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www.theolivepress.es
Driven potty
Dragon power
By Heather Galloway
POLICE guards have been forced to install a portable toilet outside Pablo Iglesias’s home after the Podemos leader refused to let them use his toilet. It comes after the Guardia Civil union filed a complaint in October over the ‘lack of amenities’ for guards who protect the property of the left-wing politician in Galapagar, outside Madrid. “Normally, the security installations are set up inside the property of the person being guarded,” union spokesman Guillermo Freire told the Olive Press. “But in this case this has not been allowed. We imagine it is the owner who has said no.” The union is asking the Galapagar council for permission to install a decent prefabricated hut with central heating and other conveniences outside the perimeter of the property where officers are posted 24/7. “The council is collaborating,” added Freire.
LEADER: Iglesias
NEWS
World rallies behind Mallorca hacks who had phons seized JOURNALISTS, news agencies and politicians around the globe have been rallying around the reporters in Mallorca after their phones and computers were seized by police. Judge Florit, the man currently behind the 'Night King' Tolo Cursach's corruption case, made an unprecedented call when he ordered the computers and mobile phones of two journalists, from Diario de Mallorca and Europa Press, to be seized as evidence. Florit was looking for the journalists' sources in the case, a move that has received
January 4th - January 17th 2019
LIFE on one of Mallorca’s most important marine reserves has blossomed by 70% since it fell under protection in 2016. The shallow waters of Freu de Sa Dragonera reserve have seen a resurgence in seaweeds, small fish and shellfish. The rapid recovery leaves high hopes for bigger and better sealife to return in as little as two years, including tuna and large squid.
Calls for justice
mass criticism for putting free journalism and information at risk. “Without professional secrecy, many of the cases of corruption and abuses of power that occurred in Spain would never have been known to citizens – this was possible thanks to the work of journalists, in fulfilment of their democratic function of disseminating truthful and interesting information,” said the Association of Journalists. This week a workshop was held in Palma titled 'learn to communicate securely and anonymously through the internet' – a free workshop aimed at journalists and ac-
ON TRIAL: Cursach and (right) judge Florit tivists put together as a reac- returned after three weeks – tion to the worrying seizure. but not before two police offiJudge Florit ordered the cers were arrested for leaking confiscated materials to be sensitive information. The affected news agencies in Mallorca are demanding to be informed, in writing, of where the phones and computers have been, who has had access to them, and what, if anything, has been opened, examined, copied or manipuA BRITISH girl, 25, is in serious condition after lated. falling 25 metres at the Cura Monastery in AlgaiAlthough the seized material da's Puig de Randa. has been returned to the jourThe woman was rushed to Son Espases hospital nalists, the Olive Press along with a head injury and multiple breaks and fracwith hundreds of other news tures after firefighters rescued her. agencies around the world It appears she took one step too far while walking – and the Federation of Ason a wall in the dark with friends just passed 3am sociations of Journalists of on New Year’s Day. Spain – believe that the judicial order has already caused serious damage to the right to professional secrecy, the basis of relationships between journalists and sources. Professional secrecy is not only a fundamental constitutional right of journalists but it is a duty that obliges them to maintain the confidentiality of their sources.
Brit survives cliff edge plunge
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Taxi targets TAXI drivers across the island are fearing for their safety following a string of violent robberies. Mallorca's taxi union, ASATM, has condemned the attacks which have rocked Palma, asking for better security measures. It comes after two drivers were attacked and robbed in Cala Major just before the new year, losing around €1,200. The drivers were robbed by two different groups of thieves, the first with three young men, and the second by four men. Another taxi driver was attacked and robbed after taking a fair from Palma to Arenal. The association expressed concern over the attacks, and described the 'great fear among the taxi drivers'. Policia Nacional has launched an investigation while drivers are being warned to carry as little cash as possible.
Holiday bonanza MORE than one million travellers will have passed through the Balearic airports over this holiday season. Between December 21 and January 8, 1.14 million people will travel to and from the island for holidays. Nearly 900,000 people will pass through the Palma Airport from over 6,000 flights. The busiest day of the holiday season was December 23, with almost 500 flights to and from the Balearics.
Word of the year 'MICROPLASTIC' has been dubbed the word of the year for 2018 by the Spanish Urgent Foundation. Microplastics, referring to the small fragments that are one of the main threats to the environment, has been chosen to bring awareness to the issue. Last year's word was 'aporophobia' – or the fear of poor people and poverty.
SHAME: Plastic in seas
Families saved PALMA town hall has prevented more than 1,400 evictions since it opened a dedicated department in 2015. The office, set up to mediate between tenants or squatters and the owners or banks, has been overwhelmed with families unable to pay their rent.
On average 15 cases were seen to each week, mainly families and single parents, with elderly people the next most common group. Usually negotiations were made with banks, subsidies and debt relief programs, other times the city helped relocate families to homeless shelters.