reserve Bank Unlikely to Drop Interest Rates in July Meeting
Despite some analysts's predictions and hopes in the business community that the Reserve Bank would lower interest rates at their upcoming July meeting, latest perceptions point towards a hold at the current 8% for the Nedernesian Guilder. At a conference at Hoogrand School of Business at Vrijpoort Universiteit, Reserve Bank chairman R.D. Singh said that while geopolitical conditions have led to recent uncertainty and jitters in global markets, the overall Nedernesian and Scanian economic outlook is strong for growth and high interest rates are necessary to prevent overheating in the economy.

Government Agrees to Public Housing Reforms
After what both sides called 'fruitful talks', the government announced that it agreed to some points made by Students for Housing and will unveil major public housing reforms this summer. These may include making qualifying for government Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats easier for young, single first-time buyers and increasing the one-time mortgage downpayment grant from the current 250,000 guilders (30,000 rigsdaler). Housing prices have increased ten-fold in the previous five years while median salaries have only grown roughly 4 per cent.

Land Transport Authority Prepares Certificate of Auto Entitlement Auction
The LTA is in final preparations for their annual Certificate of Auto Entitlement (COAE) auction. A scheme launched in 1993, COAE is a government certificate that must be purchased at auction before a private person can purchase an automobile. Last year the highest priced COAE surpassed 800,000 guilders (~100,000 rigsdaler) as the LTA sought to limit the number of new auto purchases in 2018 due to rising congestion in Vrijpoort, where 90% of Nedernesians live. In conjunction with a 200 per cent luxury tax on automobiles, high tunnel and bridge tolls, electronic road pricing to control peak traffic time congestion and high investment in public transport, such as a metro, suburban rail and a vast bus network, Vrijpoort has been able to largely control overly congested streets filled with cars, but the city does struggle with traffic congestion at certain times.

@Lars

 

[Vrijpoort]

Radio Televisie Nedernesië | Radio Television Nedernesia
Wij blijven U voortdurend op de hoogte houden | Always keeping you up to date
​

The beeping every second for 10 seconds develops into a brief news chime as the time reaches the half hour. A woman's voice introduces the programme:

On radio, on television and online, this is RTN - Radio Television Nedernesia. Broadcast from Freeport to the world.

A man's soothing yet authoritative voice greets the radio listener:

Good evening. My name is Pieter Khadilkhar with a special report today on migrant workers in the Commonwealth of Nedernesia. This is part two of our special report.

We followed a group of Natalian and Loagan arrivals, fresh immigrants, who had obtained Temporary Passes from overseas offices of the employment agencies owned by the Nedernesian Ministry of Manpower. They had been greeted at Vrijpoort Transcontinental by a representative of the employment agency, who helped process them through passport control, a quick and seamless process fully automated with passport gates. They inserted their passport and looked into a camera. Seconds later their passport was returned with a fresh stamp 'Temporary Pass: duration of stay as per supplementary documentation'. We asked the agency worker what that meant.

'So in two weeks they will receive a plastic ID card in the post, very similar to a Nedernesian national ID card, that has their photo, address, details, what have you, and it will include the expiry date, etc. They use that as ID here in Nedernesia and if they travel to and from the country they use that in conjunction with their passport to avoid the longer queues that Social Pass visitors endure. Let's head on to the van.'

The worker helps the men with their baggage and they load it into a 15-passenger van that departs the airport and is soon zipping along the expressway. The skyscrapers of Vrijpoort quickly come into view and the men from the other side of the world stare out in awe. A metro train zips alongside the expressway before continuing onto an elevated bridge and disappearing into the sea of steel. About 45 minutes later we pull into a development of flats. The buildings are older, simple structures, but appear clean and maintained. The men are handed plastic keycards and a flat number.

'Ok, you three Block B, Number 724. Don't lose the card or it's a thousand Guilder replacement fee! You two, Block E, Number 627, off you go!'

The assignment continued until all men had their new flat assigned and they were instructed to report back in one hour for work details. Most of them would be heading to the newly constructed island where the new airport was being built, but a few had assignments at other construction projects, landscaping jobs and there were a couple of women who were slated to be cleaners or domestic servants. We moved on to a group of Himyari men enjoying their afternoon off near a 24mart, one of the ubiquitous 24/7 convenience stores found across Nedernesia. They were drinking beer and enjoying snacks while listening to music from their homeland, chatting, laughing, a few dancing.

We sat down with Wandile, a 28-year-old man from rural Natalia.

'Ja, it's not so bad, not so bad', he began telling us, already adopting the Nedernesian Engelsh slang by using the Dutch 'ja' before the start of nearly every sentence. 'I came here two years ago and started on a site for a new block of flats and now I'm on the airport project. The pay is good. I send more than half back home every month. It helps a lot.'

I ask him about life in Nedernesia in general, what he does in his free time, if he's experienced difficulties.

'Ja, ja, to be honest bru, I mostly chill with the guys here by the flats. The work is exhausting, 10 hours a day, six days a week. The metro takes 45 minutes to get into central Vrijpoort and we have enough here. Some restaurants, even some with food from home! The bank is nearby, the supermarket, some bars, a pool hall, a football pitch. We don't need much more. What are we going to do in Central? Buy expensive suits and thousand-guilder meals?' Wandile laughs and finishes his beer.

'Nah, bru. Central isn't for the Tempos. I go there maybe once a month to catch a film or, er, you know, meet some girls. We mostly keep to ourselves. The locals and the upper pass holders don't want to talk with us anyway.'

'What do you mean by upper pass holders?'

'The Employment Pass holders, you know the bankers and consultants from Gallo-Germania and Scania who come work here. Or the Enterprise Holders, those rich people who open up businesses here. Or the PRs, the people who got permanent residency.'

