Olive Press Andalucia Issue 435

Drying up

THE family of a missing British teenager has launched a fresh appeal to bring him home – some 16 months after they last saw him.

Jayden Pearson, 14, was last seen by his mother, Rebecca Jones, when she waved him off on a 10day trip to the Algarve in August 2022.

Rebecca, 35 - who has legal custody - believes Jayden’s father Andrew Pearson, 33, immediately brought him into Spain, via Huelva.

Her worst fears were realised when Jayden didn’t get off his return flight at East Midlands Airport and Andrew then blocked her number.

See pages 24

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ALEMÁN

Vol. 1 - Issue

Ein Deutsch-Französischer Reform der EU Plan zur Die Leiche einer könnte dazu dass das Vereinigte führen, jungen Frau, an einem Zebrastreifen die "EU-light"-Mitglied Königreich als molinos abgelegt in Torrewieder aufgenommen wird.

EXKLUSIV wurde, als 21-jährige Von Dilip Kuner Im Rahmen dieser Ausländerin wurde fiziert. identi& Änderung würde Laurence Dollimore Großbritannien Die aus Norwegen gliedschaft" in eine "assoziierte Mitstammende Frau, die erst der Union erhalten und wieder einen vor einem Jahr ckungsanzeichen Spanien gezogen reibungslosen gang zum Binnenmarkt auf, bestätigte war, lag tot innach spanische ZuNähe des Eingangs die der Polizei. bekommen.

Im Gegenzug Ihre Familie, eines menthauses müsste das Vereinigte die jetzt über Königreich bestimmte in Playamar Apart- desursache ihre ToStraße. auf der informiert wurde, Verpflichtungen akzeptieren, dert Antworten.

Die beliebte fordarunter die Studentin und lung in den ZahSie wurde am terte Skifahrerin begeis13. September Rückkehr zur EU-Haushalt und die aus Ringebu 1.30 Uhr nachts der Nähe von gegen Freizügigkeit in Großbritannien. auch nach von einer Lillehammer junger Leute tot aufgefunden wurde entdeckt und Gruppe Eine solche und wies ErstiGutachten bereits war laut das Ende derEntwicklung könnte rund zehn Stunden tot. beschränkungenungeliebten VisaAnne war eine Das bedeutet, hervorragende für Briten Zweitwohnungsbesitzer und Skifahrerin Málaga lebte, dass die Frau, die in Oslo nach ihrem Tod in Spanien bedeuten. eingeflogen abgelegt worden dort Die norwegische worden.

Das Vorhaben Während ihr sein muss.

2022 verliebte Botschaft in rid und die Seemannskirche sie sich während Name in Spanien Labour-Partei wurde bekannt, als der Mad- res Auslandssemesters noch nicht offiziell Vorsitzende Keir ih- mer engirola bei einem Treffen Starin Spanien, ben wurde, wurde bekannt gege- stützt. haben die Familie in Fu- während sie mit Präsident eine Ausbildung Macron in dieser unter- Personal er von den Behörden in Norwegen zur Woche die NotTrainerin Unterdessen bestätigt. gischen Privatschulean der norwe- wendigkeit betonte, die Die endgültige Heimatdorf hat der Tod Beziehungen zwischen dem Active Educanoch aus, bevor Autopsie steht ausgelöst. eine Welle derin ihrem tion im nahe Trauer absolvierte. gelegenen Fuengirola und FrankreichVereinigten Königreich der toxikologische Bericht die genaue Der Direktor Starmers Visionzu stärken.

Todesursache Manager Ola klären kann. der örtlichen Havard Gangsas, Furseth bezeichnete Schule, die hungen zu Europavon engeren BezieDie Ermittler Nachricht erklärte gegendürfte bei den über VG: "Wir der MordkommisParfügte hinzu, als "sehr traurig" und lamentswahlen im nächsten sion gehen fühlen sehr mit Familie. seine Gedanken davon aus, potenzieller der "bei den dass sie Ereignis,Dies ist ein sehr tragisches wahrscheinlich seien Umfragen Wahlsieger sein. Jahr ein Angehörigen". eines gewaltsaund wir sind Er men Todes gestorben zufolge hat die traurig". alle sehr mithoffe, dass die spanische Öffentlichkeit britische ist, es wird jedoch nicht Polizei Hilfe von Kripos dem Brexit entschiezur Klärung den den Rücken der Todesursache sie aufgrundausgeschlossen, dass Aktiv beitragen könne. Mehrheit (56 %) gekehrt: Eine klare Die Polizei Reaktion auf einer "allergischen Das soll Überwachungsvieine Substanz" Fehler, während hält ihn für einen deos gefunden starb. ver- heute örtliche Jugendzentrum nur noch 32 % und Zeugen sind.

Abend ab 18 dafür ist haben, die Ihre Leiche befragt Uhr für eine sich spezielle Gedenkveranstaltung wurde in einer in der Gegend zur fraglichen Zeit Der von Deutschland und tenstraße der Sei- öffnet. aufhielten.

Frankreich in Auftrag gegebene ge- Sie wartet gefunden, die Benyamina-Allee Laut noch dem bevorstehenden Bericht wird auf zum Strand gutachten und auf den Autopsieunterführt. hin- ihrer lokalen Berichten war Anne Gipfel der Euromöchte sich Jugend im Skiclub in nicht Die norwegische vorerst päischen Politischen Gemeinschaft Fåvang Ringebu- äußern.zur genauen Todesursache - zu der auch Schwerkriminalität, Einheit für derem aktiv und nahm unter reich gehört - das Vereinigte Königan- Die Leiche an der NM-Staffel die Ermittlungen Kripos, hat Sie im kommenden Mathea Morken der Frau wurde 2018 teil. in Granada ganz besuchte das unterstützt lich ohne Ausweispapiere und ist in den angeb- ordnung Sportgymnasium oben auf der Monat in Gausdal und letzten Tagen Tagesstehen. funden, obwohl aufgearbeitete in einem aus lokalen ihre Handtasche Bislang hatten sowohl Feinkostladen. auf der Straße neben ihr gefunden auch die Labour-Parteidie Tories als worden sein soll. ihre BrexitPositionen vor len nur vorsichtigden Parlamentswahvertreten.

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Your

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30th November

A BRITISH expat family torn apart after their has been and ‘model-esque’ ‘vibrant’ EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence accused of helping daughter was as possiDollimore to carry out terrorist attack ble,” said a On the surface,in Spain.

Brooks, she was arrested a typical young Sasha Brooks is who runs Spanish boyfriend,alongside her life in the sun, woman enjoying a an anNaraya Gomez, at a home selfies on nightsregularly posting ti-fraud they share quaint town out in Marbella and Granada of Lanjaron, in the a d v i c e da, just with her friends Grana- c o Instagram. mpaon Costa delan hour inland from the ny, PenSol. With holidays They were sequestered and Australia, in Ibiza, Mallorca sion Life, to Madrid before facing she wears stylish clothes and where her were charged a judge, where they the party’ onis the ‘life and soul of daughwith aiding sassination frequent nights But her world attempt of the as- ter out. and politician Alejo far-right boyfriend came crashing down when The 78-year-oldVidal-Quadras.

Naraya face by a hitman was shot in the had been on a motorbike outside his working. home in the neighbourhood posh “It’s been Madrid - whichof Salamanca in pretty full players, Penelope boasts football on Cruz and Javier and Bardem as residents. it’s now Last night up to the ternational Spain issued an injudge arrest warrant the suspected for d e c i to de as 37-year-old shooter, named whether Tunisian Mehrez Ayari. to charge WORRIED: Following Sasha Mum them or Angie rests, Lanjaron, and Naraya’s arwhile (above) not.”

Naraya’s dad 3,000 people, a tiny town of just While her Sirio media circus. was turned into a mother later Before Sasha insisted she was dragged been judge, her mother, before a port charged, Sasha had had not her passtaken off a financial advisor, Angie Brooks, leased on bail. her after being retold the Olive Press: “Spanish She must appear reporters have been hounding before the court every 15 days door all night us, banging on my and is forbidden from leaving and morning.

“They have reported Spain as the gation continues. investiabout my daughter.” so many lies Various After her court Spanish newspapers reported that appearance mother said both her Naraya Sasha was ‘exhaustwere still beingSasha and ‘EXHAUSTED’: ed’. investigated in connection Sasha to the attempted her arrest in Granada Brooks was dragged murder. to Madrid following She addNaraya ed According to she to prisonwas refused bail and police, sent lowed due to the overwhelming had been the FrenchmanGomez fol- He said he last spoke evidence against through in to on the day of him.

He is the shooting. his car few months ago and thatNaraya a an After excited to introduce he was ‘or- verted said to have recently con- leged the deed was done, the to Islam, his girlfriend d e a l ’ , killer, al- Sasha to him. lowing the Shiite specifically folbrandfor a murder who is also wanted He added: sect favoured the ayatollahs in Paris, dumped “He was not by motorbike ing related the Vidal-Quadras of Iran. his to politics, he worked and set it on episode fore being picked for Sasha’s fire, mother’s Middle Eastern is convinced the up by Gomezbe- “He neverbusiness. ‘stresshis car to make in termind behind nation is the masconverted to his getaway. ful’ and According to Islam, that is a lie, he is ruling elite listed the hit, after its not a Muslim.

Compare funerals ‘full on’. hire car was police, Naraya’s blue judeo-Christian He ist’ last October him as a ‘terrorseen on CCTV beliefs and an has “I’ve had drid’s Barrio Salamanca in Ma- finity with Israel!” due to his years afPlans cover of harsh criticisms in the weeks to come running up to the against the country. whole of Spain up to MaVidal-Quadras’sthe attack, tracking Naraya, 26, drid The same car movements. is accused of to the contract Interest free Alternative was found hiring payment plans help her from €2,250 ling to a hotelkiller before travel- ly parked in Lanjaron thisillegal- Sirio lives in the or as much as €29.16 per as little on the eve of in Madrid with him leading to the couple’s arrest.week, nity of Benificio,so-called commumonth Naraya’s father the attack. just a 20-minute drive from Plans range language!

Sirio Gomez, yoga master from a It’s known Lanjaron. simple unattended who lives in a by locals new age native direct cremation commune just community’, as an ‘alterto a more traditional where side Lanjaron, out- from across send off Europe come people ed the chargesinsist- The theory put and go. comparefuneral.org completely false. were has left expats forward by police and locals in +34 951 120 He told the jaron Lan752 Olive One in shock.

Press: “My local Brit told Tomorrows See page 9 son is “They the Olive Press: Funeral completely innocent, were a at Today’s Price he is not a terrorist. can believe it lovely couple, no one “He is a good “There is no or understand it. motivation for boy, a to vegetarian, do something them spiritual comes like this, Sasha and a pacifist.” from a good family.”

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MESSAGES: Left for ENVIRONMENTAL teen ‘failing to groups are Ecologistastackle toxic air’ taking legal action against ing nothing en Accion has in the Campo de the Junta caused by has been donefiled a complaint Gibraltar.

“IT’S a dirty for with to protect world According the expansion to live in citizens the Health Ministry, to the green of ‘toxic’ industries anymore.”that I don’t want from a lutants were These were claimgroup, more in the Bayrise in air pollutants This includesreleased into of a British the intended than potentially the atmosphere 10,000 tonnesof Algeciras. other fine on a suicideteen who had last words lethal cancer-causing of dangerous last year.

The writ particles. old boyfriend pact with herembarked polchemical air qualitycomes as Cadiz in Marbella. 16-yearThe privately-educated benzene, province in Spain.

And alarmingly, as well as was officially added: “I’m TOXIC: Oil refinery Sorry: To expat, 14, polluted declared La Linea, has ever place in to have the anyone plumes The shocking the world which borders me, thankloved/known or who black smoke worst Gibraltar, stats were in terms of tion report miss you.” you, I love you supported ranks as into the air the 30th and I will Campo towns and which lists the revealed in a quality. most world’s ‘most damning cities.

Adding World Health salt to the contaminated’ Organisawound, Bizarre Cadiz also However, came bottom had a cruel,her heartfelt Continues in bizarre twist, messages page 11 British-Brazilian Fitzsimons boyfriendwhen her Richard off the top managed to of the Cortetake his life partment Ingles destore, while lously survived. she miracuIt came somehow as a hero security before she managed to grab guard death after was able to plungethe girl her lover. to her In a tragically sad shocked the coast incident - that has lines around and the world made header, who - the teenagreasons,we are not naming is now requiring for legal A LETHAL painkiller serious sponsible for believed to be pats is finally the deaths of Continues dozens of re- banned for Nolotil, whichbeing regulated page 2 ex- In tourists a breakthrough in Spain. in Spain. the Olive tigated for Medicine move, nearly two Press has invesIrish tourists. years, has issued a Agency (AEMPS)The Spanish Expats been has finally in Spain ies to stopdirective to all healthcare tered will now giving the be adminisdrug to Britishbod- tion Nolotil on a short only. Furthermore term prescripand prescribed it can only after a detailed be the patient’s analysis of CAMPAIGN: medical history and Previous SALE heritage.

It will also issue despite 59 much more have to be can causevarious side effects, closely mon- cells, a rapid drop itored. leaving patients in white which See page It comes infections.

11 unable blood after an Press investigation Olive Garcia del Medical translator, to fight Campo, Cristina the mysterious gether hundreds into gether hundreds who has pulled of expats deaths victims of victims for of case tocase studies for the studies from the AEMPS’ See page the drug from AEMPS’ probe, from 0/11/1 43 was ‘very probe, said 8. Not said she l a u n c h was happy’ she valid f ed have finally the authorities or ren in ewals.

2016, reacted.

KILL THE Subjec lowing lowing the along with t to co Folthe results nditio results of a DRUG rigorous rigorous ns.

1,000-strong of her her investigation has now investigation petition to she she have it reguthe drug demanded that UK BASED lated a year Reliable must not without a later. private be sold Nolotil, prescription tailed hire transfer tailedpatient services also known patientanalysis. and a defor any analysis.

Metamizole, “I am occasion am very as “I 2/8/18 very happy 17:01 happy that • Luxury the UK, the is banned in been dealt that the problem vehicles problem has • Door with,” shethe of Europe. US and most Press. “I to door has told service • Airport Despite this, AEMPS will be making surethe Olive collections • Weddings that the still one of the drug is ried out recommendations for Spanish and if necessary the most • Sightseeingtransport are carular painkillers pop- banned residents • Restaurant day trips in Spain, began completely.” Themake sure it’s shuttles investigating Olive Press www.globelink.co.uk Find out CASHBACK pat families after a trio of more at: www.simply-shuttles.com extold relatives ON ily YOUR HOUSE had diedus how their tel: 951 unnecessar279 117 in excruciating info@simply-shuttles.com taking the 96 626 pain, after 5000 In April, drug in Andalucia. +44 (0) 1353 699082 first stepsthe paper revealed the had been towards regulation Salud, a taken, with Marina PAYBACK health WHEN Alicante, big issuing a network in YOU SELL stop administering warning British, Irish the drug to to and Scandinavian patients.

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the drug was banned for sale tion to British without a prescrippeople visiting following a months’ Spain by this newspaper long campaign ical campaigner and tireless medCristina Garcia Campo. del Recommendations advising medical were also issued staff to avoid giving the drug to patients in urgent and to carry out follow up blood care WARNING: if the drug is given tests Cristina has for seven days campaigned more. or the Olive Press, (inset) the Olive Pressagainst Nolotil alongside The directive so many campaign note, issued Spanish Medicine by the Press. people,” she told the Olive dations Agency (AEMPS), recommended of the AEMPS, Now, and particularly patients given medical staff monitor suit Cristina is launching a law- tion, those for the foreign populathe drug to check against the Spanish potentially deadly we are for Health side effects after she claims Ministry of mendation very aware of the recomlow white blood not to prescribe doctors are cell count and like not following the guidelines to foreign patients.”

Nolotil sis. sep- tients and paare still being However Cristina, given the drug It insisted that the recommendafounder of the ‘against their will’. tion is followed Affected by Pharmaceuticals A spokesperson and patients informed ciation, says for the hospital are the guidelines Asso- “ H C B said: treatments.about the best available strong enough’. are ‘not Hospitals “It's worrying fo thing that can because this is some- thel l o w s kill you, it has recVALENCIA BARCELONA killed ommen-

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FREE Vol. 5 Issue 118 www.theolivepress.es AN evil Mexican low-key ‘no frills’ cartel boss lived a November 2nd - November 15th life among years before 2023 being arrested, expats emerged. it has The paranoid ed head of thechief was the suspectgang operations infamous Los Zetas in Europe for years. seven He regularly drove to Murcia, lencia and, even VaBadajoz, to seven cars along the wayusing up detection. to avoid Yet, incredibly, but luxurious he lived an anything life in a normal street of Fuengirola back (M alaga) police have revealed.

Having finally arrested him other home at anin Madrid, it he lived in leafy emerged for some years, Calle Nuñez Balboa chalet in Mijas, while renting a small where he took ‘girlfriends’. many The drug lord, as Said.R, 54, whose name was given was arrested a joint operation following between Spanish, Colombian and He was picked US authorities. he was ‘feared up in Madrid, where by everyone’, ing to detectives, accorddue to his gang’s violent nature.

