Discovery of Bodies in Baja California
Authorities in Mexico City announced on Friday that three bodies were found in an area of Baja California, close to where two Australians and an American went missing during a camping and surfing trip. The state prosecutors office did not confirm if the bodies belonged to the missing individuals but stated that they were discovered during the search for the men. Additionally, three individuals who were being questioned in connection to the case have been arrested and charged.
Search Operation Details
The bodies were recovered south of Ensenada, in a zone with difficult access. The search operation was conducted as part of the efforts to locate the two Australians and one American who were reported missing. The site where the bodies were found near Santo Tomás was close to where the men's tents and truck were located.
Missing Men and Investigation
The missing men, identified as brothers Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia and American Jack Carter Rhoad, disappeared on Saturday and did not arrive at their planned accommodations. The U.S. State Department is closely monitoring the situation and refrained from providing further comments at this time.
Arrests and Charges
Baja California prosecutors had initially questioned three individuals in the case and later arrested them on charges equivalent to kidnapping. Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, the chief state prosecutor, mentioned that evidence found near the abandoned tents was linked to the suspects being investigated.
Family Appeals and International Cooperation
The missing Australians' mother, Debra Robinson, made a plea for help on social media, stating that her sons had not been in contact since April 27. She highlighted that one of her sons, Callum, had diabetes. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City did not confirm the identity of the American companion, Jack Carter Rhoad. Andrade Ramírez mentioned ongoing communication with Australian and U.S. officials but expressed concerns about the time that had passed since the trio went missing.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Investigation
In a separate incident in 2015, two Australian surfers were killed in Sinaloa state, across the Gulf of California from Baja. Authorities attributed their deaths to highway bandits and arrested three suspects. While drug cartels operate in the region, all possible leads are being explored in the current case until the missing individuals are located.
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Consternation after attack on Green Party politician in Essen
Two Green Party politicians in Essen are first insulted, then one of them is injured. The horror after the crime is great. But those attacked do not want to be intimidated.
After the attack on Green Party member of the Bundestag Kai Gehring and his party colleague Rolf Fliß in Essen, investigators are continuing to search for the perpetrators. The search has so far been unsuccessful, the police said on Saturday. Since it could be a politically motivated act, the state security agency has taken over the investigation. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the act was “another attack against our democracy.”
Gehring and his party colleague Fliß, third mayor of Essen and active in local politics in the Ruhr area city for decades, said they were attacked on Thursday evening in Essen after a party event. According to police investigations, both were approached by a group of passers-by on busy Rüttenscheider Straße around 10:30 p.m. After an initially friendly conversation, an argument and insults broke out. Finally, Fliß was hit in the face and was slightly injured. The two suspects then fled in a taxi towards the city center.
Perpetrators knew who they were attacking
It was not initially known what the attackers said to the two Green politicians during the dispute. The “WAZ” reported, citing Fliß, that he and Gehring were known to the perpetrators as elected officials. Fliß is active in the Ruhr area city primarily in the areas of climate, environment, construction and transport.
In a joint statement, the two Green politicians emphasized their concern about increasing hostility against politicians. “We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated because we need people who are committed to our community.” The Federal Interior Minister demanded: “All democrats must confront this increasing climate of violence. That starts with verbal disarmament.”
Essen Greens are combative
The Essen Greens also appeared combative. “This incredible incident makes us affected, but not discouraged. We stand together and continue to fight for a world in which politicians can work without fear,” the city association wrote in a reaction. Essen’s mayor Thomas Kufen (CDU) said the state must act “more decisively and consistently” against politically motivated perpetrators.
One evening after the incident, there was an attack on a politician in Dresden: The Saxon SPD’s leading candidate for the European elections, Matthias Ecke, was attacked while posting posters and seriously injured. While putting up election posters late on Friday evening, four unknown people beat the 41-year-old, as the police and the party announced on Saturday. He had to undergo surgery in the hospital. Politicians from several parties strongly condemned the attack.
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Consternation after attack on Green Party politician in Essen
A double Moroccan coronation during the fifth stage of the 2024 Boys Tour
Science – Rabat
Today, Saturday, May 4, the Moroccan national cycling team won the perfect mark, both individually and according to the teams, in the 19th edition of the Boys Tour, following the fifth and final stage, which on Saturday linked the cities of Akpa Nizon and Cotonou over a distance of 154.3 km.
On the individual level, the Tour was won by Moroccan cyclist Ashraf Al-Daghmi, who qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, by grabbing the yellow jersey and topping the overall standings of the Tour, winning the Tour title for the second time in a row.
The Moroccan team also won the Tour title for the third time in a row. While Moroccan cyclist Hassan Sabbahi won the hot spots jersey.
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A double Moroccan coronation during the fifth stage of the 2024 Boys Tour