'But you could get an Enterprise Pass, too. The Natalian guy down the street who opened a restaurant to cater to you guys, he has an Enterprise Pass.'

Wandile lit a cigarette and took a long drag while seeming to ponder my statement. 'Ja, ja, bru, sure, sure. I could do that I guess but I'm not keen on taking out a business loan.'

The following day in Central, we walked through the busy streets with Mimi Elletson from Nedernesia for All, an NGO that helps Tempos navigate the bureaucracy of the country, especially disputes with employers. They can help mediate disputes or help file complaints or reports with the Ministry of Manpower. They also help Temporary Pass holders make the move to a more stable pass so that they could one day qualify for permanent residency and even citizenship.

'We find that most Tempos who come here end up returning home after having saved for a few years, but about a quarter do switch to an Enterprise Pass to start a small business and some switch to a Student Pass to study and gain skills for qualifying for a job that would grant them an Employment Pass. We help them make that switch and once that is done, we guide them through the day to day of running a business or studying here. After a few years on an upper pass we can help them apply for PR. It's really not a difficult process but a lot of these people don't have experience with bureaucracy or their Dutch or Engelsh isn't quite good enough to deal with the paperwork and interviews.'

Mimi and I are walking down Frying Pan Alley, which is famous for its open-air food courts. The number of languages that can be heard is astonishing, but typical for Vrijpoort. It's the end of the month, so the queues at the bankomats are long as people wait to remit money home to their families. Others are gorging on feasts of food from all over the world as they enjoy one of the few days with extra money to spend. It's not just Tempos here, but Nedernesians and PRs of all backgrounds who've come to enjoy a spot of lunch.

'We receive very few reports of racism or intimidation. As you can see it's a pretty harmonious coexistence in our city. Most problems arise from unscrupulous employers trying to pay less than agreed wages or want their employees to work longer than is legal. But xenophobia doesn't really exist here. You can't point at a person on the street and say definitively that they are a foreigner. Nedernesians are from everywhere. Some are indigenous Dutch speakers, some have family from the Jysk colonial past, some have been here just one generation and trace their roots to Himyar. We have a nice city. The other islands, not that many people live there, are mostly Dutch Nedernesian or Enegellachian. The Tempos that do work there, ja, they have more issues. We are thinking of opening an office on Kleurland to help those people'.

The RTN chime and music returns and then a man's voice with a working class Natalian accent comes on:​

Ahhh, shift done, mates! Meet you at the bar in a jiff, just have to pop round to the bankomat to send my girl this month's takings!

The sound of a hastily stopped LP record is followed by a woman's Nedernesian accented Engelsh:​

Hold on a moment, lad! Are you still sending your monthly remittance via the Bankomat? Queing up behind the rest at the end of every month, going out of your way to find a Bankomat nearby? Why, eh? Use your smartphone, open up the Standard Chartered banking app, put in your honey's account number and Interbank Code, and zap! She's got your Guilders in her local currency in a flash! Best bit? Make at least one global remitance a month and you only pay a fee of nought point three per cent! We even offer the app in languages like Mbunda and Wala! What's that, lad? You don't bank with Standard Chartered? Geen probleem, jongetje! Download our app, upload a photo of your Nedernesia Temporary Pass and agree to the Ts & Cs. Alternatively, visit a Standard Chartered bankomat and select 'account opening' or pop in to one of our dozens of branches in Vrijpoort for a friendly chat! We'll take the hassle out of switching banks.

Standard Chartered - the bank on your side.

The woman's voice is now sped up considerably:
​

All account, app and remitance services are provided by Standard Chartered Bank Incorporated Entity, registered in Vrijpoort, Commonwealth of Nedernesia. 'Global Remittance' is a registered service mark of the bank. Account opening subject to Ts & Cs and the successful pass of background and anti-money laundering checks. For further details consult your local Standard Chartered branch or visit standard DASH chartered DOT ne FORWARD SLASH global remittance.​

 

[Vrijpoort]

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Commonwealth Morning Post »» sunrise edition
free, independent and ruthless since 1692 - 6 Guilder

Formally Charged: 5 West Thaumantans Indicted with Human Trafficking - Crown Seeks Capital Punishment
Vrijpoort/Freeport — Nedernesia awoke this morning to a

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after 5 West Thaumantans from Beautancus, Sylvania and Clarenthia, employed by the locally registered Thaumantic Trading Services Pty Ltd, were detained under powers of the Defense of the State Act 1984. Offices of the company were also raided near the Port of Vrijpoort and assets and accounts of the firm were frozen. Royal Commonwealth Mounted Police (RCMP) and Veiligheidsdienst (VeDi / Security Service) agents were seen at both the raided homes and offices. Witnesses describe seeing the men blindfolded and taken away in separate cars to unknown, most likely separate locations. Under the special Act, lawyers will not be allowed to visit the accused for the next few weeks.

The company and men stand accused of multiple counts of human trafficking for both the construction trade and sex work, drug smuggling, gun running and money laundering. Details have yet to be released by the RCMP's financial crimes unit, but sources of the Morning Post say that the sums involved reach into billions of guilder and the complicated web of illicit transactions spreads far beyond our archipelago to no less than four continents. The RCMP confirmed hours after the early morning raids that the company and detained men have been under surveillance by the Nedernesian Signals Directorate (NSD), which monitors cyber and telephonic communications both domestically and abroad, for years. VeDi had been brought onto the case more recently once NSD had received 'irrefutable evidence' of 'highly illicit conduct'.