The Los Zetas A LETHAL painkiller gang is described is STILL being the US authorities by given to Brits five as ‘the most techyears after it was nologically advanced, banned, EXCLUSIVE sophisticated It comes the Olive Press can reveal. and violent’ paramilitary-style

By Yzabelle after Bostyn in South America. gang to sound the a reader contacted us alarm They are known en the potentially after he was giv- among tics in Mexico, for their brutal tac- receiving deadly drug while British expats including mass and tourists treatment at HCB visiting ings, beheadings, Hospital Though Spain. kidnappings kill- in Denia, Alicante. torture. and Nolotil, usually harmless, also known as can affect Northern Said, who also Nolotil drid, avoided had homes in Ma- is the most common Metamizol, fair complexions Europeans with painkiller in driving all overcapture for years by Spain and is often marketed the UK, Ireland, and is banned in Spain for his Sweden. as an In October busi- alternative to Ibuprofen or 2018,

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hunting in Mallorca after visiting the island earlier this year.

According to reports, the pop star began looking after enjoying the wedding of close friend Joey King, who tied the knot at La Fortaleza in Pollensa in September.

Swift is said to have been drawn to Spain’s ‘laid back lifestyle’ and ‘scenic landscapes’ after attending the actress’s nuptials.

However, according to The Sun, the I Knew You Were Trouble singer is also considering Barcelona and other Balearic Islands.

And a Portugal-based estate agent revealed she is also looking at villas around Lisbon and nearby Estoril and Sintra.

He added that she had also been shown a couple of luxury villas around Casteldelfells, some 30 minutes south of Barcelona.

The superstar already owns properties in London, New York and Los Angeles.

Angelina Jolie is also allegedly house hunting in Mallorca this Autumn.

Other celebrities who have bought in Mallorca include Joseph Fiennes, Annie Lennox, Sir Richard Branson and Michael Douglas.

Brad Pitt paid €3.5 million for his Puerto Andratx property in 2016.

Actress Amber Heard lived on the island for a year, after her messy court case with ex-husband Johnny Depp in London. She now lives in Madrid.

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BACK TO WORK: Pedro Sanchez clinches another term as Prime Minister despite weeks of protests over Catalunya Canarian Coalition. caused weeks of violent anti-governIn total, he received 179 ‘yes’ votes from ment protests, mostly in Madrid but also the 350 lawmakers, with 171 ‘no’ votes across Spain. cast and zero abstentions.

The most high-profile beneficiaries of The road back to power for Sanchez has, the amnesty are for ex-Catalan leader however, been paved with controversy.

Carles Puigdemont of Together for CataIn order to secure support of the Catalan lunya, and Oriol Junqueras of ERC. separatists he had to do deals including the cancellation of debt as well as agreeing a roadmap for future independence Opinion Page 6 negotiations.

Most unpopular is the amnesty for anyone involved in the illegal Catalan independence drive over the last GLOBAL superstar Taylor Swift is looking to buy a decade. bolthole in the Balearics.

The deals have The 34-year-old is reportedly house

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OUNGSTERS in Spain among the oldest in Europeare to flee the nest.

The average age to is an incredible 31 years, leave home the third hising stock is 'social housing'

By Alex Trelinski ghest on the continent. to 7% in other OECD nations.compared Only Greeks and Slovakians leave The report did however home later. of optimism over the new sound a note continually rising prices.

The percentage of young Housing Law, with their parents is over adults living It blames the ‘difficult transition from which is seeking to ‘address the lack of case of 18 to 34 year olds, 60% in the education to the labour market’ and affordable housing’ through regulations and 50% for adds it creates 25 to 34 year olds. ‘a difficult transition to and tax measures.

The plan to allocate 40% independent life for The lack of affordable housing of new resiin cities High rental prices young Spaniards’. and popular tourist spots, mean youngsters are dential construction to social housing including the priced out of costas and the Balearic Islands, the market, while there is a half of it for social rental units - ‘could is the critically low supply generate benefits for key issue. lower-income of council housing. households’, ruled the report.

According to the report average According to a new OECD rents mic Survey on housing across Econo- have risen by 40% over the last decade “But only if carefully monitored to ensure Europe, compared to just 10% that such inclusionary zoning Spain has a long-standing in salaries. does not issue due to Yet, alarmingly, only 1% of Spain's hou- reduce incentives to start new projects or drive up market prices,” it added.

By Simon Hunter in Madrid

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Spain has a working government more than four months after inconclusive election

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PEDRO Sanchez has been voted back in as prime minister by lawmakers in Spain.

The moment brought to an end months of political stalemate and controversy following the inconclusive July 23 general election.

The Socialist Party (PSOE) leader managed to form a government on the second day of an investiture debate at the first of two possible votes.

It came thanks to securing the majority he needed in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies.

Sanchez has led Spain since 2018, after he won a vote of no-confidence against then-leader Mariano Rajoy of the PP party.

After the inconclusive 2019 general election, he then formed a minority government in 2020 in coalition with leftist Unidas Podemos.

He was also able to secure the support of smaller groups in order to pass legislation.

As well as votes from his own party, he was also backed at the investiture vote on Thursday by the new leftist alliance Sumar, which will be his main coalition partner.

Other support he needed to win included the Catalan Republican Left (ERC), Together for Catalunya, EH Bildu, the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG), and the

we do it for a living,” he told the Olive Press.

In response to the claims, the Gibraltar government ruled it was ‘certain’ where its territorial waters began and it would enforce international laws if fishermen from Spain entered them.

“His Majesty’s Government has absolutely no doubts about the sovereignty of the waters around Gibraltar, so we are asking for unnecessary incidents in the water to be avoided as they create risk for the crews of the vessels.”

Illegal tuna fishing in territorial waters carries a hefty fine of up to £1000.

Recently, a Spanish fisherman landed a £600 fine and a 12-month ban.

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into Algeciras bay means netting far fewer fish due to an ongoing algae plague.

“We have gone from making €1,800 a month to not even €1,000,” he claimed.

“I almost cannot afford the petrol so I will have no choice but to fish nearer Gibraltar to provide for my wife and kid. I have a mortgage on my house as well as the boat.

“It is our livelihood and I don’t care who owns the water,” Sanchez added.

His opinion is shared by Leoncio Fernandez, President of the Shipowners of Algeciras Bay, who added he ‘couldn't care less’ about the sovereignty of the waters.

“We don’t care who owns the waters, I don’t care if they are British or Spanish, we just need to fish because

Provocative police

The Olive Press watched a Royal Gibraltar Police boat controversially entering La Linea’s Puerto Chico Port and sailing just metres from Spanish boats.

As fisherman Jonathan Sanchez insisted: “It’s provocative. They can come here, do whatever they want, and no one says anything to them.

“Tensions have been going on for years, but we have always fished in the area and a solution needs to be agreed because it is our livelihood.”

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DON’T CARE: Fishermen, while Jonathan Sanchez (inset) and Leoncio Fernandez (right) court for allegedly fishing ‘illegally’ off the Rock.

“I was fishing one mile from Gibraltar and our government says those waters are Spanish,” he insisted to the Olive Press.

“As the nets I use are illegal in Gibraltar the police there are harassing us on a daily basis.”

Sanchez insisted he will not attend his court hearing, expected this month, if the Spanish Government does not provide him with a lawyer.

However, he did admit the Spanish authorities have told him not to fish again near Gibraltar to avoid ‘making the conflict worse’.

“The Guardia Civil have asked us not to fish there until the situation calms down.”

The problem, he insists, is fishing further

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sovereignty of Gibraltar’s waters.

Sparking the likelihood of further incidents, two fishing bosses have backed the trawlers as they prepare to continue operating off the Rock.

It comes despite the threat of massive fines and jail sentences - in a potential headache for UK-Spain relations at a sensitive time.

The fishermen, from La Linea - one of Spain’s poorest towns - claim they are ‘struggling to provide for their families’ due to the ongoing border row off the British Overseas Territory.

There have been multiple skirmishes between Spanish boats and Gibraltarian police this summer which have threatened to drag the UK and Spain into an international spat.

Spain’s Foreign Ministry made a diplomatic protest to the British Embassy in Madrid over the ‘serious incidents’, while the Junta called on Gibraltar to ‘stop harassing’ the fishermen.

The boss of La Linea’s Fishing Association, Jonathan Sanchez, 33, faces

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CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has said he would still like to sign an EU treaty with Spain by the end of the year but it will probably need to wait until 2024.

In an interview he earmarked plans to have a Spanish consulate in Gibraltar that would recognise the Rock’s British sovereignty.

But he admitted that Gibraltar would now have to wait until Spain has a new government to EXCLUSIVE: restart negotiations.

It comes after Spanish Acting For- Fishing chiefs eign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the recent ‘serious incidents’ vow to continue at sea were outside the ‘construc- trawling off tive spirit’ of the negotiations.

Albares also admitted the talks Gibraltar despite would only restart ‘once the in- risk of further vestiture process is resolved’ and a new Spanish government comes skirmishes and together in Madrid.

In response, Picardo defended his legal action territory’s action at sea, saying ‘we have exercised jurisdiction over

By Alberto Lejarraga the water because the law enforce& Kayleigh Beardsley ment agents have felt it appropriin La Linea ate to do so.’

He insisted that ‘our water are our waters’ and that the ‘UN Law of SPANISH fishermen ‘don’t care’ the Sea made it clear that the res- about British territorial waters, they ervation that Spain has filed [over have brazenly told the Olive Press.

Gibraltar waters] does not have They insist they are more interested in ‘feeding their families’ than the the force of law’.

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HE hottest date on Gibral- demic tar’s annual calendar and then death September 10, when is on led to cancellations of the Queen of remaining with Great of the it cel- - will be ebrates its held in Casemates events National Day is also Britain. al Day. This year, historic Nation- John Mackintosh Square, a celebration the Rock Square and Gover- of self-determination for Gibraltar, its 56th anniversary marks nor’s Parade. which has its own self-governing British as a A tradition started elected members. parliament of 17 in Back in 1992, tory, and thousands terri- bration marks the 1992, the cele- acting chief identity and minister, of rev- pendence ellers will flock to of Gibraltar and givesinde- no, visited the UN with Joe Bossaits public idents the recently resand private spaces to com- as one.the chance to come together formed Self Determination for memorate this braltar Group (SDGG).

Gigrand occaAt the time, sion. this new group was The festivities, returning Matthews, a formerheaded by Denis in member of the full force for the Integration with in four years - thefirst time pair soon ramped Britain Party. The panup support for their initiative.

As part of their campaign to gain the F o r Gibraltar, the date of September 10 signifies several historic moments.

The most important sovereignty referendum, is the 1967 where residents were asked they wanted to go to vote whether eignty of Spain or under the soverremain with the UK, but with self-governed institutions.

The result came out 100% in favour

OLIVE PRESS

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Whittaker sent us photos from Sunday morning showing the fire clearly appeared to have three seats, while video footage shows helicopters and aircraft flying directly over her roof.

She told this paper: “I woke up to the smell of smoke, I initially thought the house was on fire and our balcony was covered in ash.

“We were told by police we couldn’t leave, we felt trapped and especially with our animals we had a very scary few hours!”

In September 2021, authorities believe a fire in the Sierra Bermeja was started deliberately by arsonists. It burnt through 9,670 hectares in the hills above Estepona and saw more than 3,000 people evacuated from their homes.

It tragically caused the death of one firefighter, 44-yearold Carlos Martinez Haro, a father of two young daughters who was brought in from Almeria to join the 1,000 strong team battling the flames.

In 2018, a forest fire in Manilva was feared to have been started deliberately by drug traffickers in a bid to divert resources away from the coastline - allowing them greater freedom to import large shipments of narcotics.

And in 2020, locals rumours following a devastating fire in Granada pointed the finger at wind farm companies, claiming they wanted to calcify the land to make way for a renewable energy hotspot. The claims were never proven.

SOME 2,500 volunteers are working through November to reforest parts of the Sierra Bermeja which were devastated by a massive fire in 2021.

They are planting 20,000 trees native to the area in a bid to regenerate the area that was left devastated, with 9,670 hectares affected and 3,000 people evacuated.

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isation to a sports centre away from the inferno.

Firefighters were roped in from Marbella, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, alongside multiple helicopters and aircraft, while it took more than 24 hours for the flames to be brought under control.

Local councillor Antonio Sanz Cabello said: “It has not been easy, but thanks to hard work the fire has been stabilised and residents can return to their homes.”

He added that it could have been a lot worse and that an investigation into the cause of the fire was still underway.

Olive Press reader Melanie Jane

RED, RED WHITE AND TRUE

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sons to the big Sierra Bermeja fire two years ago, only the weather was cooler so it didn't spread as fast, thank god."

However, despite the UME not being called this time - 'it wasn't deemed big enough' - he added: "What is terrifying is a forest fire destroying so much land so late in the season in November.

"It just shows the danger of global warming is looming ever closer."

Residents described the horror of being awoken by flames in the early hours of Sunday, when the fire broke out in the Venta los Condes area.

Within a few hours over 300 people were moved from the Valtocado urban-

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She believes her ex-partner brought him into Andalucia in efforts to evade capture, and may be constantly travelling between the two countries.

The pair were last seen in Castelo Branco, an isolated area in central Portugal, less than 30km from the border with Spain.

“But they could be anywhere as they keep moving around, as we understand it,” Rebecca told the Olive Press this week.

The case bears a striking resemblance to that of Alex Batty (left), the 17-year-old who was abducted by his mother and grandfather during a holiday to Marbella when he was just 11.

Batty turned himself in just before Christmas, after being dragged all over Spain and brought up in various ‘alternative communities’, the last of which was in

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sing stock is to 7% in other OECD nations.

The report did however sound a note of optimism over the new Housing Law, which is seeking to ‘address the lack of affordable housing’ through regulations and tax measures.

The plan to allocate 40% of new residential construction to social housing half of it for social rental units - ‘could generate benefits for lower-income households’, ruled the report.

“But only if carefully monitored to ensure that such inclusionary zoning does not reduce incentives to start new projects or drive up market prices,” it added.

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continually rising prices.

It blames the ‘difficult transition from education to the labour market’ and adds it creates ‘a difficult transition to independent life for young Spaniards’.

High rental prices mean youngsters are priced out of the market, while there is a critically low supply of council housing.

According to the report average rents have risen by 40% over the last decade compared to just 10% in salaries.

Yet, alarmingly, only 1% of Spain's hou-

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Vol. 18 Issue 435 www.theolivepress.es January 10th - January 23rd 2024

OUNGSTERS in Spain are among the oldest in Europe to flee the nest.

The average age to leave home is an incredible 31 years, the third highest on the continent.

Only Greeks and Slovakians leave home later.

The percentage of young adults living with their parents is over 60% in the case of 18 to 34 year olds, and 50% for 25 to 34 year olds.

The lack of affordable housing in cities and popular tourist spots, including the costas and the Balearic Islands, is the key issue.

According to a new OECD Economic Survey on housing across Europe, Spain has a long-standing issue due to

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but I do think it was deliberate, it was not an accident.”

He added: “There were similar rea-

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After Alex Batty is finally reunited with his grandmother after six years, another expat child ‘missing’ in Spain

ANDALUCIA’S reservoirs have hit an alarming low, plunging to 20% of their capacity.

Despite rain this week, they hold just 2,394 cubic hectares (hm3) of water - a drastic fall from over 3,000 hm3 a year ago.

It comes after the region recorded the driest year since records began in the 19th century.

The rain gauge at Malaga airport recorded a paltry 179.3 litres, the lowest since 1872 when recordings started.

2023 was not only the driest in history but also the first to fall below the 200 litres per square metre mark in Malaga.

The previous low record was set in 2019 with 204.6 litres, followed by 1985 with 266.4 litres.

Across the Guadalquivir basin water levels saw a slight increase of 2 hm3 to 1,551 hm3 but it is still only at 19.32% of capacity, according to a government analysis released on Monday.

A €1.1 million project has now been sanctioned to transfer water from the La Concepcion (Marbella) reservoir to Malaga and the Costa del Sol to ensure a stable water supply for over 600,000 inhabitants.

Meanwhile, 2023 is expected to be announced as the hottest year in Malaga’s history, compounding the climactic issues the province is facing.

This significant drop in rainfall,

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The incredible allure of crafty courtyards has been turned into an artform in Spain, some with roses, others with geraniums and some with simply palms. We take a look at their history.

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Blaze that scorched 250 hectares started on purpose believe firefighters

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THE moment of truth is approaching for Pedro Sanchez.

The investiture debate for the acting Prime Minister will take place today and tomorrow in Madrid’s Congress to see if he can form a government.

Sanchez last week secured a deal with Catalan party Junts and then topped that up with agreements with the Basque BNG party and the single Canary Coalition delegate.

In exchange for the votes of the Catalan separatist groups like Junts, Sanchez agreed to a controversial amnesty for those involved in a failed 2017 secession attempt.

The amnesty plan has split public opinion, with hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against it across the country on Sunday.

Socialist leader in Catalunya and ex-national health minister, Salvador Illa, defended the proposed amnesty law stating that it ‘demonstrates the solidity and capacity for generosity of Spanish democracy’.

A FOREST fire which destroyed The deals mean that Pedro San- hectares of land and at least 250 one chez and the PSOE are now set to property while forcing hundreds to secure an absolute majority of 179 evacuate was ‘most likely deliberate’, votes among the chamber’s 350 the Olive Press can reveal. representatives - if all the prom- According to a source from the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME), ised votes go his way.

Sanchez’s Socialists came second the weekend blaze in Mijas was ‘alin the July 23 general election, but most certainly lit for private interests’.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of He told the Olive Press: “Perhaps it was the Partido Popular, which came to pave the way for a new urbanisation first, was unable to put together a or some luxury villas, or even to extend majority in Congress, leading King the contracts of various fire crews.

Felipe to ask Sanchez to have a go “I don’t believe it was the work of a pyromaniac

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HAPPIER TIMES: Rebecca with Jayden and brother Matthew, while (above) dad Andrew

the French Pyrenees.

Jayden’s mother Rebecca explained that police are ‘struggling’ to find her son and his dad because ‘they keep moving’.

In a heartfelt statement, the mother added she and her other son Matthew had to endure another Christmas and New Year without Jayden.

“We hope wherever you are Jayden, you know we hope to see and hear from you again,” she insisted.

Jayden, from Doncaster, is slim, 5ft tall (152cm), with blue-green eyes and blonde-light brown hair.

A police probe in both Portugal

and the UK initially placed the child in Alcobaca, near Evora, and later towards the end of 2022 in Castelo Branco.

Rebecca gained custody of Jayden and his brother, Matthew, 11, in 2019 after her relationship broke down with Andrew.

But she agreed to let him go on the holiday with his father, unaware of what he was planning.

If you can help please contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call South Yorkshire Police on +44 114 2196905.

Junta’s ‘cocaine chauffeur’ comes clean ‘I SPENT €1 million on cocaine, parties and gifts’ confessed the former driver to Andalucia’s Employment Minister.

The so-called ‘cocaine chauffeur’ has finally been forced to give evidence over the Junta’s shocking €1

billion ERE corruption scandal.

Juan Francisco Trujillo told judges this week that he spent up to €25,000 a month on booze and cocaine for he and his former boss, Employment Minister Javier Guerrero.

At a rate of ‘five to 10 grams’ a day, he admitted he spent €1.475,000 in state subsidies over a couple of years.

He is now facing 14 years in prison over his involvement in the ERE case, that syphoned Continues on page 2

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NEWS IN BRIEF Stick it up

Cult it out A PSYCHOLOGIST and his wife who led a cult which ‘cured homosexuality’ by making men have sex with them have been arrested in Caceres province.

Child saved A FRENCH couple were arrested in Algeciras on their way to Morocco over fears they were planning to ‘sacrifice’ their son, having become convinced he was possessed.

Tragic trip A MAN travelling alone was found dead in the toilet of a flight from Tenerife to Manchester.

Passengers grew concerned over the locked cubicle and raised the alarm.

Where’s the gratitude?

Monkey bites fox

Foxes star Louisa bitten by monkey on a trip to Gibraltar

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Mafia town

BANGED UP: Sammon bundled into police car and (inset) his campervan

How the CEO of organized crime corrupted a town hall PAGE 8

EXCLUSIVE: Expat tip leads Olive Press snare one of UK’s most team wanted paedophiles to

EAGLE-EYED Olive readers helped snag one Press of Brit-

ain’s most wanted fugitives in Secret Malaga been Spain, just hours after he had

It’s a true city of culture, Malaga has so much morebut PAGE 16

A Vol. 10

S

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ll about

Issue 251

errania de

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October

October

26th - November

Ronda

26th - November

8th 2016

8th 2016

deep,high River mountain

Rob Horgan native in the goes Serrania de Ronda and discovers the backroad the Genal gems of Valley

T

SOARING

HIGH: The

view up to

the city from

the Tajo gorge

and (top)

a typical town

scene

HERE are beer with few places in the world an army general where general stands … and even you can drink all the rounds!

Ronda, fewer where the Celebrating however, is one bar El Porton,a recent promotionof those places. ish Legionnairean olé away from with friends in quintessential After introducingCarlos Velo is Spain’s oldest bullring - Spanme to the eager to include me quail eggs town’s signature - Carlos (above) in the party.

Iraq, Afghanistan tapa regales me with tales - jamon and the ‘best place and Bosnia from “I have been in the world’. before explaining why tours to Ronda is says, taking all over the world a swig from and seen back into many his been to.” his face. “But Rondacana and pushing things,” he his glasses is the best Originally place I have ever ago whenfrom Madrid, Carlos moved he joined its two national the Spanish to Ronda some 35 years Legion, which naires at present.bases here, counting on around has one of “The quality 800 legioncan live like of life in Ronda is like nowhere a gentleman everyone here, in Madrid else in else.

“Everything I would justSpain. I is affordable, be like ing from tapas if you in your pocket. bar to tapas bar like you can spend the day goand you will “And the still have change scenery is breathtaking,” he adds.

“The walks Continues

on next

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In the Serrania 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND OLD ON NEW BUILDS ON THE SERRANIA

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19 19

WORDS AND PICS

By Rob Horgan and Laurence Dollimore

named. al Crime Agency, Following a tip off to the paper, the scene after who arrived at suspected paedophile Matthew the arrest.

“Well done Olive Sammon was dragged from his thanks to the expat Press and campervan in a dramatic community time raid and whisked night- for tipping us off, this is the reaan unmarked police car.away in son we run these campaigns.”

Working closely with informant The dramatic day had started when Crimestoppers issued Daniel Reid, we were its able to annual list of firstly track down Sammon most wanted tives in Torremolinos on fugito Fuengirola, then call Thursin the day morning.

Guardia Civil to arrest him.

Leading to hundreds On the run for two years, of press Sam- stories around mon - a blackbelt in Jujitsu the world and - on national television, was wanted in the UK for the hunt shar- was immediately ing indecent images of children. on.

But, it was to popular His seizure came just 10 hours newspaper the Olive local after he was named in Press tion Captura and is the Opera- that expat plasterer Reid, 40, quickest reached out recorded arrest in the joint to, trusting us to SUCCESS: Reid, UK Horgan, ‘do the job properly’. and Spanish police operation.

Reynolds and Brunt In a series of Facebook “It was a fantastic result,” mes- as a labourer and said sages, he announced was currently Steve Reynolds, from the that Sam- living Nation- mon, 45, had worked for him the in a campervan around Mijas and Fuengirola area.

Within an hour, the Olive Press car, Sammon covered team scrambled to Fuengirola, and remained silenthis face learning from another when that he was currently builder questioned by the Olive Press. out at the feria ground. camped He was then bundled into the BMW and taken to Madrid After a day working nearby, to the be fingerprinted Londoner duly arrived in his for extradition. and prepared English-plated cream Moncayo Following the arrest, father-ofcampervan. two Reid said he was ‘relieved’ Parking up, he looked as he took his dog for relaxed to see Sammon taken away. a walk “As soon as I saw around the feria ground his face among and the most wanted I felt spoke with neighbours. said Reid, from Blackpool.sick,” Once identified, we called the “I let him hang around Guardia Civil and Crimestopmy children, we took him in with pers and so began a tense open hour waiting game, withthree- arms and at first were none the Reid wiser. sitting in the car beside us.

“But we always thought Sky News crime reporter he was tin Brunt was soon there Mar- a bit weird, he’s a real loner and never talks about his family.

Eventually, as night hadtoo. well “He creeped my family and truly fell, an unmarked much that I fired him.” out so black BMW arrived and two Incredibly, police did plain clothes detectives not take any moved in for the arrest, swiftly evidence from his campervan incating his passport and confis- cluding his computer and other Frisking him at the sidephone.

CONTINUES ON PAGE of the 2

Expat who helped catch a Most Wanted paedophile blasts British authorities after being snubbed by ‘bragging’ podcast

A BRITISH expat is demanding a cash reward for helping UK authorities catch a Most Wanted paedophile in Spain.

Danny Reid, from Blackpool, was instrumental in the capture of Matthew Sammon in a Fuengirola caravan park back in October 2016.

It came after he contacted the Olive Press after we ran a high profile media appeal, also on Crimestoppers, that pictured Sammon alongside several other dangerous criminals.

His tip off to us, as well as to Scotland Yard, led the dangerous fugitive to be snared in Fuengirola as he returned home from work.

Picked up as our journalists waited, alongside a Sky News camera crew, it was heralded as the ‘fastest’ arrest in Crimestoppers history.

In a new National Crime Agency (NCA) podcast, Underworld, Sky crime correspondent Martin Brunt praised the ‘amazingly quick tip off’ from an Olive Press reader.

Yet, the podcast failed to mention Reid, who works in construction between Mijas and Fuengirola.

Reid, 49, insisted this week

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

he was never contacted by the NCA or Crimestoppers, despite his vital help in the case.

He told the Olive Press: “You’re bloody right I deserve recognition. They should put a cheque in the post!

“Any amount of money would mean a lot to us, last year was a tough year and we were hit hard by Covid.

“We haven’t had a holiday since moving to Spain 17 years ago, we haven’t even been able to go home to bury people, a reward would really help us.”

The father-of-two, added he spent €10 alone in calls to Scotland Yard and the Guardia Civil immediately after seeing Sammon in our Most Wanted article online.

“Sammon had been working with me but I sacked him because he was creeping me out with my kids,” he recalled.

“When I tried to phone UK and Spanish authorities they fobbed me off, so I went to the Olive Press as a last resort and you came up trumps!”

Olive Press reporters, working alongside Reid, then en-

gaged in a four-hour-long stake out, waiting for a sighting of the sex offender.

Once our reporters laid eyes on him, we called in police who made a swift and dramatic arrest.

Reid said he was surprised not to have been mentioned in the recent podcast series by the NCA, in which they detail how they caught the biggest fugitives in Spain.

“They wouldn’t have been able to brag about it on a podcast without me!” Reid added.

Crimestoppers told the Olive Press: “All rewards are offered for a specific period only (typically 3 months) as we are a charity operating on

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limited resources.

“We also emphasise that where a reward is offered, it is for information that is passed directly to us. Typically, only around 5% ask if they are eligible for a reward when one is available.

“In the case of Sammon, we never offered a financial reward for his arrest, but we remain grateful that the publicity led to his capture.

“We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contacts our charity anonymously to pass on vital information about crime. Their actions help to keep our communities safe in the UK and abroad.”

Festive swoop A BRITISH pensioner was arrested for historic child sex offences over the festive period.

The 79-year-old, who had been living a normal life in the Guadalhorce Valley for years, was apprehended on Christmas Eve, in Coin.

He is accused of sexually assaulting two girls, aged 10 and 13, from as long back as 1967, when he was 22 years old.

Reports claim his first victim, a 13-year-old

From front

COCAINE CHAUFFEUR money meant for unemployment packages to a so-called ‘reptile fund’ to be used by politicians and their friends.

At a trial at Sevilla court, the former official chauffeur is facing 14 years in prison.

His ex-boss, Guerrero, who died in 2020, played a central role in the pilfering of around €680 million from public coffers between 2000 and 2010.

Trujillo colluded with Guerro to set up bogus firms in order to benefit from a Brussels subsidy of €450,000 per company.

The million euros in EU funds was then snaffled up and spent on coke for himself and Guerrero, as well as purchasing land and building a house.

He also spent €70,000 on paintings, watches, a piano, clothes and mobile phones.

“I continue to admit my guilt,” Trujillo told the court, after somehow dodging jail after an official judicial investigation concluded six years ago.

girl, was subjected to indecent acts in the suspect’s home.

Further allegations include repeated assaults on another girl, aged 10, between 1994 and 1997, when the man was 52.

He now faces extradition to the UK. The arrest has raised concerns about the safety of minors and the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border criminal activities.

Spain’s Ministry of the Interior recently announced there had been a 37% increase in sex crimes reported in Malaga in the first nine months of 2023.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

From Hollywood to park bench

A FAMOUS Spanish actress is living on a park bench in Marbella and forced to beg for money at traffic lights.

Goya-nominated Monica Cervera, 48, is best known for her lead role in the 2004 Alex de la Iglesia film, Crimen Ferpecto.

Her performance in the comedy-horror saw her nominated for ‘best new actress’ at the Goya awards - Spain’s answer to the Oscars.

However she fell out of favour after the 2006 film, Busco, and has not worked

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

3

since 2016.

So tough has become her life after she stopped working in TV show, La Que Se Avecina, that she became homeless.

She shocked fans when she told a magazine this week that she is currently ‘living on the streets’.

She described her homelessness as a ‘personal’ decision.

She has a family - among them a 14-yearold son - and a home to return to in Marbella, although for unspecified reasons she has decided to live on her own.

Sent to heaven SHE had been forced to make ends meet smuggling cigarettes and other contraband during the dark decades in Andalucia’s history.

At just nine years old in 1922, Maria Rodriguez, was sent out ‘doing errands’ around the Cadiz area.

Known as Maria ‘Matacabras’ (Maria the Goatslayer), she had soon graduated to smuggling tobacco, coffee and fabrics between Gibraltar, Jerez and even Portugal.

But, as all her friends and

Goodbye to Maria ‘Goatslayer’, the former smuggler who has died at 110 years old

By Yzabelle Bostyn

family continually insisted, she did it ‘out of necessity’ after her husband died young, leaving her with three children to bring up.

Born on January 24, 1913, the Los Barrios resident got married at 18 and ended up having to provide for her nine grand-

A MEGA-RAVE scheduled to last seven days shut down a day early, as its partygoers simply ran out of steam.

It comes after laid back local residents and even regional politicians encouraged the illegal gathering, called ‘Big F**cking Party’.

Taking place in a deserted area of semi-desert in inland Murcia, some 8,000 people headed to the bash at its peak.

Comprising thousands of expats and tourists, many from France, Italy and Germany, it took place on a former racetrack, near Fuente Alamo.

Kicking off on December 30, the illegal rave started when a group of anonymous organizers broke through a chain onto the course.

The same group, who organized a similar rave in La Peza, near Granada, last year, set up stages, speakers and food stalls.

Soon dozens of stands had also been erected selling t-shirts and other items.

While regional Vox politician Jose Angel Antelo slammed the party, insisting police should immedi-

PARTY’S OVER

children when her only daughter died in 1980.

Despite her chequered past, she was handed the honour of RIP: Maria lived Citizenlife to the full ship of Andalucia in 2017 for her lifetime of work and sacrifice.

Right up to Alconchel, shared her death a video of her singing in at Christ- 2022, saying: “This is the mas she best tribute we can offer, was able to enjoying what she loved read and doing most: singing.” sing and, in Spain currently has the the words world’s oldest person, of a family Maria Branyas Morefriend, she ra, from Catalunya, who was ‘always reaches 117 in March. a fighter’.

The oldest person to ever Mayor of live was Frenchwoman Los Barri- Jeanne Calment, who os, Miguel lived to 122.

RAVE: Thousands turned up for the party

ately close it down, local residents insisted they ‘didn’t mind’.

“As long as they don’t leave loads of rubbish it’s fine with me,” a Fuente Alamo farmer told El Pais.

They were supported by Podemos spokesman, Victor Egio (pictured), who attended the event, insisting the group come back next new year.

It finally came to a stop on January 5, a day after the Guardia Civil issued an eviction notice and started blocking anyone from leaving without having had an alcohol and drugs test.

Some 57 people were fined for drug driving, 14 for dangerous driving and 92 for drug possession.

E ME? UR READERS E S U O CAN Y O CAN ALL O THEN S NESS I S U B YOUR D BE AS COUL S AS THI L A U S VI LITTLE S A M FRO ISSUE N A 0 5 AS € CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON OUR ADVERTISING ON 951 27 35 75 OR EMAIL US ON SALES@ THEOLIVEPRESS.ES

War games

IT was an opportunity to let off steam after a long and stressful 2023 - and the townsfolk of Ibi took full advantage.

Participants dressed up in military outfits and staged a mock 'revolution' outside the town hall of the Alicante town.

As food fights go, Els Enfarinats egg-cells itself, as partici-

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WORLD famous acrobats from Cirque du Soleil are coming to Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Malaga and Ali-

pants engage in handto-hand combat with flour and eggs.

The festival has been taking place for two centuries, imitating a mock coup d’etat. The Els Enfarinats Army advances on the town every December 28, collecting ‘taxes’ which are then donated to a designated charity.

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Playing with fire cante this year.

Alegria is the show’s longest-running production reimagined for the modern audience.

An ‘immersive’ twohour experience, it leaves punters feeling ‘joyous’ and ‘magical’.

It kicks off in Barcelona on March 20 and finishes in Madrid at the end of the year.

RAFA SETBACK

SPANISH tennis hero Rafa Nadal will miss the Australian Open so that he can receive more treatment to his hip.

Nadal, 37, had only just made his return to the tennis circuit after missing nearly a year due to a hip injury. Despite the long absence, he won his first two matches at the Brisbane International tournament in straight sets.

But he lost his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson, which is where he picked up this new injury.

S I E R R A N E VA DA , S PA I N

4

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es A SMALL town’s Vox mayor has released a calendar for the new year themed around former Spanish dictator General Franco, 46 years after Spain became a democracy.

January 10th January 23rd 2024

tradition of his former consultancy firm, García & Brandao.

Franco featured nual Despite no longer owning the firm, he Puente de Genave mayor Francisco García Aviles, the only Vox mayor in the province of Jaen, produced the calendar featuring images of the dictator and his mentor, Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera.

Garcia claims the calendar has nothing to do with the town hall and is an an-

ignored the criticism and decided to go ahead with the controversial release “I don't have to have any decorum; everyone is free to do whatever they want in their job,” the mayor said.

He argued that these types of calendars ‘do not offend any townsfolk, only the fools of the PSOE.’

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Mayor unrepentant as he rules dozens of expats MUST pay up half million euros in water bills A BELEAGUERED mayor unwilling to cancel extortionate water bills for dozens of expats is refusing to back down.

Juan Jimenez insists the 20plus residents of La Viñuela, who owe hundreds of thousands of euros between them, must cough up.

He made the ruling at an ‘extraordinary’ council meeting over the Christmas period, when almost all the foreign owners in the town were on holiday.