While the Nedernesian Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the crimes the company and men have been accused of, questions are being raised on the processing and treatment of the charged individuals. Their illegibility to meet with legal counsel and their as yet unknown locations is one contentious point. Consular officials from their home countries will be permitted to visit the men later this week. The Crown Prosecution Office is seeking capital punishment for all five men, while the minimum sentence is 20 years imprisonment, absolute confiscation of all financial and non-financial assets, plus 100 uninterrupted strokes of the cane.

In the meantime it is unknown, although highly likely, that interrogation has already begun. A spokesman for the RCMP said that the web these men were part of extends far beyond Nedernesia: 'Together with VeDi and Signals Directorate, we will continue to piece together this criminal organisation and find other suspects, irrespective of where in this world they may be cowering. We intend to work together with our foreign counterparts to bring all involved criminals to justice and put a stop to these unforgivable crimes.'

The domestic partners of the five arrested men have been placed under house arrest by the RCMP and Nedernesian Signals Directorate has cut off their internet connections and confiscated all electronic communication equipment. The partners have also been denied access to lawyers. Some elements of civil society are labelling the government's actions as 'a bit overzealous', while ensuring to state that they are against the alleged crimes, but want to ensure 'humane due process of the law is upheld'.

OTHER NEWS
»Defence - The Royal Fleet is despatching two destroyers to the Long Sea to conduct freedom of navigation manoeuvres in international waters as part of efforts to show commitment to Nedernesian flagged merchant marine vessels that ply the contentious waves. The Royal Fleet public affairs office expects an 'uneventful' four-month mission, which will include port of calls to friendly countries in the region, as well as an opportunity for Nedernesian sailors to engage in long distance blue water campaigns.

»Business - Shipping insurance rates have nearly doubled in the past month since rhetoric of the great powers over the future state of the Long Sea has increased. Nedernesia has one of the highest concentration of shipping insurance companies as huge numbers of civilian container and bulk carrier vessels from countries around the globe are registered and flagged in the Commonwealth due to favourable taxes and low registration fees. Problematically, the Nedernesian Royal Fleet would be unable to fully defend Nedernesian flagged vessels in the event of increased piracy or conflict in the Long Sea and shipping insurance companies are doubtful that powers in the region would be able to step in and help given the current feather ruffling.

»Science - Two research vessels owned by a private organisation, Starfleet Enterprises Pty Ltd, will be departing on icy missions this week. Voyager I and Voyager II will be departing

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for nearly half-year long missions to the Arctic and Antarctic. The vessels are icebreaker classified ships and will be venturing to both polar extremities ostensibly to conduct scientific research on wildlife and climate patterns. Many are skeptical, however, as photographs taken last month appear to show what looks like heavy drilling equipment being loaded onto both ships. Starfleet Enterprises claims they are for ice core drilling, but experts analysed the photos and say the drills are far too complex and large to be for ice core drilling and appear to be designed for oil and gas exploration.
[/DIV]
@Sylvania @Clarenthia @Beautancus

 

[Thaumantica]

West Engell Foreign Office

That these criminal suspects are not eligible to consult with legal advisors is both highly dubious and a shocking affront to their basic rights.

We hope to discuss this matter and others with our Nedernesian partners in the near future, and vow to meet with accused Thaumanticans if their nation of origin cannot supply a welfare monitor to their case.

 

[Vrijpoort]

Overzeese Relaties en Coöperatie Nedernesië | Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia

We thank our West Engell counterparts for their voice of concern and offer. The five suspects have been charged with multiple counts of highly illicit conduct, thus out of the purview of standard criminal law. As such, they have been detained and charged under the Defense of the State Act 1984, which provides the Government of Nedernesia special extraordinary powers to process these individuals until it can be deemed certain that they pose no immediate danger to the Commonwealth and her possessions. This Act suspends certain rights, such as legal counsel, visitation and access to exterior communications for a period of up to 30 days. After 30 days detainment the special powers can either be renewed for another 30 days, with agreement from the Senior Minister of Nedernesia, or otherwise expire and legal counsel visitation will be immediately permitted. At this early stage in the investigation, it is as of now unclear whether all or some of these five will have their detainment status under Defense of the State Act 1984 extended or not. As a gesture of good will, the Crown Prosecution Office has allowed consular officials from the home countries of these accused to visit by the end of this week - a purely voluntary gesture which is not required under the provisions of this special law.

All concerned parties in this case are urged and welcomed to follow updates by visiting the Crown Prosecution Office's official website:

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[Great Engellex]

[TOP SECRET]

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I do not propose to diminish the dignity of the Engellexian Republic, the First Republic, by dealing with the curious hodgepodge of observations to which we have received in respect of private behaviour. The matter which has been raised is a very serious one, and merits the closest and severest consideration of the First Republic. Nothing could exaggerate the hardship of the cases to which I refer.

There is no need to apply a defence to many of the acts that the Commonwealth has spoken with vehement condemnation, for they are freedoms of private citizens and are to be beyond the reach of organized tyranny. The alluded human suffering within and by those industries continues to be unsubstantiated and unsound, concerns of insignificance that are greatly exceeded by everything permitted under the monarchy of the Commonwealth, absent of any kind of pretence of justice or of certainty.

Citizens of the Thaumantic have been arrested for absolutely no reason other than for the exercising of their personal freedom.

Citizens of the Thaumantic - Cussian, Clarenthian, and Sylvanian - have been detained by the Royal Commonwealth Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Veiligheidsdienst (VeDi), and received treatment, as can only be plainly described, with the greatest brutality and the greatest torture. The degree to which the Commonwealth casually applies State-sponsored murder is abhorrent.

It is no small matter that the wealth and industry of the Commonwealth should be terribly harmed, that thousands, not impossibly millions, in the very imminent future, will likely be starving by the unkindness, that the policies and deliberate actions of, your government may provoke. The Engellexian Republic will not shrink from anything within its power with the object of securing the freedom of those five citizens. The First Republic does unquestionably mean to execute justice on the Commonwealth of Nedernesia should it prefer not to return those five citizens to freedom, within twelve hours, but instead persist in committing these outrages.