The heated December 29 meeting - in which the victims were not allowed to

By Walter Finch

SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES

ANDALUCÍA

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Your expat

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November 1st - November 14th 2023

Plea to town hall as expats left with giant water bills totalling‘panicking’ after being hit hundreds of thousands

A BRITISH expat has revealed her shock after being hammered with that the town hall

By Walter Finch €74,000 of water bills. lawyer suggested Gillian Hodge told the Olive Press someone had been litres over the combined 180-day she completely ‘panicked’ and pe- stealing his water. now suffering from extreme stress.is riod - enough to fill an Olympic-size “I laughed and The retired pharmacist, who lives swimming pool - or 601 litres per said, ‘really? Is this between Spain and Scoland with hour. a joke?’ But he conhusband Tom, received two eye-wa- “They told my property manager we firmed that I had tering bills from La Viñuela town had a leak in July, but it was fixed apparently used immediately. This leak would have hall. more water than had to be massive and we “I couldn’t believe it at first when I even using the home at the were not the entire village saw I owed €73,640,” Gillian, time. combined.”

66, “On top of that we are overlooking told the Olive Press.

Lee, who owns “I just felt raw panic. I’ve been over- rural land which is bone dry. With Marbella’s LT Conthat much water leaking out, whelmed with stress since I saw you struction, which the would have thought our land employs 30 people, causing the meters bill last month.” would hired a technical be flourishing and green, but expert to inspect and inflate the usage to spin wildly The total comprises two big it his property.

- literally paying for air. mands, one for the third quarterde- isn’t.”

Councillor Amber Crookshank told 2022 for €28,420 and the other of Not permitted to just pay part of the for the Olive Press an investigation the second quarter of 2023 coming bill and obviously unable to pay it No leak has all, Gillian is baffled. been launched and the meters have to a whopping €45,220.

He came back and told Unbelievably, the two interim quar- “I’m not refusing to pay for the ly there was ‘no leak’ him definite- now been sent for testing to make nor any water sure they EXORBITANT: Six-bed property ‘used ters came to just €15.48 and €14.18 water. We’re just refusing to pay theft. are calibrated properly. €70,000. We don’t have the money respectively.

The Olive Press understands there And the British expat admitted the more water than whole village’ and even if we did, it’s still entirely are The town hall, which administers at least three more people with town hall didn’t ‘understand the but added there were ‘no guaranproblem.’ the water, claims her three-bedroom wrong.” life-changing, five-figure bills.

“I’m frustrated because something tees’ the residents will be happy. property has used 2.6 million cubic Meanwhile her British neighbour, A further 20 people “We are in the middle of an extreme - the majority needs Lee Talbot, 60, has been forced to be done to figure out what’s drought to British expats - have been call in lawyers with bills in the thousands. landed going on and why people are getting suming and some have been conhuge amounts of water,” these impossible bills.” after being And, in addition, over 100 explained. “The new rates are he desent a bill for are also reeling from bills residents Her colleague, Moises Cerrado, later signed greatly to penalise €43,000. flated on the previous quarter. in- admitted that water theft was ‘a big And he stressed this wastage.” the problem is not problem’ in the The proper- A trio of Spanish residents only affecting British residents, are also “Many of the area. ty developer caught up in the fiasco. residents do not live in with some Spanish and ‘also Beltheir properties and they don’t know gians’ from Kent One resident, Paul Rouse, claimed getting big bills. “The water what’s happening while they has appealed his bank manager told are meters do not understand nationhim of the ‘crazy’ woman who had passed away yearsa away,” he told the Olive Press. ality and we are trying to help He expected the results of the all bill levied on ago receiving a bill for €1,500. in- our residents.” vestigation back within four weeks, his six-bed- Suspicion has room home, naturally Opinion Page 6 overlooking on the waterfallen meViñuela reser- ters.

STUMP UP: Lee Talbot (left) and Gillian voir.

Some residents and John Hodge owe He €117,000 combined told the believe air Olive Press tering the is enpipes,

THE MONSTER NEXT DOOR

speak or make appeals - marked the last chance for many resi- FLASHBACK: How dents to avoid ‘finan- we first reported the water scandal Tel: 952 147 834 cial ruin’.

Despite the aisles being 952 147 834 patrolled by police, a number collection proceedings will of expats did finally manage begin imminently.

“It’s a disgrace, especially as to be heard.

However, incredibly, town so many people were away hall secretary Carlos Lopez - and unable to defend themdescribed as the ‘water bills selves,” said one expat who hawk’ - got up and stormed asked not to be named.

Another, Mirjana Stefanovic, out.

The mayor soon followed, but 46, the wife of British connot before ruling that debt struction boss Lee Talbot, added: “We will continue fighting, we don’t have any other option.”

The bill for the couple’s six-bedroom home, beside La Vinuela lake, already totals €55,000.

A NEW €2.7bn plan has been revealed for a Malaga-Mar“This is a marathon,” she bella train. continued. “One could easily The Ayuntamiento de Malaga has collaborated with local spend five or ten years fightcouncils to produce the scheme. ing this in the courts - and we They estimate it will take four years to process the projwill.” ect’s paperwork, followed by another four years of conThe Olive Press revealed in struction.

November that another exHowever, this timescale is subject to the support of the pat, Gillian Hodgson, 66, is central Spanish government. being forced to pay €74,000 The plans will be presented to the Spanish Transport over just two quarters.

Minister for consideration.

When we investigated it in A ‘high performance’ line, it will not be classed as a highmore detail last month, it apspeed or a so-called cercanias local train and will be enpeared most likely that the tirely new rather than an extension of the existing line to bills had been wrongly totted Fuengirola. up via faulty meters.

Passengers could travel directly from Malaga Airport to It is understood the newMarbella in just 22 minutes. ly-installed meters were purThis goes up to 55 minutes with stops in Torremolichased via the hardware shop nos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Las Lagunas, Mijas, Las of a well-known town hall Chapas and the Costa del Sol hospital. employee.

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AN evil Mexican cartel boss lived life among expats on the Costa del a low-key ‘no frills’ Sol years before being arrested, it has emerged.

The paranoid chief (pictured left) head of the infamous Los Zetas was the suspected tions in Europe for seven years. gang (above) operaYet, incredibly, he lived an anything but luxurious life in a normal back street of Fuengirola, police have revealed.

Having finally arrested him at another home in Madrid, it emerged he lived in leafy Calle Nuñez Balboa for some years, while renting a See page 11 small chalet in Mijas, where he took many Continues on Page 8

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Rock launchers

A BRITISH expat is sounding the alarm after her car windshield was 'hit by a rock' while driving under a bridge on the Costa del Sol’s A-7 motorway.

The young estate agent was travelling from Malaga Airport to Marbella on Saturday night when the 'terrifying' incident took place.

It happened near the Fuengirola hockey c l u b , which i s

used by hundreds of tourists and British expats everyday.

The expat, who asked not to be named, told the Olive Press: "It was 10.15pm at night and we were driving back from the airport, then all of a sudden I heard a massive loud bang and it was just as we had come underneath the bridge.

"I thought it was a gunshot at first because it was so loud but then I obviously saw the window.

"My husband saw the rock hit the windshield and bounce into the road, we were so lucky it didn't cause an accident. If it had smashed through the window it would have hit my husband and he could have easily swerved and lost control.

"I've reported it to the police and I'm going down to the station today to make an official report, it's supposedly been happening a lot down the coast."

It comes after police last month quizzed four teenagers for allegedly throwing rocks at passing cars.

The gang, aged between 13 and 15, smashed the windshields of at least two vehicles and one lorry.

From front

Scorched coupled with high temperatures has raised concerns about the potential impact on the region's agriculture, tourism, water reserves and overall ecosystem.

Water-saving measures have already been introduced in many towns including Rincon de la Victoria, where water cuts have been extended from midnight to 8am.

In Benalmadena, water pressure has been reduced in 45 out of 80 valves in the town.

Charge ban BANKS are to be banned from charging over-65s and the disabled for making over-the counter cash withdrawals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Nadia Calviño explained that a lot of Spanish lenders have already scrapped such extra fees for seniors, who are still more likely to rely on cash rather than cards compared to younger customers.

But some banks still have such charges in place, which is why the Spanish government wants to expressly prohibit them.

Priced out FRENCH supermarket giant Carrefour is to pull all PepsiCo products from its stores in Spain, France, Italy and Belgium due to ‘unacceptable price increases’.

The move will mean that Spanish consumers will no longer be able to buy products such as Pepsi and 7Up, Lay’s crisps and other snacks at the supermarket.

Dreams gone sour AROUND 1000 victims have lost deposits in a €20 million housing developments scam in Andalucia and Murcia.

Cordoba-based promoter Grupo 21 marketed around 1000 off-plan apartments on land they never owned.

The developers paid deposits on the land so they could draw up plans and market properties, but never completed the purchases.

People were offered homes in Aguadulce, in Almeria, Almuñecar, in Granada, and Aguilas in the Murcia region.

Some properties were allegedly sold twice - attracting deposits of between €12,000 and €55,000 - with estimates that Grupo 21 banked up to €20 million.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Expats honoured

FOUR British expats have been named in King Charles’s New Year’s Honours list.

Susan Hannam, vice-president of Cudeca, a palliative care charity and hospice, has been awarded an OBE for her services.

The 77-year-old former nurse, from Leeds, co-founded the charity over 30 years ago.

Meanwhile, Margery Taylor, 68, from Mijas, was awarded an MBE for her work as part of the Royal British Legion.

The District Treasurer has been volunteering with the Spain South branch since 2008.

Deborah Edgington was awarded an MBE for ‘services to British Nationals’ in Fuerteventura, while Philip Brown, president of Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS), was given a BEM for ‘services to people with cancer in Spain’.

Scooter ban E-SCOOTERS have been banned from all public transport in Andalucia.

Passengers will no longer be allowed to take them on metros, trains, buses or boats.

It has come in after several batteries burst into flames on trains in Catalunya and in Madrid.

Madrid, Barcelona and Mallorca have also banned the devices on all public transport, while Valencia has prohibited them on trains.

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

Ruff justice Daredevils ahoy A BRITISH tourist has called in lawyers after being attacked by a vicious dog in Marbella old town.

Stephen Hill, 48, was enjoying a walk with his partner Cheryl when he was suddenly savaged from behind by the German Shepherd on New Year’s Day. The Belfast native told the Olive Press the Spanish owner’s shock ‘quickly turned to aggression’ when he discovered he was a tourist.

The builder immediately reported the incident to Guardia Civil, but despite photo

5

British tourist, 48, is denied a police report just moments after being savaged by vicious dog EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

and video evidence, was told he must have a doctor’s report to make a proper ‘denuncia’, a ‘mission impossible’ on January 1, a day before he flew home.

“We saw the dog near Plaza de Leganitos and gave it a wide berth but moments after passing, it attacked me totally unprovoked from be-

FLU OUTBREAK

CASES of flu continue to spread across Spain and are yet to peak, with the maximum number of illnesses expected to be reached in the third week of January.

That’s according to figures from the SiVIRA respiratory infection monitoring system at the Carlos III health institute, which show that flu cases are currently circulating with ‘greater intensity than the rest of the respiratory viruses’, including Covid-19.

Influenza A is causing the highest number of patients to resort to Spanish emergency rooms, according to Pascual Piñera, the vice-president of the SEMES society for emergency medicine.

Piñera said that there were 35% more patients requesting emergency care right now compared to this time last year. Of these, 10% are being admitted to hospitals, which ‘have nowhere to put these patients’, he added.

hind.

“I told the owner I was going to the police and he threw his hands up and said he did not care. The dog bit me in my back and glutes, I’m still shaken up and angry about it all.

“What irks me more is that the owner runs a dog-walking business and is touting himself as a professional.”

Stephen said he later contacted the company, Dogs Adventureland, via social media but was quickly blocked on all platforms.

He was forced to fly home without filing a report and went straight to hospital in Belfast for tetanus and rabies jabs.

He added: “I have got a lawyer and I WILL be back to file an official denuncia. I am not going to let this go.

The next attack could be on a child’s head, that dog is not safe.”

The owner of Dogs Adventureland, Alberto Perez, describes himself as a dog trainer on social media.

Despite contacting the company, we failed to get a response in time for print.

WORK has started on a breathtaking new walking trail that carves its way through Ronda’s iconic Tajo gorge.

The daredevil path snakes its way down a vertical cliff face from the old town down to the foot of its famous bridge, before wind-

ing its way to the historic Arab baths.

Costing €1.6 million it will have various viewpoints as well as a visitor’s centre.

The project, to be launched at the FITUR tourism fair in Madrid this month, will reaffirm Ronda’s ‘unique’ and ‘spectacular’ character.

We’ll find the Home.

You’ll write the Stories.

MARBELLA.THEAGENCYRE.COM MARBELLA@THEAGENCYRE.COM +34 613 050 722

NEWS FEATURE

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THAT WAS THE February

High time

Spain in review: The biggest and most important stories covered by the Olive Press during 2023

THE confessions of the so-called ‘cocaine chauffeur’ have In February, we lifted the lid on expat whislaid bare the incredible level of corruption that went untleblower Juliette De Courcy Withey, who checked for at least a decade in Andalucia (Trujillo’s coafter exposing property scams in Spain becaine chauffeur comes clean, p1). came accused of running one herself.

Under the leadership of the PSOE, millions of taxpayers’ U C Í A was alleged to have pockIndeed,Athe N D A LBrit cash was spent on bribes, favours, and more shockingly, eted €70,000 in rent on a 15-bed villa near LIVE drugs and prostitutes.

Marbella that she did not own.

SS Juan Trujillo was the driver for ex-employment minister JaviRE er Guerrero, and this week he admitted to a judge how he spent up to €25,000 per month on booze and cocaine for Groundhog Day! his former boss.

The revelations are part of the probe into the infamous ERE scandal, which saw at least €1billion of public money meant for unemployment packages syphoned to a so-called ‘reptile fund’ to be used by politicians and their friends.

The confessions of Trujillo will hopefully - and finally - serve some justice to those who perverted the system to the umpteenth degree between 2000 and 2010.

It is high time that the politicians involved are punished for stealing a billion euros that could have been used to make sorely-needed improvements to the region’s infrastructure.

ANTHONY’S The stolen funds, for example, could have easily paid for International Women’s Day desalination plants or even a new coastal train line, which SETTING has been repeatedly put on the back burner for the past THE SCENE JustO aLI month revealed SOLAR two decades.

VE later, we exclusively A

ll about

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Estepona

May 2023

HOW THE GARDEN GROWS

How the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ has become Andalucia’s top resort, find out in our 16-page Estepona special inside

E

STEPONA is a town undergoing ceaseless transformation. But that’s nothing new.

From the day the seafaring Phoenicians first sailed in and established a colony on the Iberian coast nearly 3,000 years ago, the Costa del Sol resort has been the subject of change.

Be it the Romans, the Vandals or the Moors - or the Catholic reconquest or pirate raids from

The so-called ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ has seen constant change for centuries and is now roaring ahead of its near rivals

By Walter Finch

Africa in the 18th century - it has frequently been in a state of flux.

In the last 50 years alone it has gone from being a sleepy fishing

village, known for its pongs, to becoming one of Spain’s premier upmarket resorts.

After a tumultuous history of constant change and evolution, EsteContinues on next page

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d by Olive Press Rental scammer expose nce policies also sold bogus insura

at the top THERE has been no change during local along the Costa del Sol Press exAN expat who the Olive elections. its socialist posed as a holiday rental fraudster Only Benalmadena ousted favour of Juan for fake insurance her husmayor Victor Navas, in party took 13 also took money The Mother-of-two andwere given policies.

Antonio Lara, whose PP band based in Guaro, n receipts’ EXCLUSIVE de Courcy Withey allegedseats. ‘official Caser handwrittein cash’ for kept an Juliette

By Alberto Lejarraga dozens of expats while In Marbella, Angeles Munoz of after paying ‘thousands insurance seats, while ly scammed as an agent for one overall majority with 14 sive car working Urbano Garcia compafrom Liver- fully comprehen Estepona dynamo Jose of the vote.

Spain’s leading insurance scams,” Susan Platt, over a number of years. snared a staggering 70% the Olive Press this week. They only discovered their fate in nies. told victory pool, landslide Malaa she only how the a car There was also PPs Margari- We can reveal allegedly pock- The 69-year-old revealedrented in when they were involved in Torremolinos where the the other driver a villa she 17 seats ga-based resident OLIVE she was discovered not insured a year af- accident in which ta del Cid grabbed a stunning PRESS eted thousands of euros Marbella was was hospitalised.

FULL CIRCLE for the PP. got a call the PP’s meant to hand over for insurance ter giving De Courcy €600 in cash.

To their horror they later Meanwhile, in Fuengirola, cancelled the Lib- from the court saying they had to BEWARE: De at Caser Seguros. another four scammed “She actually Ana Mula has held on for Armijo won policies very same day she pay €3,000 to the affected party as Courcy and husband De Courcy, from Guaro, invalid erty policy the years, while in Nerja Jose “I clients by selling them policies, took the money,” she slammed. a their vehicle was ‘not insured’.

David, while (inset) again for the fifth time. surprise in car insurance it,” she said. our rental probe in it wasn’t valid until believe idea not no had could There was both joy and de la Torre house and “We locally. me she was not realised we April having befriended them Malaga as 80-year-old Paco be- Liberty agent toldand said the pol- “It was only then we he lost uninsured for them for The expat - who is currently driving working regained the absolute majority been had bogus rental with two kids in Meanwhile, two oth- Williams, ing prosecuted over a been up to icy had been cancelled.” in 2015. suf- years. And even the trend to er expats Gill and Glyn The only towns bucking and Mijas, scheme - has allegedly Another victim from Holland, the car!”. decades. time from Kent, recently discovered the right were Manilvasocialists got her antics for the last two for her fered a similar fate. been She added: “It was a horrible Caser that their car hadperiod to Juliette where Josele Gonzalez’s “It’s about time she paid but when I went to talkme €3,000 from for the entire two more seats.

Comproand demanded she give it all out, uninsured In Manilva, Mario Jimenez’ they had paid De Courcy.had no acseats (5), but she said she would sort Was this the spot? mis party got the most again with ei“We were very lucky we but never did.” exclusive will have to form a pact Press De Courcy to cidents,” said Gill this week.

Olive took they Eventually, ther the PSOE or PP. after 10 long stays court and, this month, they will be reveals the lake camp In Ronda, Maria Paz Fernandez Tricked learnt majority, finally absolute they an believe years in power with where police Francisco believes there are many getting their money back. while in Coin, PP mayor De Courcy She also suspect Christian including a GerUnder the settlement, Santos, will also remain. were other victimswho had to move PP leader and husband, David Withey, Brueckner brought Similarly, in Antequera, majority, riation’ man friend,a Swedish couple. found guilty of ‘misapprop Manuel Baron got an overall in Alhauac- home, plus Madeleine McCann was another British the fourth since 2011, while and handed prison sentences, stays in power legal sourc- “And there to claim rin, Joaquin Villanova cording to Olive Press friend of ours who wentto be told for his seventh term. accident only es. some joy in to take the after an she was not insured.” tried Withey The socialists at least had “While PSOE got an not buy it by Caser San Roque, where the blame, the court did two years De Courcy declined to comment 2 and overall majority.

See Ground Zero on page and sentenced both to the next and simply replied ‘goodbye’ page 4 in prison, suspended oversaid their hung up, when called.

See Snap Election, comment, to five years,” failed While Caser lawyer. confirmed Withey Opinion Page 6 Restaurant

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MARVELLOUS

Jon Clarke

offers an insider guide to the gem of Andalucia’s crown

Grace TIMELESS GLAMOUR: while Kelly and Hugh Grant, today beach yoga class on the

of La Zagaleta. hillside enclave him recently in ticular, in the luxury introduced to rose, he looked it was ‘merely a when I was actually of flinty French Hill star told me agents’. He ceryou’d ex- But, WIRLING a glass London, the Notting English gentleman tool for local estate but mostly he’s every bit the suave good marketing he explained, film. pect of Hugh Grant. a group of friends on a warm tainly loves the place, on business or to which has rightan eyelid.

Holding court with down, these days, the resort, hardly anyone batted Spain’s was at its very It perfectly summed up of being southern early summer evening, after all, and Marbella earned the reputation in the air, the bougainIt was early June, rich and famous. and, increasingso fully of orange blossom table. There was playground for the finest; the scent and shakers candles on everyto be taking in. to remain Euof tycoons, movers villaea in full bloom, Marbella manages snap Full alongside throngs of tourists ly, tech billionaires, much else for thethe restaurant owner I took a quick a spot of business, but declined to rope’s top location for At the request of star on my iPhone, 2 Continues on page (left) of the Hollywood terrace bonhomie. have sparked rumours interrupt his convivial partrips to Marbella in the resort, in Grant’s regular he owns a house over the years that

Photos by Jon Clarke

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APRIL FOOLED

How an Olive Press reporter’s joke tortilla caused a national outrage

Page 6

Expat whistleblower in rental fraud case now accused of exact same ‘illegal’ rental scam

ACCUSED: Juliette De Courcy and the ‘palace’ she allegedly rented, while (inset) our 2015 probe

88

INVESTIGATIONS NEWS SPECIAL

www.theolivepress.es

June 25th - July 9th 2015

TRACKED DOWN: Holiday rental scammers go AWOL from Alhaurin estate as hundreds

End of the rainbow

DISAPPEARED: Staffords

A BRITISH couple who scammed more than 100 Costa-bound tourists have fled their luxury Alhaurin el Grande villa and are hiding out in Murcia.

But, the owners of Rainbow Villas, Mark and Michelle Stafford, have fled the high-security property - whose neighbours

EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell & Rob Horgan

include Status Quo star Rick Parfitt, to ‘lie low’ in Murcia - it can be revealed.

The pair are now being probed by police after their company suddenly ‘ceased

trading’, leaving holidaymakers thousands of euros out of pocket and with nowhere to stay.

When the Olive Press visited their gated villa - fitted out with cameras and a 600 metre private drive - nobody was at home, despite a source saying that the couple’s son is looking after the

property.

Despite their six dogs making a lot of noise in the grounds and a van being in evidence, a neighbour told the Olive Press, that the pair had fled to Murcia, where Mark’s mother lives.

“The couple fled in a hurry, initially to Murcia,” the neighbour said. “But as they

of conned holidaymakers unite

have homes in France, Portugal and England, I suspect they will leave Spain sharpish.”

She added: “For now, their son, who is in his early 30s, is looking after their six dogs and eight cats.”

Meanwhile an army of scammed holiday-makers are compiling a dossier of

Quo conmen: Get them in the pot!

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FLASHBACK: Our story last issue

ONE of the conmen who duped UK rock legend Rick Parfitt out of thousands of euros is a Dutchman operating under the name ‘Frederick Rooze’, it can be revealed.

The fraudster, who hoodwinked Status Quo guitarist out of €2,930 for two sets of pots and pans, drives a dark blue Range Rover Sport with Dutch number plates (4-ZJP-33).

Masquerading as a salesman for leading Swiss kitchenwear company Kuhn Rikon, he and an accomplice, also believed to be Dutch, claim they have been left with ‘overstock’ after a local exhibition.

Insisting the goods are ‘luxury Swiss finery’, they are in fact cheap, poor quality junk, as we revealed last issue (left).

Now dozens of new victims have

come forward with fresh information on the pair, who previously conned hundreds of people in Belgium and Holland.

One, Dutch expat Patricia Stone, was tricked into buying €2,650 worth of kitchenware in Sotogrande.

“I am disgusted with myself that I didn’t spot it was a fake,” Stone told the Olive Press.

“Rooze presented himself as a legitimate salesmen. He was very well dressed, late 30s with the most amazing blue eyes.”

A Kuhn Rikon spokesman told the Olive Press, it was now working with Spanish police to clamp down on the fraud.

“Many customers have asked for our help because they have bought fraudulent products thinking they were acquiring our merchandise,” said spokesman Wolfgang Aufwarter. “It is very damaging to our image.”

CON’S CAR: Range Rover Sport and (left) fake goods

Bienvenidos al Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, una experiencia única, un mundo aparte que les ofrece las comodidades que espera de un pequeño gran hotel

VIVA FASHIONISTA Our Fashion columnist Freya opens a new shop

Page 12

PICASSO QUIZ:

How much do you know about our iconic local lad?

X

Page 14

AN EXPAT whistleblower who denounced a pair of holiday scammers a decade ago has been accused of the exact same fraud.

Juliette De Courcy Withey, based in Malaga, is being taken to court over €70,000 she allegedly owes to the owner of a luxury 15-bed villa.

Withey, from Guernsey, allegedly faces seven years prison over the claims that she illegally rented the huge luxury home in Benahavis.

The allegations relate to a €2,800-a-night palace that was once owned by a Saudi Prince.

Withey, who lives in the Guadalhorce Valley, allegedly pocketed the rental income from the home in Benahavis rather than giving it to the owner.

The owner, Vicente Gonzalez, has filed a complaint at Marbella court claiming Withey pocketed €68,000, although he told the Olive Press he believes ‘thousands more’ is missing in cash payments.

It is the most ironic twist then, that Withey, 65, had herself filed an official complaint against her former bosses eight years ago, claiming the exact

SKY + THE DOCTOR +

Welcome to the Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, a unique experience, a world apart that offers the a menities you expect from a small grand hotel

same crime.

She went public claiming fellow expats Mark and Michelle Stafford had been renting out properties - including the Benahavis palace - that they did not own, collecting thousands from unsuspecting clients.

In what became known as the ‘Rainbow Villas scam’, the Olive Press revealed how more than 100 tourists fell victim to the couple, based nearby in Alhaurin.

In a shocking fraud, leading to the Staffords arrest, many lost thousands when their bookings were cancelled at the last moment.

Some of the most unfortunate clients arrived for their dream holiday to find someone else living in the property they had booked.

Ironically, Withey - who had worked with the Staffords from their palatial home in Alhaurin - has now been accused in a lawsuit by Gonzalez, 61.

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The Spanish lawyer, from Barcelona, told the Olive Press that Withey had been managing the property since helping to expose the original scam in 2015.

But, he claims she has been ‘illegally renting’ out the 1,700 m2 palace - once owned by former Saudi Arabia Minister of Defence, Prince Abdul-Aziz Saud - which is able to house up to 31 people.

He told the Olive Press Withey was ‘in charge of the bookings’ and the mostly-British clients made two payments, one a deposit to secure it and another 30 days before arrival.

In court papers, seen by the Olive Press, he claims Withey would ask clients for the second payment to be transferred to her bank account or to be given to her in cash.

Court papers claim that Withey sometimes rented the property to conflicting clients at the same time, cancelling one of the clients, but still pocketing the money, similar to the Rainbow Villas scam.

A source has told the Olive Press that Withey hooked clients through a network of social media sites such as Booking. com and rental websites.

But the source, a British owner of a Marbella rental company Withey See page 5 used to advertise the palace with, expressed

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money’.

“It must have been through she this collaboration that had access to our office,” he said.

discussion at the WOMEN had a packed to increase their

PANELS howPhundreds in Spain a.es and RESS of investors www.mariposaenergi Gibraltar had lost up to €70 million in an elaborate cryptocurrency scam.

In the unbelievable Globix scandal, we reported continuGAP MIND allyTHEthroughout the year, about how the scammers had fled + + to Russia with investors’ money, got dozens of senior Gibraltar figures into the scheme and even faked a kidnap in Alicante. info@thesky

www.theolivepress.es

expats foiled by A KIDNAPPING of two is linked to an Spanish police last year scandal set enormous crypto currency Olive Press can to rock the country, the reveal. which saw the The incredible drama hours took place couple held for several feared they after hundreds of investors million in the had lost as much as €70

historical facts

: crypto and the Russians EXCLUSIVE: Kidnap, scandal that may have The multimillion-euro in Spain and Gibraltar defrauded hundreds

By Walter Finch

Gibraltar’s government. with presentations The fireside chat startedspeeches from leadto the audience before ing women.

Perera, Director Dr Jennifer Ballantine Library, talked of the Gibraltar Garrisonthat keep women about the cultural norms from advancing in society.

Policy Development Ministry of Equality spoke about how Officer Marlene Dalli then ted and its imwomen were under-represen pact on the social order.women moved on to the speeches, After the the topics at hand. an open discussion on inclusive “This has been a wonderfully way to kick start gathering and such a good Day events future International Women’s Perera said. this month,” Ballantine change through “The aim is to bring about of how we as a soa greater understanding questions.” ciety feel about these important impressed by the Sacramento said she wasdiscussions’ as the ‘huge appetite for these d. event was over-subscribe had planned to She revealed that she fireside chats belaunch a series of these she was enthusiastic fore COVID-19 hit so to pick up on the idea. of fireside chats “This is the first of a seriesthe conversation which will serve to keep will inform going but, more importantly, at the Minthe ongoing work we undertake istry of Equality.” theme of this year’s ‘Embrace Equity’ is the Day. International Women’s

X

individually to fetch. with his wife still And in one of them - the boot of the failures. ‘crypto scam’. sources, Pavel Sidirov bound and gagged in The snatching of Russianinitially treat- car - Sidirov was able to call his lawyer According to well placed are now hundreds of frantic investors and his wife in June was funds from extortion, as we for help. the police, who scrambling to recover their which at ed by police as routine The lawyer alerted Globix, reported at the time. kidnapped out- were quickly on the scene to catch the the trading platform million under its peak had almost €150 The couple had been Campello, Ali- kidnappers. including a side their villa in El it has gradflashing fake Police arrested six people, while the management. officer, Over the last few months cante, by two bogus cops based and a Russian retired Guardia Civil Garrido (pic- ually become clear to investors, has Carlos Guardia Civil badges ringleader, Globix alleged in in the ensu- in Gibraltar and Spain, that thirds of woman acting as an interpreter. as two a car, stripped and tured), handed himself allegedly lost as much They were bundled into used as a hostage. ing days to deny he was a criminal. and up sum. tied was enormous wife this the both their the Olive Press And in a bizarre twist, The gang then threatened Scheme lives if they did remaining €40 milhe can reveal that the in the hands of a not hand over he wasn’t a criminal, is apparently the codes to a Insistingthe scheme was a minor mat- lion IT firm based in Ukraine. a shady activated a crypto wallet claimed and he was merely representing happened after Sidirov It ter sent milrecover that to containing kidnap trying group of investors them’ by Sidirov. mechanism during hispartners in Kyiv. lions. million ‘owed to the codes to Globix’s Tech guru Sid- €2 to be the end of the An independent investigation by a well tocleverly While it seemed company irov Gibraltar financial the Olive Press can reveal struggling just a small known bought time by matter, investors they had been Ukraine. that the kidnapping is telling the gang day of a much bigger scandal that is told get any money back from that the codes partto engulf the already beleaguered to added the CEO of the Kyiv-based It in his were distrib- set industry. had ‘not been forthcoming’ firm crypto was sepGibral12 and a in to uted the money is linked houses The kidnapping firm that has become efforts to return arate crypto under arrest’. that they would tar-linked in a murky world of trading ‘now investors A statement issued to the Olive have to go to immersed in January, seen by have Press, reads: “The police the MinTHE SKY been contacted, as hascollectiveistry (of Finance) and they will DOCTOR ly we are hopeful thatcompleted ensure the process is ALL AREAS satisfactorily.”

Ukrainian COVERED It added: “We have the and they special police involved 4G UNLIMITED have arrested three individuals. fourth inThey are looking for a hold the INTERNET dividual. These people facilitate data that is needed to IDEAL FOR the final transfer.”

STREAMING TV hard to While this has been Globix’ ALSO independently verify, functionwebsite has not been when a IPTV, ing since November, reading: SATELLITE up put was statement on any TV ‘We will not be taking more accounts’. the Olive When contacted by the alleged Press for comment, all the Scan here for your boss of Globix dismissedand his tel: (0034) 952 763 840 allegations against him customised quote: info@theskydoctor.com Turn to page 4 www.theskydoctor.com

Serious savings on currency transfers to and from Spain

life.

ticipation in everyday the only woman in 21st 2023 doctor.com March 8th - March www.thesky Sacramento is currently

BITCON

WE implore all expats living in Spain and Portugal to keep their eyes open for missing Jayden Pearson (p1).

It’s a shame that this case has not been given the publicity it deserves.

Jayden, 14, has been missing for well over a year and we know nothing about his living conditions or state of health and wellbeing.

His father does not have custody and is essentially a fugitive on the run.

It is imperative that Jayden is found as soon as possible and returned to his rightful home.

The case is almost identical to that of Alex Batty, who was abducted at age 11 by his mother in similar circumstances in Marbella back in 2017.

After turning himself in in December, he told of his awful lack of schooling and how he missed out forming relationships with other teens his age.

Jayden must be found soon before he suffers the same fate.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Jayden should contact us immediately.

ADMIN Victoria Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

rna & Inte All UK systems TV - Sound CCTV ion & Vis

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c u s t o m e r s

“It’s really important to expose Withey’s behaviour so that she does not scam any other people,” Gonzalez insisted this week. “She has had over a year to pay me back and has paid nothing.

“I don’t want her to go to prison, but she needs to pay soon or that is what will happen.”

According to the lawyer, Withey could face a prison sentence of seven years and six months for misappropriation and fraud, if found guilty.

When contacted by the Olive Press, Withey refused to speak, adding: “You need to speak to my lawyer. I have nothing to say. He will contact you. He will explain.” He hadn’t by the time we went to press.

Brit arrested after tragic Elliott death of bouncer at Wright’s Olivia’s

Garrison Library on how 952 763 840 role in society.

The Rock’s for Equality SaThe talk, led by Minister was to set the scene ONLY free mantha Sacramento, Women’s Day. 635 400 099 for today’s International was, ‘Where are local The focus of the discussiontalking about the paper the women of Gibraltar?’, pardoctor.com that influence women’s

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real surprise at the claims.

“She was legally working for the property so it was not suspicious at all.

There were even times when I spoke to her clients and they said she was a lovely woman and they had a great time at the house,” she explained.

The problem was, while the clients may have been having a nice time, the actual owner, Gonzalez, claims he had no idea about them.

It was in 2019, when he was handed documentation by a rental agency, that he discovered multiple bookings for the rest of that year as well as for 2020 and 2021.

between men and DISPARITIES in payvary by over 15% dewomen in Andalucia pending on province. 12.5% in Almeria, it While the gap is just in Huelva. rises to as much as 28.3%in salary in MalaAnd while the difference the national average ga (19.8%) is close to make €20,003 per of 20.05% it means men€15,992. get women while year, statistic however, is The most alarming gap appears to be that across Spain the pay union claiming it widening, with the Gestha 2020 and 2021. grew by €120 between

International

Women’s Day

March 2023

Under represented

THERE are 250% more news stories about men than women, according to a new study.