I must implore the Government of the Commonwealth of Nedernesia to believe in our sincerity and in our desire to liberate those free citizens of the Thaumantic, and, in considering the great difficulty the Commonwealth shall find itself in should it not be cooperative, to not exercise patience in this abnormal circumstance of your choosing.

It is the preference of the Northern Constituent Republics that Engello-Nedernesië relations are not needlessly undermined by judicial overreach.

Lady MINERVA THREADNEEDLES
SECRETARY of the REPUBLIC NoCRER

 

[Vrijpoort]

Overzeese Relaties en Coördinatie Nedernesië | Overseas Relations and Coordination Nedernesia

- classificatie: A1A streng geheim - classification: A1A strictly secret -

TO: Lady Minerva Threadneedles
Secretary of the Republic NoCRER

Greetings,

The ultimatum received has been duly noted and consumed by Senior Minister Duinman and myself. Unfortunately, as the judicial system in our country follows a system of due process, it is impossible for the five accused to be released within twelve hours, as demanded by your office. We would like to take this opportunity to make a few things crystal clear:

1. The accused men have been charged with heinous crimes including, but not limited to, forcing underage children to engage in unspeakable sexual and physically damaging acts, some of which could have resulted in death. This is against Commonwealth law and no one in Nedernesia is above the law. Differences in opinion may exist, but we in Nedernesia are not in the habit of instructing other governments what kind of laws to gazette nor how to enforce them.

2. The accused men are exactly that: accused. Under our judicial system they are considered innocent until proven guilty. They will be treated humanely and shall not be harmed physically or mentally during their detainment.

3. Arrangements are being made for consular officials from their respective home countries to be granted visitation rights no later than this Friday.

4. Not that I am under any requirement to share the following information with Her Excellency, but I pass along notice that the powers of the Defense of the State Act 1984 are NOT expected to be extended when they expire in 29 days time, meaning that the accused will be permitted to hire and receive legal counsel of their choosing with plenty of time for defense preparation before their trial is to commence.

5. If my government is to interpret your notice correctly, there is a thinly-veiled threat in the undertone of your elegant wording. The Commonwealth of Nedernesia has endured for hundreds of years by being an open place of business for all and we share historical, cultural and linguistic ties with our neighbours in the First Republic. Ties we value and wish to see thrive and grow now and in the future. That being said, the Commonwealth is fully prepared and capable of defending itself and will not ever hesitate to do so. I do sincerely hope that my office has misinterpreted Her Excellency's note of concern.

My office remains committed to keeping yours up to date on this unfortunate legal case and shall endeavour to be as transparent as possible. Do not hesitate to correspond.

With sincerest salutations,
Robert S. Riverdale, Minister of Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia

 

[Clarenthia]

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June 14, 2019
​

The Honorable Robert S. Riverdale
Minister of Overseas Relations and Cooperation
Vrijpoort, Nedernesia

The proper and expedient execution of law is a critical component of a civilized society. However, it is the belief of the Commonwealth of Clarenthia that while the expedient execution of law is possible, the proper execution is indeed not possible without ensuring the basic human rights and dignities worthy to a member of the race are observed at all stages throughout the proceedings.

The lack of compelling evidence provided, the lack of legal counsel delivered, the dubious nature with which the initial interrogation of the accused to occur, and the grotesque violation of legal norms granted by the “Defense of the State Act” compel the Commonwealth to draw numerous questions into the validity of these criminal proceedings within the Commonwealth of Nedernesia.

In the protection of the Treatyfolk, especially when their natural freedom is denied due to activities wholly personal in nature and in such denial their very lives are put at risk, the Commonwealth of Clarenthia does not and will not relent from using the full capacity and resources of the nation.

The Commonwealth of Nedernesia’s decision after suspension of the normal legal process and deprivation of the basic human dignities entitled to all peoples to then seek capital punishment is an abhorrent betrayal of civilization.

Therefore, in joining with the concerns and terms laid out by the First Republic and the West Engell Republic – the Commonwealth of Clarenthia demands that its citizens, and the others of the Thaumantic, be delivered to their proper embassies, unharmed, within twelve hours of this correspondence.

In mutual prosperity,

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ASTON NOTLEIGH

 

[Vrijpoort]

Overzeese Relaties en Coördinatie Nedernesië | Overseas Relations and Coordination Nedernesia

- classificatie: openbaar - classification: public -

TO: The Honourable Aston Notleigh
Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Fictional Organizations, Clarenthia

Greetings,

I would like to ensure Commissioner Notleigh that all men detained are being treated with utmost care for their physical and mental health and they will indeed be granted unrestricted visitation from their respective consular representatives this Friday.

We are puzzled by the claim that evidence of their alleged crimes has not been provided. No trial has yet begun and evidence will naturally be presented and made public before any trial commences. Lack of legal counsel is a purely temporary measure - no trial can be conducted in Nedernesia without fair legal representation. As such, I can confirm that legal counsel will be permitted in due course well in advance of the trial's start date. Due to the highly illicit nature of the crimes allegedly committed, special measures had to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Nedernesian citizens and residents.

If Nedernesian citizens had broken the law whilst in Clarenthia we would expect nothing less than your legal apparatus to take its course and process the legal case as per domestic norms.

These accused shall be processed as per Nedernesian legal norms.

The men cannot by law be returned to their respective embassies before they have faced a fair and competent open trial, as that would be unjust to the victims in this case. Your government, and other concerned governments, will be the first to receive relevant information pertaining to this legal case.

My office remains committed to further transparent and fruitful correspondence.

With sincerest salutations,
Robert S. Riverdale, Minister of Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

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RIGSFÆLLESSKABET
DETTE HJØRNE AF JORDEN SMILER FOR MIG MERE END NOGET ANDET

Departementet for de Udenlandske Anliggender
​

Her Majesty’s Government maintains that of the independence and integrity of the Nedernesian legal system is paramount to the good health and wellness of the Scanian region.

In order to maintain this wellness, Her Majesty’s Government will work within all of its available resources to reciprocate any unjust action taken by any foreign government against one of the Queen’s realms, including Nedernesia.



Med vennlig hilsen,

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Lotta Folkesson
Utanriksministeren - Utrikesminister - Ministre des Relations internationales - Välisminister

 

[Vrijpoort]

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Commonwealth Morning Post »» teatime edition
free, independent and ruthless since 1692 - 6 Guilder

Senior Minister: I will not Extend DOTSA for 'Gang of Five'
Vrijpoort/Freeport — In a shocking intervention of the 'Gang of Five' legal case, Senior Minister Bas Duinman released a statement from his office this afternoon saying that he will not extend DOTSA (Defense of the State Act 1984) for the five suspects of West Thaumantic origin. Extension of DOTSA would have provided for a further 30 days of special powers for the Crown Prosecution Office, including the temporary suspension of the right to legal representation.

The spokesman for the Senior Minister's Office said that SM Duinman had met with the High Barrister of the Crown Prosecution Office earlier today to receive a debrief on the case. 'The Senior Minister was fully debriefed on all matters pertaining to Case Number 1776. Upon further consultation with his advisors he deemed it unnecessary for DOTSA to be extended, meaning the five suspects will be afforded full legal representation of their choosing within the coming days.'

The Post also contacted the Nedernesian Signals Directorate (NSD), the cyber intelligence agency that recommended use of DOTSA, to enquire about why the Act was used for the detainment of the men. NSD responded that 'information and evidence compiled suggested at the time of the raids that the five suspects had intentions and means to do further harm to innocent victims of their alleged crimes, including underage children. After successful detainment of the suspects, Signals Directorate is satisfied that they no longer pose an immediate threat to the citizens and residents of the Commonwealth and will not be requesting the Senior Minister to extend DOTSA.'

Meanwhile, consular officials from Sylvania, Beautancus and Clarenthia are being debriefed today by the Royal Commonwealth Mounted Police (RCMP) and are being presented with evidence of the alleged crimes committed. The consular officials will be granted unimpeded access to the suspects from Friday. One suspect of the group from Clarenthia has been identified as a permanent resident of Nedernesia. While this does not change the legal proceedings against him, it could affect the Crown's ability to seize assets and property of the suspect in the event of conviction.


OTHER NEWS
»Business - With the expected passage of major social reforms in Pelasgia, Nedernesian businesses are gearing up for a very large, untapped market for their products and services, most notably banking and finance. Standard Chartered Bank and NedBank have both signalled their intent to send business exploration teams to the Empire to review possible ventures in both urban and rural banking, as well as agricultural finance.

»Markets - The Vrijpoort Securities Exchange took a tumble yesterday as the fallout from the 'Gang of Five' legal case spooked markets amid antagonistic remarks from Thaumantan Engell governments. This comes on top of the ongoing uncertainties of Long Sea security and conflict in Bourgogne that has recently heated up. The Reserve Bank of Nedernesia stated this morning that it has 'measures to ensure confidence in markets'. Finance Nedernesia also came out with a statement that 'we have considerable reserves as well as assets within the NedFondsen sovereign wealth fund to overcome any subversive externalities.'

»Society - Today marks the start of the 6-week summer holidays for school and univesity students across the country. KLM Airways has warned of 'managed chaos' at Vrijpoort Transcontinental Skyport this week as families depart for sojourns near and far. Popular domestic destinations include the western De Tweelingen (The Twins) islands while the most popular international destinations are The Two Kingdoms, Clarenthia, Natal and The Dune Sea. Many wealthy Nedernesian families own businesses and bush estates in The Dune Sea and traditionally summer in the northern plains of the royal dominion. Despite the long flight times the Himyari destinations continue to rank highest in popularity for the sixth year running.
[/DIV]
@Pelasgia @Clarenthia @Sylvania @Beautancus

 

[Vrijpoort]

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het financiële rapport 7 gulden/guilders​

»» VSE Down 6% as Global Markets Flutter
»» 'Gang of Five' Case Leads to Criticism of Government
»» KLM Fills Planes Leaving Nedernesia
»» Military Leave Cancelled

Vrijpoort Securities Exchange Opens with 6% Drop after Eifellandian, Natalian & other Exchanges also Open Red
The VSE was down a steep 6% at the opening bell after markets across the globe took a tumble as bellicose warnings from Engellkin countries were made public pertaining to the 'Gang of Five' human, weapons and drug trafficking case. Traders were seen screaming and tustling on the floor of the exchange as major funds began selling shares in favour of bonds in Himyari markets where returns are often high but risky, but relatively more secure than traditional established markets. The Nedernesian Guilder, traditionally a safe-haven currency, has also slid 3% as traders cashed out in favour of smaller but quieter currencies, particularly that of Natal. Analysts expect global markets to continue to slide and major consequences to be felt if the threats being slung across the Thaumantic do not end.

'Gang of Five' Legal Case Causes Rare Criticism of RCMP, VeDi, Signals Directorate and Crown Prosecution Office
The drama continues as public exchanges between Clarenthia and Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia reveal threats and ultimatums from Engellkin countries regarding the detainment of 5 Cussian, Sylvanian and Clarenthian suspects. While viewed by many as irrational and overzealous ultimatums, as well as extreme interference in the domestic affairs of the Commonwealth, some are not happy how the bad press and economic reaction has affected them and their business. Leader of the Nedernesian Chamber of Commerce, Johny Spencer, the Cussian-born and dual national of Beautancus and Nedernesia, has led the call for serious evaluations on the way in which the legal case has been handled.