The report by Spanish firm, Llorente & Cuenca, also reveals that women feature 21% less in the headlines.

Moreover, when women do appear in articles there is often an explicit mention of their gender and family and their sex is more prominent than their identity.

“An example would be; ‘A woman could be the new president of the US’ rather than ‘Kamala Harris is a strong candidate for presidency’,” a spokesman explained, adding that there is a bias, which makes women invisible and anonymous.

A special four-page pullout

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OUR BRILLIANCE IS IN OUR DIVERSITY

A

Please reward women equally, insists Madrid-based expat journalist Fiona Govan

HEALTHY WAGE

FOR women looking to embark on a demanding career in the health sector, making sure they earn a fair amount for their hard work could be a driving factor in deciding where to relocate.

Spain has been named one of the top countries for women in health care, according to new data by Lenstore.

The country, at ninth position, was found to offer some of the best oppor-

WOMAN’S place is in the tunities in Europe. home. And the boardroom.

This is down to a number of factors In fact, it is anywhere she including average working hours, damn pleases, particularly in yearly salary, holiday allowance and this day and age in Spain. the number of women in the industry.

But as another old adage goes, a It is both exhausting and astonishBut closer inspection of the LenSpeaking of the future, one that storeupon woman’s work is never done. And ing that in 2023 women still study, Spain and the rest of Euthere is no doubt, we often have to fight for the bare minimum. have to continues to pay women less than rope have a long way to go until equalfight twice as hard to get the pay we Take equal pay. It is fairly straight- men or discriminates against any- ity is achieved. one is a discredit to us all.

In Spain the average deserve and speak twice as loud to forward in principle: creating pay equali- Businesses should of course be for health professionalsfemale stands at have our voices heard in the work- ty of opportunity for all, irrespective making gender equality and equal €29,800 lower than the €39,616 avplace. of gender, race, religion or sexual pay a key foundation of success.

It erage annual salary for men.

You’d be hard pressed to find a orientation. But somehow some Meanwhile in France, which was woman, even in 2023, who hasn’t the biggest brains in business of is the right thing to do. been called ‘darling’, ‘sweetheart’ struggle to grasp the concept. still Indeed it is a shame that in 2021 ranked as the best country in Europe the Spanish Government felt they to be a female healthcare professionor ‘gorgeous’ in the office, and even As we face another economic down- had no choice but to intervene to al, women still make an average of boardroom. turn in the wake of coronavirus €7,000 a year And sadly, that’s getting off light- as the Ukraine war starts to rampand ensure that women in the country counterparts. less than their male ly. Complaining about these kinds again it is clearer than ever that up are given the same pay as men.

The UK came in sixth place overall, of ‘compliments’ often isn’t worth old systems are failing us at our Now businesses have to share what with average female pay at £30,059, every they are doing, because they can’t your breath, since it’ll most likely be turn. lower than the £43,953 average annube trusted to do the right thing. brushed off by colleagues as a ‘bit It is time to challenge the status quo Just look at women in healthcare. al salary for men. of banter.’ and do away with outdated A working woman now knows she of working - and women needmodes Research last year found that Spain to be was one of the best places to be a has to pick her battles, and unfor- helping to usher in the new dawn. female health professional in Eutunately a daily scuffle with balding Women are just as productive and rope, ranking eighth, while its docdinosaurs over terms of endear- determined as their male countertors and nurses are ranked among ment - or endowment - has to be parts, and businesses need to rec- the top three in Europe.

SPAIN has far more female parliasidelined for more pressing matters ognise this. And not just because of A cause for celebration? Hardly. Fe- mentary representation such as pay, fair treatment and ba- quotas but to build better businessthan the male doctors and nurses here are average in European countries. sic respect. es and a better future for everyone. earning an average of €10,000 less The 252 women sitting in Spain’s than their male upper and lower houses reprec o u n t e r p a r t s sent 42.4% of seats, compared to (see Healthy a European average of 31.1% and wage, above a global share of 26.6%. right).

The figures, collated by anaWOMEN don’t take their kids to school in heels carrying a box of And for those lysts IPU Parline, reveal that in washing powder. who brand the Europe the most represented A recent study has found that 94% of women don’t identify with porfight for equal countries for women are Iceland trayals of themselves in advertising campaigns. pay as propa- (47.6%), Andorra, Sweden (both The questionnaire of 2000 women who were shown 20,000 adverts ganda coming 46.4%) Norway (46.2%), Finland from 17 sectors, found they totally disagreed with the way they are used in adverts. Indeed, according to the study by Havas Media, from ‘male-hat- (45.5%), Denmark (43.6%) Belwhile women make up 88% of consumer decisions, an alarming 6% ing feminists’, gium (42.7%) and North Macedofeel properly represented. remember we’re nia (42.5%).

Meanwhile 40% of ads are ‘sexist’ according to the Association of sticking it to the This puts Spain at ninth in EuUsers’ Communication (AUC). man, not men. rope and 22nd in the world.

Sometimes it’s a case of ‘sneaky sexism’ - a woman pouring deterOur brilliance is The country with the most fegent into the machine for example - while at other times it's overt. in our diversity. male parliamentarians by share In the UK an NHS stay at home Covid ad (right) caused so much Recognise it. is Rwanda (61.3%) followed by outrage, it had to be removed. It portrayed a woman at home with Celebrate it. Re- Cuba (53.4%) and Nicaragua the kids, mopping, while ironing with a baby in her arms. Meanward it. And re- (51.7%). while, her husband sat on the sofa.

EQUALITY: But not in UK homes according to NHS ward it equally. The UK is 48th world-wide with That’s just good 34.5% of its parliamentarians business sense. being women.

Grim stats

See our International Women’s Day pullout inside

April

THE average woman in Spain earns 20% less than men and half of them have suffered abuse at work.

What’s more, The burden of care and unpaid work falls mainly on women while companies close the doors to management positions.

According to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics, the average salary for men in Spain is €26,369 whereas for women it is €21,682.

Moreover, 93,6% of people who work part-time to take care of children and the elderly are women.

And the Ministry of Equality states that 57.3% of women have suffered gender violence and 13.2% have suffered sexual violence.

In power

AN UNFAIR PORTRAYAL

O LIVE P RESS My right to stay!

Away from scammers, we reported countless expat-led stories in the Spring, including that of Mark Saxby, who launched a hunger strike on the Costa Blanca when his Spanish residency was denied due to post-Brexit rules.

952 147 834

B

T

HE Olive Press enjoyed a bumper 2023 thanks to our non-stop exclusives which were regularly picked up by the national press both in the UK and Spain.

As ever, we were the only English-speaking paper to expose a string of alleged scammers, fraudsters and conmen targeting both expat and local communities.

But we also told numerous uplifting expat-led tales, from miracle babies to incredible stories of survival.

Meanwhile our coverage of the biggest issues of the day was unrivalled, from disgraced football boss Luis Rubiales’s mother’s hunger strike in a Granada church to the dramatic terror arrest of a young British expat in Granada.

Here are some of the most memorable exclusive stories from last year.

ALARM AS SPAIN SWELTERS

OLIVE PRESS ANDALUCÍA

May FEARS are rising over what summer has in store after an the unseasonably early heatwave broke Spain’s April records.

As the month was confirmed as hottest since 1961 when records the began, forecasters predicted a doomsday scenario of no rain, perhaps until September.

The high temperatures have also brought the country’s annual heat warning campaign forward by two weeks to begin on May 15.

FREE

Vol. 17 Issue 418

Record

An alarming 90-plus records were confirmed around Spain across the month for maximum temperatures.

Cordoba recorded three consecutive days of records alone, last week, with its previous highest temperature smashed by four degrees.

Residents in the city had to endure temperatures of 38.8C on Thursday, beating the country’s highest April record of 38.6C registered in Elche back in 2011.

Sevilla meanwhile recorded 37C, surpassing the 35.4C registered on April 30, 1997, and Badajoz broke its previous cord of 33.2C with a temperaturereof 36.1C. Even Valladolid, further north,

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July

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voice in Spain May 3rd - May 16th 2023

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COMING OF AGE

Legion of Spanish chefs serenade the ‘spectacular’ growth of the Andalucian restaurant scene over the last decade

NEXT GENERATION: Learning from the masters (right)

CULINARY ‘BOOM’, on page 14

WHO LET HIM LOOSE?

In May, we In July we told the exclusive story of exr eve a l e d pat Diego Torres, who claimed he was how a Brittied up and beaten to within an inch of ish ganghis life by a group of Guardia Civil offiIs it Agnese?

LUCÍA ster, who cers in Sabinillas, near Estepona.

ANDA TIME we later He also claimed aLI plastic Your was L VE bag TO CHIL in voice identified placed over his head to simulate suffoSpain S ES R as Harry cation.

S, was re- + + leased on bail for attempted murnt says Costa del Sol reside n up der before allegedly punching a popular he was brutally beate s SOLAR

by Guardia Civil officer doorman to deathPANEL outside TOWIE star Elliot S PART Y TIME! Wright’s restaurant in La Cala de Mijas.

A judge told us how his release was a ‘major f**k up’ by the Spanish justice system.

Speaking of Spain’s long arm of the law, the summer was marked by reports of Spanish police cracking down hard on tourists - whether they were unruly or not.

Continues on page 4

POLICE have slammed a prosecution error that ‘allowed’ a violent British gangster to get bail over the death of a doorman killed at a popular expat restaurant.

They are furious that such a ‘dangerous’ man is ‘on the streets’ after his involvement in a fight that led to the death of Jose Pisani at Olivia’s office not to demand he be kept La Cala, in Mijas, last month. in jail.

Incredibly, the armed thug, we

By Walter Finch can “He is a very reveal as ‘Harry’, had already been & Alberto Lejarraga bad guy, I don’t know bailed in February over a separate why he is free,” the source in Malattempted murder in Marbella just aga said. “He shouldn’t have been slaughter charges over the death bailed after the Lago de los Tortu- of 55-year-old six months ago.

Pisani at Olivia’s, The mafia hitman, 32, who police gas shooting.” owned by TOWIE TV star Elliott describe as ‘infamous on the CosWright. ta del Sol’, was on bail for a mafia The father-of-two was said to have Jail hit on a trio of Irishmen at isolated been punched and fell, banging Lago de los Tortugas (Turtle Lake), Another senior Guardia source his head against the corner of a added: “He’s well known here and in Aloha, last year.

TRAGIC: Pisani with wife table.

Alarmingly, at both arrests the hit- we think he should be in jail.

Romina “From a civilian perspective it sim- CCTV footage taken by police alman, whose initials were given legedly shows the 6 foot 5 (195 cm) ofply doesn’t named, was shot in make sense, but someficially as HGJS, had drawn a gun See Mystery solved? times judges make these decisions doorman trying to restrain a punt- managed to make his the side, but and pointed it at armed officers. way to Marer, of a similar size. on page 2 bella hospital, where he needed Guardia Civil sources told the Olive for whatever reason.”

The man, believed Press this week they believe it was During his most recent arrest, on broke free and threw to be Harry, stitches. the punch that When police arrested April 18, Harry only put the six heavia ‘mis- down after officers firedthe weapon resulted in Pisani’s death. ly-armed men, they seized a Skorpia warning After being arrested and charged take’ by shot while shouting on sub-machine gun capable of firthe pros- broke down his front‘police’ as they with the crime, he was granted con- ing 850 rounds per minute and four door. ditional bail by a Fuengirola e c u t o r ’ s This time he is wanted on man- after prosecutors bizarrely judge other guns. Also found were bulletdid not proof vests, balaclavas, object. machetes, tasers, and a hatchet, together with The conditions were ALL AREAS that he hand over his GPS trackers and a mobile signal COVERED passport and report to blocker.

CAR the court on the first HIRE UK 4G UNLIMITED day of each month.

Danger It is unknown why he Despite the clear serious danger to INTERNET UK Self Drive had not apparently £135 per week handed in his pass- society, a court officer told the OlIDEAL FOR Fully inclusive port - or whether he ive Press this week that they cannot STREAMING TV No hidden extras had another - after his comment on cases due to data proDelivery & Collection first arrest in February tection rules.

ALSO Gatwick Airport Only for his role as part of But he added: “It’s the judge’s deIPTV, a hit squad targeting cision. Why he decided that I don’t Tel: 044 1293 432155 SATELLITE an Irish mafia gang on know.”

Leading local lawyer, Antonio September 20.

TV According to reports, Flores, of Lawbird, in Marbella, he had been brought insisted it was ‘very alarming’ and in with five other ‘seems like a monumental f*** up’ British men to settle “It definitely seems like he should a score with a Dublin have been remanded in custody,” tel: (0034) 952 763 840 drug kingpin, known he told the Olive Press. info@theskydoctor.com “Now you have a very dangerous as ‘Mr Flashy’. www.theskydoctor.com While two men man- guy at large with two potential aged to flee, one man, charges.” who has yet to be Opinion Page 6

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Monumental f*** Judge released alleged armed up’: doorman death when he was killer in on bail for attempted murder ALREADY

O P

The

OPINION

Body found in a suitcase in Benahavis could be body of missing Latvian expat, abducted by British pair

ATROCITY

VICTORIA

San Fermin is here and Pamplona goes crazy

Full story, see page 8 & 9

August

In August we exclusively revealed how a string of anti-tourism campaigns were sweeping through the country, with ‘tourists go home’ signs spotted in Sevilla, Mallorca and Barcelona.

But it wasn’t all negative as we sought to tell positive stories whenever we could.

In August, that included the story of paralysed British expat Aaron Salter (right),

EFORE Brexit, Brits in Spain were given two types of residency cards: a green A4-sized certificate, or a green credit-card-sized version of the same document.

After the Withdrawal Agreement, marking the UK’s exit from the EU, a brand new biometric residence card, called a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), became available.

That is not to say that the green cards are invalid. They are valid as a residency document for all Brits who became residents in Spain before July 6, 2020.

Despite continual social media gossip, they do NOT have to be exchanged for the new TIE, but both the British and Spanish authorities strongly recommend you make the swap.

“The TIE

Vol. 17 Issue

FREE

THE SKY DOCTOR

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expat

2023 es July 12th - July 25th 423 www.theolivepress.

has called in A PERUVIAN expat he was beatlawyers over claims in hospital en up by police and left with a ruptured bladder.attack, DiIn the alarming alleged insists he was they took me ego Armando Torres, six Guardia back to the car. I punched and kicked by night. was terrified and Civil agents on a Friday he claims he s I started screamEven more shocking, bag was stayed in the passenger’ help. was tied up and a plastic suffocat- tially but then got out to ask what ing for of the seat, Then, one put over his head nearly was going on. and officers punched ing him. my life, par- “The agents told me to be quiet if me in the face again “I actually feared for asked I me but told not to speak, through the open ticularly when one officer he told the everything was okay. that I window, cutting ‘you’re going to die’,” saying now are eye“The police of them, open my left Olive Press this week. when he force and kicked one brow.”

The incident happened home to usedthis is not true. but At this point the and a friend were heading they snapped and forced attack got far on June 16. handSabinillas at 9:15pm, in Spain to “Suddenly to the ground and I was car.” more sinister, he Diego, 37, who arrivedmonths ago, me police cuffed and taken to a wants claims, after the work as a builder two drinks in His mate, from Bolivia, who him had been out for some s, confirmed police took to remain anonymou back to a differnearby Estepona. arrest. ed motora and at heavy-hand “We were pulled overbefore arriv- the when I dared ask a policeman ent smaller room at “But way police check justexplained. it, he replied; darker why they were doing the station. ing in Sabinillas,” he asked my ‘do you also want to get hit?’ that “They tied my “They stopped us and car. I ini- “Diego was put in a car and that ankles and wrists mate to step out of the saw him was the last time I who is together, covereda friend, his explained day,” my head with and also a builder. then tak- plastic bag was he claims The victim barracks in started punching en to the Guardia Civil grilled on and kicking me Manilva where he was in the stomach,” he claims. , Spain. what he was doing in just wanted “When I was about to asphyxiate “I was very scared andsaid. “Even- they would remove the bag then to call someone,” he as I left my put it back on. They did this many but agreed they tually remem- times. phone in the car I couldn’tfrom my “An officer also stepped on my ber any numbers apart in Norway, head, causing brother’s, who livescall a foreign and they refused to number.” of the ofIt was then that a couplehim in the ficers started slapping up’. face telling him to ‘shut remember “I there were up to six of them Your Although in our first exclusive taking turns to expat serialisation of a brilliant new slap me,” he inbook on Spain, Paul Richardson voice in recalls his regular August battles sisted.

COSTA BLANCA against heat and fires “After a while SUR / MURCIA Spain FREE Vol. 4 Issue 97 www.theoliv See page 12

ANTHONY’S okers Antiques – Jewellers - Pawnbr WOW, how many carats in that ?

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SUMMER LOVING

O LIVE P RESS MSOL IRAR ELS ACLE BABY PAN

The

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

The

Voted top expat paper in Spain

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6

epress.es August 24th - September

Ambulance ational reverAllsal Intern UK & tems

TV sys A HEALTH emergency d tion centre (CICU) will coordina- SounHeart-w beTV restored to Alicante province -CC arming story of how just monthsion after it was integrated paralyse & Vis expat and his carer Valencian region facility. into one et fell for each other d Intern Alicante's CICU shut intic Janu& 4Gand had a child ary with all ambulance er Opcall outs being routed to Fib EXCLUSIVE Valencia er he took a turn for the accusations that staff amidst

By Laurence Dollimore developed sores, leaving worse and did not have a good enough him practically bed-ridden for knowledge 840 paraplegic nine months. of local areas.