'Why did Signals Directorate request special detainment powers for these guys? Why was VeDi involved? Why did the Royal Commonwealth Mounted Police blindfold the suspects? Why is the Crown requesting the death penalty? Someone needs to answer for this - the business community is not happy.' ​

After his morning talk with reporters, Johny Spencer's office sent a formal letter to the Crown Prosecution Office calling for the resignation of its head. Opposition parties in the Senate have echoed his sentiments and are gathering a quorum to begin an emergency debate on the matter despite the Senate's summer recess.

The Equity and Prosperity Party's Leader of the Opposition, Matilda Weldaad, slammed Senior Minister Duinman's handling of the issue, calling for strong leadership.

'SM Duinman sits silent while behemoth countries threaten our tiny, rich isles with who know's what. Nedernesia is a business paradise and giant in the economic world, but we must tread carefully and respectfully when dealing with others. Discourse, dialogue, negotiations - this is what we need now to deescalate what has become an absolute omnishambles! SM Duinman must speak with the Engellkin and find an amicable solution.'​

KLM Fully Booked on Flights out of the Commonwealth as Governments Shutter Embassies
What would normally thrill airline executives has them worried. KLM Airways has sold out flights departing Nedernesia as concerned foreign residents seek to return to their origin countries. Some foreign governments concerned by the threatening language of the Engellkin countries have closed their embassies and have even urged their citizens to leave the Commonwealth. KLM has reshuffled its schedule to allow for more departing flights, cancelling some service to Natal and the Dune Sea in order to use the long-haul jets on those routes for the Trans-Thaumantic routes now in high demand. The airline finds the trend 'unfortunate'. Other airlines are also facing record departure bookings. KLM's CEO is scheduled to meet with Senior Minister Duinman today, according to the Senior Minister's official agenda, as many suspect that the airline is not happy with the current situation. KLM did not respond to our request for comment before we went to press.

Royal Nedernesian Expeditionary Force Cancels Leave for all Active Duty Personnel
The RNEF has cancelled leave for all active duty personnel across the Royal Sky Force, Royal Admiralty and Royal Ground Force as part of 'standard summertime exercises'. Analysts, however, expect the move to be in response to the Engellkin threats over the 'Gang of Five' legal case. Sources in the RNEF also claim that the two destroyers despatched to the Long Sea have turned around and RNEF reserves have been put on alert. All citizens of the Commonwealth and permanent residents perform obligatory 3-year (citizens) and 2-year (PRs) military service from age 18 with annual 2-week training thereafter.
[/DIV]

 

[Vrijpoort]

beeld.ne
jouw wereld. jouw krant.

de nummer één saalse krant in Nedernesië.​

Hij zal de kinderverkrachter bevrijden!
(He will set the child rapists free!)

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Barrister Mathijs van Daalen outside Vrijpoort Courthouse this afternoon.

Vrijpoort - Mathijs van Daalen of the country's largest law firm, Van Daalen Wakefield Pryce, was seen entering court today in central Vrijpoort. It has been confirmed by beeld.ne that the notorious defense barrister has been hired by the company at the centre of the Gang of Five legal case. Thaumantic Trading Service Pty Ltd has signed a retainer agreement with Van Daalen Wakefield Pryce and employed the firm to defend the five men of Thaumantic origins who were detained last week under special powers of the Defense of the State Act 1984, more commonly known as DOTSA.

While DOTSA has a lifespan of 30 days, during which time suspects can be held without access to legal counsel, Senior Minister Bas Duinman ordered the early expiration of the Act late last night saying it was 'not appropriate for the alleged crimes'. Indeed, many legal analysts are of the opinion that DOTSA should only be used for instances of suspected terrorism or other potential acts that affect state security.

Van Daalen and his legal team arrived at the Vrijpoort Courthouse this afternoon to furnish paperwork on behalf of their clients. He briefly spoke to reporters before entering the legal complex.

'I was able to meet with all five of my clients earlier today who have been transferred to a single facility in order to meet with me and the rest of their legal team. Let me be crystal clear: every single one of my clients will walk away a free man by the time we are done here.'

When asked how he would achieve such a feat he had this to say:

'I've seen the evidence and we've all seen how my clients were handled. Not only is there not enough on them to warrant capital punishment, we believe they are innocent of their alleged crimes. In fact, it may very well be that the Crown overstepped its duties last week when it detained my clients and my team is preparing a counter lawsuit to make reparations for the trauma they and their families have gone through. It's going to be an exciting fight and I expect to win and keep my court record flawless as it has been for years.'

A small group of protestors outside the courthouse booed at Van Daalen and his associates as they entered the courthouse, holding signs with images of vulnerable child sex slaves with writing on them including: child rapists and drug lords - shame on you for taking their filthy money!; Snip off their dicks! They're just dumb hicks!

Van Daalen Wakefield Pryce is known for taking on mostly defense cases involving accused money launderers and other elite and businessmen accused of dark dealings. 90 per cent of their defense clients have either walked free or been handed down with extremely light sentences, typically fines, in the past decades. The firm has been accused in the past of bribing politicians and judges in the lower courts, an accusation the firm vehemently denies and counters with a firm 'prove it' response.

Meanwhile the Senate has reached a quorum to hold an emergency session in the middle of the summer recess, led by efforts of the Postdelegationist-leaning Equity and Prosperity Party (EPP). The Senate will meet in the morning and it is widely rumoured that the EPP's leader, Matilda Weldaad, will move for a vote of no confidence against Senior Minister Bas Duinman of the People's Action Party, which has been in government for the last 47 years.

Public sentiment is split on the Gang of Five legal case with many citing concerns of the integrity of the Nedernesian legal system against threats from Engellkin countries, while many in the business community are concerned with the economic fallout of the crisis. The Senior Minister's Office has had dozens of meetings with leading business executives, nearly all of whom have reportedly called on the SM to think about the long game and let the small fry go.

beeld's take? Let the courts do their job. There hasn't been capital punishment implemented in over a decade and far worse crimes have been committed in the meantime. ​

 

[The Federation]

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THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 122 KARLSTAD STREET,
Charleroi, Clarion, C.R.S., 35322-2334
​

On Behalf of the Continental Republic of Sylvania we officially demand the release of the the Sylvanian prisoner after reviewing the documents provided by your government. The Commonwealth of Nedernesia has not shown sufficient evidence to prove to the Sylvanian government that an arrest was warranted. Coupled with the use of terror laws to hold the prisoner without allowing him to see a public defender and the sensationalist attacks upon his character we can only assume that the goal of the Nedernesian government was to bring about embarrassment for the Continental Republic which has had more than its fair share of trouble over the past few months. What Nedernesia gets from this further embarrassment of the Sylvania nation we do not know.

We find it hard to believe that the person in question would risk their lives to help traffic people into any version of the Human Commodity System currently in use today as such an offense makes the offender eligible for the death penalty by firing squad in Sylvania. Failure to comply with our request will lead to economic penalties via sanctions upon Nedernesia by Sylvania. We hope that you will make the correct decision and end this swiftly.

Katalin Faraday
Director of Foreign Affairs

RENDER NOT UNTO TYRANTS
THE CONTINENTAL REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA​

 

[Vrijpoort]

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Commonwealth Morning Post »» teatime edition
free, independent and ruthless since 1692 - 6 Guilder

Gang of Five to Make First Court Appearance in Vrijpoort Tomorrow
Vrijpoort/Freeport — The so-called Gang of Five child sex slavery, gun running and drug smuggling case has been the dominant story in Nedernesia this summer. The five men - two Cussians, two Sylvanians and one Clarenthian, are to make their first court appearance in Vrijpoort tomorrow morning. Their legal team from the law firm Van Daalen Wakefield Pryce has been in daily contact with the five accused since late July and has been preparing their defence case. Consular officials from the countries of origin of the five have also been granted private visitation rights since late July. Mathijs van Daalen, senior partner at Van Daalen Wakefield Pryce, told the Post today that he expects 'a very good day' for most of his clients tomorrow but noted that 'the battle is not yet over'.

While the contents of the defence team's plan are naturally not public, legal experts suspect that evidence provided by the RCMP and Nedernesian Signals Directorate might not be specific enough to warrant prison times, but perhaps only financial penalties. Jeremy Schooper, professor of criminal law at Vrijpoort University, said he wouldn't be surprised if some, if not all of the five accused men walk free tomorrow.

'Nedernesian law is strict but it's also very clear: you need hard evidence that proves an individual was directly involved in these types of high crimes. That includes being physically present at the location where the crimes are committed or ordering the conduct of the crimes as a leader. If the Crown Prosecution Office can't prove that, these guys might just get a financial slap and be on their way. Honestly I think the intelligence and police agencies made a mistake by not making these detainments quietly without fanfare. Their plan backfired and we will probably see heads role'.

The legal case has ruffled feathers in the Thaumantic Engellkin countries, which in turn has spooked the Nedernesian financial markets, adding to the poor outlook of the global economy. It has also poisoned the political arena. The main opposition Equity and Prosperity Party, lead by Matilda Weldaad, was successful this week in securing a quorum to call for an emergency session of the Senate. The Senate will meet on Monday and the EPP has said it will formally call a vote of no confidence on Senior Minister Bas Duinman and his majority-led People's Action Party (PAP) government. The PAP has been in power for over 30 years with the EPP and other smaller opposition parties perennially failing to break their grip on power or even receive adequate votes to form a coalition.

It seems that the detainment of a few men and the ensuing highly publicised legal case could mean an uncertain future for the government.


OTHER NEWS
»Defense - After a Salian merchant marine vessels was temporarily seized by pirates in the Engelsea, the Nedernesian Government has called for an international naval task force in cooperation with Pohjanmaa and Salen to patrol the sea lanes of the Gothic and Engelseas. Sea and air patrols are conducted normally by the Royal Nedernesian Admiralty and Royal Nedernesian Sky Force, but the Government views patrols in cooperation with neighbours as being essential to the safe and free passage of goods in the region.

»Markets - The Vrijpoort Securities Exchange continued its downward summer trend, alongside most markets in the world, while gold and silver prices went up as investors seek safe havens among volatile stocks and weakening currencies. Oil and natural gas are also up more than 20% since June. The Nedernesian Guilder is normally considered a safe-haven currency, but forex traders are unusually buying Pelasgian Hyperpyrons and Natalian Pounds as other currencies once considered solid, such as Eiffellandian Marks and Pohjanmann Markka, are being viewed with caution by traders due to the uncertain geopolitical situations in their respective regions.