952 763 A BRITISH It was then that local stunner has had a The new Partido Popular-Vox Estrel‘miracle’ re- ish beautybaby with the local Span- la Garrido, now 36, began managing gional government says his care. who nursed him back re- health. to verse the closure but no it will 099 “I had always known of 635 400 timetable her and she has been given.

Expat

6th 2023

NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Discover how architects have resurrected derelict buildings

See page 14

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who ce ebra ed hav ng a m rac e baby w 7h83 he 4 o 952 14 ca Span sh beau y who SKY LOUNGE he ped nurse h m back o hea h The s ory was p cked up by a r o o na ona newspapers n he UK Tel: 952 147 834 147h834 Tha same952 mon we o d he ncred b e s ory o SOLAR re red Roya Navy com PANELS mando Dav d James 80 bour on he Cos a de So who m racu ous y sur The s ory was even p cked v ved be ng run over F VE up by he Span sh press mes by h s Br sh ne gh nc ud ng D a o Su See page 19

Gatwick Aaron Salter, 30, was amazing lysed from the waist downwas para- town hall andwith TMliaising with the other authorities on following a horror car crash in my behalf,” Aaron told Tel: 044 1293 432155 WE PAY CASH !!

Dramatic the Olive 2015, breaking his spinePlymouth in Press. info@theskydoctor.com WE BUY. WE PAY MORE. in multiple A CCOO trade union places.

“She started caring for since 1982 spokesmanydoctor.com said: “The Valencian He immediately froze www.thesk Easy parking, established feelings for each other me and our his sperm, Sys- hoping just grew and Fuengirola tem is retreating fromHealth that one day he would grew, centralisa- the meet He and here we are.” tion, which had dramatic Av. Ramón y Cajal, 40, 29640 woman of his dreams added: “The support conse- able and be from the quences for residents town has been so overwhelming, by reducing Afterto start a family. the quality of the service.”

18 months in hospital, there’s been so much he love was shown to able to return to Spain and As the Olive Press me.

April, a La Marina reported in with his father Les Salter, 72, stayed “I never knew if I was . in the village resi- quaint village going 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 dent died after an ambulance of Salinas in Valencia. na dad s . spermE nto dbe s o n my t i I froze d i but just in c o case. was Howev-j e c t t o despatched on a 30 S u b n l y . o kilometre “We did IVF treatment s e r Elche, t o m from c u s journey as n e w Alicante, it was much at a clinic in f o r to one from Rojales - a opposed cheaper than v a l i d the UK Marbella * O f f e r and it worked minutes drive away. mere five Banús, the first time Bajo Puerto 21/6/19 13:30 thank god!”

The Medical Union952 815 000 C/Benabola 3 Tel: representThe happy couple welcomed ing doctors made their a daughter, also named over what it regarded complaint Estrella, into the world almost exactly as a ‘very serious a year matter’ ago. while The entire local village ndd 1 held a street ambulance spokesmana SAMU TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.i party last week to celebrate admitted that ‘this type of incident the tot's first birthday. happened several times’ has Granddad Les told the the closure of the Alicante since “I was amazed to hear Olive Press: CICU. Estrella was pregnant, I was so proud has made me feel touched.of him, it “He had his life in front we were setting him of him and kennels business and up with our that was all taken away in an instant.

To know he has a lovely lady that NOW: Aaron happy with family cares for him, and now loves and transporting dogs from Spain to the friend Miguel a family, UK for adoption. that’s lovely for me.” was driving and they wanted to imprison Aaron and two Les and an eight-year-old him for two Aar- ing pups on his others were deliver- years, but Aaron insisted on had moved to Spain 22nd birthday when they didn’t in 2001 they all and he was given a suspended ALL YOUR LEGAL following the death of senhis wife to companyfell asleep while driving the tence.” cancer. van through Plymouth, ISSUES DEALT WITH! Aaron is currently veering off He set up a kennels PARTY: Whole village celebrated business with a tree.a motorway and colliding long legal battle locked in a yearsin Sax, near Salinas, against the insurand began His father explained: “His best ance company, with a decision on a Here to help with your multi-million euro payout expected imminently. life in Spain including He added: “Aaron’s through the ringer. I been wills, residency, the next step will be think martax returns, buying riage but Aaron is waiting See page 5 & 9 to see the outcome of the court and selling property case.

“He had to go through years of treatment and specialists We speak your language! and the payout has been compiled by our lawyers La Marquesa Commercial into a valuation of around * O f f e r Centre, Office 4C, Ciudad v a l i d f o r £7.8 million. n e w c u s t o m e r s Quesada, o n l y Rojales “We’re not looking to .

S u03170 b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o money, we just want to make n s . tel: 966 943 219 E n d s 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 . sure that Aaron can make TheOlivePress-256x170 afford www.mylawyerinspain.com -HOME02.indd 1 treatment for the rest of his life, including a £7,000 wheelchair and prosthetic THEN: Aaron after the horror 21/6/19 13:30 legs which are costly.”

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Opinion Page 6

Get TIE’d down Official UK embassy guidance on whether or not to swap the green residency certificate for a TIE card

By S mon Hunter

card is more durable,” explains a UK government spokesman. “And it will also simplify administrative processes and border crossings.”

While valid, the green certificates are sometimes - wrongly - not recognised by Spanish officials.

To overcome the issue, the British embassy has also issued a printable letter in Spanish that clarifies the green certificate remains valid.

It also helpfully includes a link to the official Spanish State

7

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

YEAR THAT WAS SPeptember ‘ORGY’ VILLA OF KISSING FA BOSS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

See page 11

OLIVE ANDALUCÍA

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6th - September 19th 2023

KICKED OUT!

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September 427 www.theolivepress.es

son are Single mother and young ‘heartless’ branded squatters by missing rent landlord despite never

rnation & Inte All UK systems TV nd - Sou CCTV ion & Vis Optic

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In October, the Sun printed our exclusive on how sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexey Chepa was still enjoying a €15 million villa in Marbella. The sprawling estate is owned by the son of Alexey via a shell company, allowing the property to escape sanctions, which were placed on him following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community represents the huge expatriate newspaper, the Olive Press estimated readership, includingcommunity in Spain with an the websites, two million people a month. of more than

IT is an absolute travesty that a fully legal, tax-paying British expat squatter after paying rent is being branded a for seven years.

How on earth could a judge side with a landlord when Kate Langshaw had not missed a single payment to HIS In particular, after KateOWN MOTHER. the estate agency that was specifically told by to continue paying the arranged the contract mother.

There are some serious questions that still need answering about As Citizens Advice chiefthis case. out, the mother must Myra Azzopardi points have known she had no right to collect rent when property to her son - but she handed over the she collected it anyway.

Surely it is SHE who should be sued for backdated rent, not innocent in the law at all times. Kate, who acted withIn addition, why did the son - who stood for the far-right party Vox in recent local elections - not address the actual contract?

This is yet another miscarriage of justice in Spain and a stark reminder of how seemingly unfair the legal system can be here - especially if you are vulnerable and appear an easy target.

We must make as much stop Kate being made to noise as possible to of euros that she simplypay tens of thousands more importantly, to keep cannot afford - and her from being left homeless.

The Olive Press vows to answers and to expose continue searching for the shameless, heartless family that has taken gle mother, her son and this unfortunate sinher dog Orri for a ride.

From orgies with ‘eight public money to pay for to 10 young girls’ to using scandalous own goals ofhome renovations, the raining in, writes Walter football boss Luis Rubiales are Finch

ITH his own mother locking self in a Granada church her- led to much navel-gazing in Spanish sociand ety. going on an ‘indefinite’ hunger But crucially, his strike until kissing of Spanish strikDEN OF hunt’ against her son the ‘inhuman witch er Jenni Hermoso as Spain think that Luis Rubialesended, it’s easy to Cup has shone a light on won the World INIQUITY: The boss of the Royal must be a victim. position at RFEF, as wellhis six year-long The Olive Press Federation (RFEF) has Spanish Football onto the podium in the firstas how he got tracked down the orgy villa play the underdog as he certainly tried to And it isn’t pretty reading, place. with numerous against him after reportedly being took on the might ‘victims’ of the Spanish government and witnesses coming fired from his job at RFEF and forward Fifa. over accusations over the way he allegedly His unquestioning belief trampled on leaking confidential information with of a female player on the that it’s OK to kiss and abused them on his the aim of damaging over the shoulder, and lips, throw another Spain’s football pyramid. way to the top of Juan Rubiales his nephew’s reputation. confided that Luis would another in the locker joke about marrying The accusations range from use a villa room, has certainly sexual misogyny harassment to misappropria and Orgy Villa onon the Granada coast (see page 1) to host sordid tion of public funds, while anyone ties for his closest allies and fellow parboard members. who dares to expose his Present at these alleged conduct is subject gatherings, he described to aggressive legal threats as ‘orgies’, would be around eight to 10 young women, under - as Hermoso disgracefully the pretence of , ‘work event’, with found out herself. their pay and all othera expenses stuck “The list of women and “He is a man on the federations tab. men aggrieved by Rubiales obsessed with power, oband his insults, bravado, sessed with luxury, obsessed with blackmail, threats, espio- even with women,” he claimed to money, El Confidencial. “I think this nage and persecution boy needs a protoo long and must stop,” is gramme of social re-education.”

La He has a point.

Liga President Javier Tebas While president of the Football Players’ Association wrote on X (formerly (AFE) beTwit- tween 2010 ter) after the furore broke. and 2017 he would allegedly ask marketing manager And the rotten smell of Tamara Ramos cor- what colour underwear PUBLISHER / EDITOR ruption and sleaze has, she was wearing Jon Clarke, jon@theoli it and tell her to ‘put turns out, been pervading vepress.es her knee pads on’. the halls of the Spanish When she informed him in confidence Dilip Kuner she was pregnant, the RFEF in Madrid for years.

Simon Hunter first thing he did dilip@theolivepress.es SUPPORT: Locals get behind was to organise a meeting Indeed, his simon@theolivepress.es Rubiales calling for ‘the truth’ Juan Rubiales,own uncle, to the whole office - clearlyto announce it came out she would irked that Alberto Lejarraga soon take maternity leave.

Alex Trelinski alberto@theolivepress.es HE’S one of our own, he’s alex@theolivepress.es one of our own. Jude Bellingham, actually he’s another expat,is… well, Jo Chipchase settling Cristina Hodgson in well into one of the jo@theolivepress.es cristina@theolivepress.es pora in Europe, the Brits largest diasin Spain.

Movie star looks and being the first John Culatto Englishman to win La Liga’s Walter Finch Player of the Month award - a feat walter@theolivepress.es neither David Beckham, Steve McManaman nor Gary Lineker ever achieved ADMIN - has certainly OFFICE MANAGER Victoria Humenyuk helped the English midfield DISTRIBUTI ON Héctor Santaella maestro Makarova feel at home.

ENQUIRIES (+34) 658 750 424 (+34) 951 154 841 (+34) 951 154 841 Indeed, it couldn’t have accounts@ admin@theolivepress.es distribution@ a better start for the been theolivepress.es Brumtheolivepress.es mie, who has become NEWSDES K: 0034 951 instant hero in Madrid an 154 841 fol- - when Madrid take on GALACTICO: Belli slots lowing his €103 million Champions League For all sales and advertising the 95th minute winner home against Getafe enquiries signing from Borussia (CL) debutants Real Sociedad to see if he can football. please contact 951 15 48 Unlike Bale, he has made Ronnie’s record.

2023 r 14thbreak 41 Dortmund it clear he is keen last month.

- Novembe He has even managed But is he to become a galactico, like Ronal- to integrate as quickly as possible, which will HEAD OFFICE ress.es November 1st do, Zidane or Beckham 431 www.theolivep Carretera to equal Real or a flop like Michael mean eating at strange hours, getting used to 17 Issue Nacional Vol. 340, extreme temperatures (cold Cristiano Ronaldo’s legend Owen and Eden Hazard?

Duque, planta primera, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El and boiling) and 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva explo- The first warning signs sive start to life in Madrid must come from the plenty of late nights. awkward spell of the last According to sources he Deposito Legal MA: after famous is netting also British insistent five goals play- mastering the 1650-2019 language, unlike Bale on his first four games - in er who attempted to adapt to life in Spain. who in- Despite ‘only cluding his most re- medals, winning four Champions League But spoke in English’.

2020 cent feat: scoring a major Welshman Gareth Bale became a He then again, he does have a head start: studied figure-of-fun over his lack Google News Initiative of Spanish of 13 and Spanish at school until the age 95th minute and efforts apparently has sought the to gives the Olive Press w i n n e r world record feeintegrate after arriving for a of Beckham advice who stressed the importance a substantial grant. in 2013. a g a i n s t While the former of learning the lingo.

Getafe at formed wonders Tottenham forward per- From day one, 2016 - 2020 LEGEND: the week- ularly CL finals), for the merengues (in partic- everyone, with he has been seen joking with 2012 - 2023 he was not many of €103m Belli end. the dressing room or the well-liked either in pics of themselves with the players sharing Best expat paper Best English Belli at the gym or just stands. has won over We will hanging out together. language publication in Spain the have fans to in wait a two Bellingham, It is probably fair to say in Andalucia the opposite face of Bale that his previous exmonth weeks - after the What’s perience in Germany served international break Madrid been apparent since Jude landed in prenticeship. as the ideal aphas been his attitude as While he spoke to the much as his English, he was known to speak media in halting Ger-

NoveOPmRLbEIVeSESr ANDALUCÍA

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Your expat

ONE OF OUR OWN

‘Belli’ in Madrid: Instant another expat strugglin hero or just g to adapt and settle in his new life in Spain?

Walt Finch finds out if Jude Bellingh am is to be the next Gary Lineker or a flop like Michael Owen

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WHAT SANCTIONS? Vol. 17 Issue 430 www.theolivep

A RUSSIAN warmonger held onto his multi-million has Russian MP and pal of Putin euro villa despite being the tough international subject of still has access to sanctions, multithe Olive Press can reveal. million Marbella villa Alexey Chepa, an MP thanks in Mos- to legal cow’s State Duma, is loophole still in possession of a huge estate nis court and a - worth an estimated €15m EXCLUSIVE huge swimming in MarbelBy Dilip Kuner & la. pool.

By Laurence Dollimore He even has staff, There are sevincluding a full time Ukranian gardener, eral outhouses, at Spread across 10,725sqm, the mansion in leafy Guadalmi- pa’s luxury Che- including one na Baja. home features a just for secusports area with a full-size ten- rity, while the main villa consists of a living room, dining room, library, five bedrooms, games room and more.

The property is just 400 metres from the home of former Spanish leader Jose Aznar, and less to the ex-na- SWEEPING: Russian oligarch’s €15 tional football million villa in Guadalmina boss Vicente del Bosque.

Chepa, via an investment Incredibly, the estate been embargoed even has not firm called Betren Inverthough siones S.L. Chepa is a staunch supporter warring president Vladimir of The charity is now dePu- manding that the estate tin. be seized, as well as all LEGENDARY boyband This is despite the MP, other That are coming to Spain. Take drid (17). resents five regions who rep- assets linked to Chepa. of Russia, Ironically the The band is currently The Back For Good singers being under sanctions gardens are made in being perform in four separate will of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen up the tended by local firm EU, UK and America and cities Howard Donald, next summer as part his country’s illegal following Jardineria del Sol, run by of their Williams unlikely with Robbie invasion of a gardener 'This Life Under The to join.

Ukraine. originally from CherThey will perform inStars' tour. Their stop in Marbella will kasy, near Kyiv.

International body, see on July 13, followed byBarcelona them perform at the annual the An- Cherkasy ti-Corruption Foundation has been a massive on July 15, Sevilla (16) Marbella Starlite festival, with tickets has target for Russian aland Ma- ready on discovered paperwork missiles since sale. showing the it is owned by his son Daniil strikewar began, with a huge causing massive damage

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NEWS FEATURE hunger strike in a church.

The mother was demanding Jenni Hermoso ‘tell the truth’OPIN about ION the ‘non-consensual’ kiss Miscarriageher of justice is a travesty son planted on her during their celebrations after winning the Women’s World Cup final.

Working for the Telegraph, we W tracked down a villa where Rubiales was said to have had an orgy during the pandemic, a story later picked up by many Spanish newspapers, including SPAIN’S BEST UP: OMSMundo.

BOTTEl La Vanguardia and 35 WINES The Olive Press chooses...

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DROP IT! AWARDS

’ after being hit expats left ‘panicking Plea to town hall as totalling hundreds of thousands that the town hall with giant water bills suggested

lawyer revealed her

By Walter Finch A BRITISH expat has someone had been ed with shock after being hammer pe- stealing his water. €74,000 of water bills. Olive Press litres over the combined 180-daysize “I laughed and to fill an OlympicGillian Hodge told the ‘really? Is this ’ and is riod - enough 601 litres per said, But he conshe completely ‘panicked stress. swimming pool - or a joke?’ extreme from had suffering now we firmed that I ist, who lives hour. used ly The retired pharmac Scoland with “They told my property manager was fixed apparent than between Spain and two eye-wa- had a leak in July, but it have more water village husband Tom, receivedViñuela town immediately. This leak would we were not the entire tering bills from La had to be massive and the time. combined.” at the home hall. ing Lee, who owns first when I even using spin wildly ’s LT Con“I couldn’t believe it at” Gillian, 66, “On top of that we are overlook causing the meters to dry. With Marbella saw I owed €73,640, rural land which is bone out, you struction, which employs 30 people, and inflate the usage - literally payto inspect water leaking told the Olive Press. ing for air. been over- that much would hired a technical expert nk told “I just felt raw panic. I’ve I saw the would have thought our land but it his property.