»Business - Suggestions from the Cussian Department of Commerce made on Twatter that the export of Cussian food products to Nedernesia and Gunnland should be banned due to the recent piracy incident with a Salic ship en route to Vrijpoort has many perplexed. The Nedernesian Industry of Food Importers said 'Cussian products do very well in Nedernesia and the wider region. Pohjanmaan, Salic and Nedernesian actions are leaning to strongly preventing and combatting piracy, which would make all Gothic and Engelsea shipping safer regardless of which flag a ship flies. Yet strangely, instead of supporting such anti-piracy measures, the Cussian Department of Commerce recommends an export ban and wants to lobby the Cussian Navy to "blockade" Nedernesia and Gunnland. Last we checked, blockades are usually considered an act of war and are very serious actions. We aren't sure how such a blockade would stop piracy'.
[/DIV]
@Pelasgia @Clarenthia @Sylvania @Beautancus @Pohjanmaa @Salen

 

[Vrijpoort]

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION​

​

The second biannual Civil Defense Drill for the Commonwealth will be held on Wednesday. ​

​

Residents are reminded of the following:​

​

When you hear the air raid sirens, receive emergency SMS alerts and/or are directed by local police, RCMP, soldiers or volunteer civil defenders you MUST proceed to the nearest underground shelter, basement or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) underground station. ​

​

Auto drivers MUST pull over their vehicle and shut off the engine before proceeding to shelter. CCTV on streets will be used to identify non-compliant drivers, who will be prosecuted. ​

​

MRT, bus and air service will be suspended during the 1-hour drill, which can be held at any point between midnight and 20h on Wednesday. ​

​

Any individuals physically capable of running to shelter who instead walk will be fined up to 20,000 guilders. ​

​

Non-compliant civilians WILL be prosecuted. ​

​

RESERVISTS MAY BE CALLED UPON TO REPORT TO GENERAL MUSTER STATIONS COMMONWEALTH-WIDE UP TO 3 HOURS PRIOR TO THE DRILL'S COMMENCEMENT! ​

​

React. Respond. Flee. Shelter. Fight. Do your bit to protect against any and all threats. ​

​

This message brought to you by:​

Nedernesian Civil Defense Force
​

 

[Vrijpoort]

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het financiële rapport 7 gulden/guilders​

»» Head of the Crown Prosecution Office Sacked
»» NRB Set for Rate Cut at August Meeting
»» NedFoods Launches Overseas Land Leasing Programme
»» HMS Invincible En Route to Valdemarsudde, Pohjanmaa

Mordechai Schlomo, Head of the CPO, Sacked After 'Gang of Five' Courtroom Descends into Chaos
Less than 24 hours after the 'Gang of Five' courtroom at the Vrijpoort Magistrates' Court descended into chaos, the head of the Crown Prosecution Office has been sacked by Senior Minister Bas Duinman. The first day of the trial erupted into a vegetable and diaper-throwing battlefield when in a shocking move the Crown agreed to accept an acquittal request from the defense team for three of the five accused in the child sex trafficking, gun running and drug smuggling case. Outraged members of the public in the viewing galleries started with colourful verbal insults, quickly followed by the throwing of eggs, vegetables and the classic Nedernesian soiled baby diapers. The Crown Prosecution Office said that High Barrister Mordechai Schlomo's removal had been internally approved of prior to yesterday's 'unfortunate' events.

Nedernesian Reserve Bank Expected to Cut Interest Rates at August Meeting as World Markets Reel
World stock markets continue to sink as war and diplomatic crises put pressure on businesses and investment. The threatening outlook has caused many investors to pause previously planned ventures. Insurance premiums remain at record highs on average due to the still unresolved Long Sea security situation and suspected piracy in the Gothic and Engelseas. Commercial shipping insurance saw some respite on Tuesday when Lloyds of Hammersmith, a major insurance market in NoCRER, appeared to give assurances of the safety of the Engelsea, but major Nedernesian shipping insurers kept premiums at high levels citing a 'globally precarious environment'. The economic outlook for Nedernesia looks less than ideal with rising import costs, major war across the sea in Burgundy, tense security in the Long Sea and reduced demand in global industry dampening what is normally a sprightly summer booking season. The Nedernesian Reserve Bank is expected by analysts to cut interest rates by at least 25 basis points, if not 50, from the current 8.25%, at it's late August meeting. The NRB is considered a bellwether among central banks when it comes to monetary policy.

NedFoods, World's Largest Food Processor, Begins Leasing Agricultural Farmland Worldwide
If you can't control it, own it. The age-old Nedernesian saying took on a new meaning today when NedFoods (VSE ticker: NFDS) officially launched a global land leasing programme to secure agricultural land for the production of its raw foods. Major plots in Pohjanmaa, Natalia, northern Dune Sea and Salen will be leased from private owners and governments to guarantee a stable source of cereals and other agricultural products necessary for the production of the food giant's famed brands such as NedCafé, Nedspresso, Nedquick, NedMelk, and NedChoc. Price negotiations have begun and NedFoods has promised to ensure that local farmers and organisations that lease their land will be permitted and even encouraged to manage and run their farms 'as they see fit', so long as they can provide the necessary orders of high quality raw ingredients for the company. The processing arm of NedFoods also announced plans to open a second processing plant in Pohjanmaa and two new plants in Salen and the Dune Sea, which would also serve the growing Natalian market.

Royal Admiralty Sends Frigate to Pohjanmaa for Annual Visit
The HMS Invincible of the Royal Nedernesian Admiralty is currently underway to the western Pohjanmaan port of Valdemarsudde as part of the Royal Admiralty's annual visits to Pohjanmaan ports. The frigate, of the Indomitable Class, can usually be found plying the Gothic and Engelseas as part of routine merchant marine protection patrols. Occasionally she has also been despatched farther afield to the mouth of the Long Sea. Invincible, with a crew of roughly 230, will dock in Valdemarsudde for one week, allowing sailors to fraternise with their Free Navy counterparts, sample the local culture and get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. While in port the frigate will undergo a standard maintenance check, refuelling and restocking. Ranking members of the Pohjanmaan Free Navy will also be invited aboard for an inspection. The Royal Nedernesian Admiralty has sent ships to Pohjanmaa since the mid 1970s on an annual basis as part of efforts to share knowledge and integrate systems.
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