Councillor Amber Crookshation has green, whelmed with stress since be flourishing and the Olive Press an investiga have month.” meters the last bill property ‘used been launched and two big de- isn’t.”

No leak d to just pay part of the for testing to make EXORBITANT: Six-bed The total comprises it quarter of Not permitte than whole village’ him definite- now been sent . obviously unable to pay mands, one for the third He came back and toldnor any water sure they are calibrated properly the more water the other for bill and leak’ admitted ‘no ‘no guaranwas expat 2022 for €28,420 and 2023 coming all, Gillian is baffled.

And the British but added there were pay for the ly there the second quarter of . didn’t ‘understand the tees’ the residents will be happy.

“I’m not refusing to theft. hall pay town there to nds of an extreme to a whopping €45,220interim quar- water. We’re just refusing money The Olive Press understa with problem.’ g “We are in the middle somethin been conhave because Unbelievably, the two and €14.18 €70,000. We don’t have theentirely are at least three more people d some “I’m frustrate still e bills. he what’s drought and ters came to just €15.48 and even if we did, it’s life-changing, five-figur to be done to figure outgetting suming huge amounts of water,”deneeds majority the rates are 20 people respectively. why people are explained. “The new wastage.” administers wrong.” ile her British neighbour, A further been landed going on and le bills.”

The town hall, which British expats - have to penalise this room Meanwh these impossib is not 60, has been forced to with bills in the thousands.

Cerrado, later signed the water, claims her three-bed Her colleague, Moises And he stressed the problem million cubic Lee Talbot, lawyers residents 2.6 in big 100 call ‘a used over was has residents, theft addition, property only affecting British ‘also Belbeing And, in reeling from bills greatly in- admitted that water after and area. also the Spanish are in some problem’ for with quarter. sent a bill water do not live in flated on the previous getting big bills. “Thenationare also “Many of the residents €43,000. don’t know gians’ nd A trio of Spanish residents their properties and they they are meters do not understa to help all The proper- caught up in the fiasco. g while ality and we are trying ty developer One resident, Paul Rouse, claimed what’s happenin the Olive Press. our residents.”

Kent him of a away,” he told from the results of the inhis bank manager told Opinion Page 6 has appealed woman who had passed away years He expected n back within four weeks, vestigatio ‘crazy’ €1,500. the for ago receiving a bill bill levied on has his six-bed- Suspicion fallen room home, naturally meoverloo king on the water Viñuela reser- ters.

Some residents voir. the believe air is enHodge owe He told pipes, (left) and Gillian and John Olive Press tering the STUMP UP: Lee Talbot Serrania de Ronda €117,000 combined

As the year drew to a close, we revealed how scores of Brits were left shocked and stunned by water bills in La Viñuela, near Malaga - with some being sent payment demands of up to €70,000. The scandal is still unfolding and has been twice XT DOOR THE MONSTER NE picked up by the Daily Mail.

DecemberPO The

All about

November 2023

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SOUL MATES: Hemingway and Ordonez became close friends

Love letter

City of Splendour Why you must visit Ronda

A century ago Hemingway described it as one of the best places in the world for romance. Two decades ago Olive Press editor Jon Clarke loved Ronda so much, he moved there

I

T is easily one of Spain’s most memorable sensations; the moment the adrenaline hits as you look down from a ledge at the top of Ronda’s famous Puente Nuevo bridge.

A staggering 400 foot drop into the

tional

Bell Tolls, when a line up of soldiers are hurled into the ravine to their deaths - an event related to actual events during the Civil War. And Hem, of course, should know…

frills’ boss lived a low-key ‘no AN evil Mexican cartel Costa del Sol years before beamong expats on the

See page 11

GOYA-STYLE: Ordonez’ grandson Fran Rivera today

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A N D A L U C Í Alife ing arrested, it has emerged left) was the suspected

LIVE RESS

operaThe paranoid chief (pictured Los Zetas gang (above) na head of the infamous & Inter years.

All UK systems tions in Europe for sevenan anything but luxurious life TV ly, he lived Your have reYet, incredib d street of Fuengirola, police back - Soun expa in a normal EXCLUSIVE t CCTV ion arrested vealed.voice finally Having How & Vis did this seasoned in t ne another him at Costa conman stay outhome Inter of Spain & 4G FREE Vol. 17 Issue 433 www.theoli in Madrid, the newsitfor emerged so long?

Optic vepress.es November Calle leafy 29th - December 12th 2023 he lived inFind Fiber out on p2 Nuñez Balboa for somea years, while renting 952 763 840 small chalet in Mijas, See page 11 where he took many

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The expat community was rocked once 7 834 again when vibrant 952a14 young Brit was arrested for her alleged role in a terror-related assassination plot.

We revealed how Sasha Brooks was arrested alongside her boyfriend Naraya Gomez in the quaint town of Lanjaron, Granada.

The daughter of a respected British financial advisor who has continually helped expose the Continental Wealth Management scandal on the Costa Blanca, she was accused of helping out the Tel: 952carry 147 834 952 assassination attempt on Vox politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras.

147 834 Our coverage was picked up by the Sun, Telegraph and Daily Mail. +34 951 242 157

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Gazette (BOE) that confirms it.

“However, we advise all British residents to get the TIE, the most reliable way to prove your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement,” continued the spokesman.

“So ultimately don’t delay, get the TIE today!”

abyss of the Tajo gorge below, it is only a series of wrought iron railings that ward off the panic.

A breathtaking geographical feature, this was the location of a haunting chapter in Ernest Hemingway’s seminal novel, For Whom the

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EXCLUSIVE

down a The Olive Press has tracked by controvervilla allegedly rented Luis Rubisial football kiss row boss‘eight to 10’ ales to host an orgy with young women. nestled in an The stunning home is urbanisaexclusive Costa Tropical Spanish tion, near where the ousted up in Motril, grew boss (RFEF) FA Granada. have held the Rubiales is alleged to with late night ‘orgy’ in Salobrena, 18 during the women as young as according Covid lockdown in 2020, to his uncle Juan Rubiales. in an ongoThe pair are embroiled him from ing feud after Luis sacked RFEF. his press officer role atnights, which The series of wild broke Covid went on until 6am and popular with rules, was anything but Olive Press Lucas in happier times the EVICTED: Mum Kate and company handling the angry neighbours, Javea on the the rentaladvised her to continue can reveal. here, the Bas family, based in years ago, tenancy partic- “I remember when he was reCosta Blanca, died some land and paying rent to the mother, still noise was crazy,” one neighbouruntil boom leaving a slew of homes, English ularly as official notary papers was the vealed. “Boom, boom, was lots of money to his wife Christine indicated that Christine the early hours, there of girls.

- and his four children.a successful owner. and lots to drinking tried music, son been the last year, all laughing The father had and was be- Finally instead of “I could hear them property developer Pepe urban- ‘bully’ Kate to pay him of €200 and partying until five or six in the hind the large Don off Javea’s the mum with an increase having a morning. They were here for a coudespite her isation just Arenal more a month,in place until 2026. ple of days.” celebrated gave her name fixed contract only who took local, The he instead beach. the property is owned of When this failed, He left a number the her to court, claiming she was a as Maria, saidbusinesswoman. in had no con- by an Italian apartments the Covid ‘squatter’ because she proving She added: “It was during block, plus various othannoying but tract with him - despite pandemic and it was 2017. er homes, over which she had paid rent since right to any we did not call the police because the siblings are underof neighbours we He claimed he had the usufructo) on that’s not the kind stood to have squabRubiales, told earnings (known as are.” Last year, Juan rent. bled. the property, including in Denia an anti-corruption trial in Madrid The Olive Press uncase failed RFEF least However his when a judge ruled that Luis had illegally used at derstands for an May, villa in luxury court the had the usu- funds to rent one child, including that mother Christine the rental ‘orgy’. son Daniel, took their fructo when Kate signed therefore mother to court to obagreement and she had tain more properties p6 paid the right person.

See Sordid and seedy, and money from her.to But the son took an appeal to the extraordi“They didn’t want courts in Alicante, and,reversed in wait for their inherithe decision was narily, conKate. rental tance,” claims July making the latest Unbeknown to tract void.

Kate, who be- Worse, he is now suing Kate for gan renting her backdated rent which totals over villa two-bed €30,000. mother from shocked the local exin The case has has set up a Christine pat community, which 2017, son Danie GoFundMe page to help Kate with managed to ac- legal costs and a deposit for a new See page 19 quire the deeds home, if needed. villa in SalobreSUMPTUOUS: Four bed to the home in The Olive Press has contacted Dankiss na, while (top) his controversial 2019. the agency for comment. this, iel Bas and Despite

EXCLUSIVE is being A BRITISH single motherin Spain

By Laurence Dollimore evicted from her home son and - despite not homeless with a young for being a squatter in SEVEN left dog Orri. their missing a rent payment “I’ve alKate told the Olive Press: YEARS. everyand her sevpaid my rent and did Kate Langshaw, 44, were given ways I was told to by the rental en-year-old son Lucas after thing to think we company, it’s terrifying notice to leave their property, in an inheristreets. becoming embroiled owner and could all be on the summer season “We are still in the to find a new tance row between the son. her ‘heartless’ politicianher case in and I cannot afford school.

Despite Kate winning in the lo- place near my son’s to give up my “I might even have May, the son, who stood properties anti-feminist rental the few for very as cal elections be heartreverse the dog accept pets which would especially Vox party, was able to in just three breaking for me but decision on appeal anxiety son. He suffers from months. how the my Orri is crucial for his mental and Questions remain over rapidly in a ruling was made so famed for its health.

I’m being “How can it be fair that legal system that is I hear kicked out? It’s madness. slow pace. years not received that it can take three Kate, for example, has from the stories an actual squatter, and yet to evict a single alimony payment afa sinas years leave four to being asked father of her son for violence I ammother paying rent.” gle ter a successful domestic the milissues began when case against him. of thou- The the influential She is now facing tens costs, le- lionaire patriarch of sands of euros in courtrent gal fees and backdatedbeing - and the prospect of

Fiber

In a mockery of Spanish justice we revealed how British single mother Kate Langshaw was branded a squatter by a Costa Blanca court - despite having paid rent for SEVEN years.

After the OP launched a campaign, we managed to raise thousands to help with legal costs.

Elsewhere, we spent three days in Motril, Granada, where the mother of ousted football boss Luis Rubiales was staging a

The

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Gibraltar

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info@theskydocto ‘Full on and stressfu

l’ ordeal r.comfor British skydocto Tomorrows Funeral daughter is www.the dragge d into terror probe family after at Today’s PriceA BRITISH

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expat family has been torn apart after their EXCLUSIVE ‘vibrant’ and where her daugh‘model-esque’ daughter

By Laurence Dollimore ter and boyfriend cused of helping to carry was acout a terNaraya had been rorist attack in Spain. working. land from the Costa del On the surface, Sasha Sol. Brooks is a They “It’s been pretty full typical young woman enjoying were sequestered to t i o n s .

Madrid on and life in before facing n dit’si now the sun, regularly posting t o they c o up to t where b j e ac judge, u charged the judge to decide nights outrin sMarbella l y . on Swere n selfies o and with aiding the assase m her Granada sination whether to charge c u s t owith attempt of far-right politifriends on Instagram. them or not.” cian Alejo Vidal-Quadr With holidays in Ibiza, as.

Mallorca The While and Australia, she wears stylish face 78-year-old was shot in the er laterher mothclothes and is the ‘life by a hitman on a motorbike insisted she had not the party’ on frequent and soul of outside his home in the posh nights out. neigh- charged, Sasha been bourhood of Salamanca But her world came crashing had in Madrid her passport down - which boasts when she was arrested taken football players, Peoff her after being her Spanish boyfriend, alongside nelope Cruz and Javier Bardem as released mez, at a home they Naraya Go- residents. on bail. share in the Last She must appear quaint town of Lanjaron, night Spain issued an interna- fore the court beGranada, tional arrest just an hour inevery warrant pected shooter, namedfor the sus- 15 days and is foras 37-year- bidden old Tunisian Mehrez from leaving Spain as the investiFollowing Sasha andAyari. rests, Lanjaron, a tiny Naraya’s ar- gation continues. town of just Various 3,000 people, was turned Spanish into a newspapers reported media circus.

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that both Sasha and Before Sasha was dragged judge, her mother, Angie before a Naraya were still be- WORRIED: a financial advisor, told Brooks, ing investigated in Angie while Mum (above) the Olive connection Press: “Spanish reporters to the at- Naraya’s dad Sirio been hounding us, banging have tempted murder. door all night and morning. on my Naraya was refused bail and sent to w a s prison due to the overwhelmin “They have reported g ev- d o n e , about my daughter.” so many lies idence against him. the alHe is said to have recently After her court appearance convert- l e g e d her ed to Islam, mother said Sasha was specifically the Shiite sect favoured following k i l l e r , She added she had ‘exhausted’. by the aya- w h o an ‘ordeal’, brandingbeen through tollahs of Iran. is also ‘stressful’ and ‘full on’. the episode Vidal-Quadras is convinced the w a n t Middle “I’ve had to come up to Madrid to termindEastern nation is the mas- ed for a help her as much LOVELY COUPLE: Naraya behind and Brooks, who runsas possible,” said ruling elite listed the hit, after its m u r d e r ‘EXHAUSTED’: Sasha are being investigate Sasha Brooks was him as a an anti-fraud ist’ in Paris, following d dragged to Madrid advice company, Pension last October due to hisa ‘terror- dumped her arrest in Granada years of Life, harsh criticisms against the coun- his motorbike and set try. fore being picked up it on fire, be- “He is a good boy, a vegetarian,

by Gomez in spiritual Naraya, 26, his car to make and a pacifist.” his getaway. is accused of According to police, Naraya’s blue He said he last spoke to Naraya a hiring the con- hire few months ago and that he was tract killer be- drid’scar was seen on CCTV in Ma- excited to introduce his girlfriend Barrio Salamanca in the fore travelling running weeks up to the attack, tracking Sasha to him. to a hotel in Vidal-Quadra He added: “He was s’s movements.

Madrid with The to politics, he worked not related same car was found for Sasha’s him on the eve parked illegally mother’s business. in Lanjaron this of the attack. ing to the couple’s arrest.week, lead- “He never converted to Islam, According to Naraya’s that is a lie, he is not a Muslim. father Sirio Gomez, He has Compare funerals police, Gomez yoga ational a judeo-Christ All UK & Intern s followed the age master who lives in a new finity with ian beliefs and an afIsrael!” commune just outside Plans cover the TV system F r e n c h m a n jaron, insisted the charges Lan- Sirio lives in the so-called commuwhole of Spain in his car on completely were nity of Benificio, just false.

CCTV - Sound the day of the He drive from Lanjaron. a 20-minute Interest free payment told the Olive Press: & Vision plans shooting.

“My son It’s known from €2,250 or as is completely by locals innocent, he is not native as an little After the deed a terrorist. et as €29.16 per month community’, where ‘alter& 4G Intern people Fiber Optic from across Europe come Plans range from and go.

The theory put forward simple unattended police has left expats by direct cremation to a and 952 763 840 more traditional locals in Lanjaron in shock. send off One local Brit told the comparefuneral.org Press: “They were a Olive 635 400 099 lovely +34 951 120 752 couple, no one can believe it or understand it.

See page 23 Tomorrows Funeral info@theskydoctor.com “There is no motivation at Today’s Price www.theskydoctor.com them to do something for like this, Sasha comes from a good family.”

The investigation continues.

TM

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21/6/19 13:30

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17 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS Scan to find out more www.theolivepress.es

8 Floating first

A PIONEERING project to install Europe's largest oceanbased floating solar energy system has been completed close to the port of Tazacorte on the island of La Palma in the Canaries.

The work has been partially funded by the European Union as part of its commitment to remove barriers in implementing renewable energies.

An official opening ceremony took place in December to launch the system which has been put together by a consortium led by the Ocean Sun company.

The pilot units use Ocean Sun’s patented floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) technology and marks the final milestone in a comprehensive three-yearlong project to complete a seawater floating energy network.

“This will serve as a powerful demonstration for the start of exploiting the limitless solar resources at sea. Successful operation of the special membrane solution in these waters will pave the way for an abundant supply of affordable renewable energy,” said Dr. Borge Bjorneklett, CEO and founder of Ocean Sun

GREEN

Putting their best spade forward

HARD WORK: Volunteers are planting thousands of saplings

JUST three years after it was destroyed by a huge forest fire, a Malaga environmental project is bringing the Sierra Bermeja back to life.

Inspired by the United Nations ‘Blue Helmets’, Cascos Verdes is a joint project between CIFAL, the UN education and training arm, the Junta and multinational corporation Amazon.

Between February this year and February 2024, the organisation hopes to plant 20,000 trees throughout four key areas near Estepona, Casares and Genalguacil.

Martha Goyeneche, Cascos Verdes Coordinator, told the Olive Press: “Andalucia has a high level of biodiversity when compared to the rest of Europe. We must protect

Ambitious reforestation project plants 20,000 trees in areas ravaged by forest fires

had so much support from the local community. We didn’t think so many people would be interested. Not only from indithat.

“The Sierra Bermeja seemed viduals but local clubs, schools, like a great place to start not universities and workplaces.” only because it's close to home It comes just three years afbut because it has a special ter the area was ravaged by ecosystem and has started to a forest fire which lasted 46 regenerate itself already, so we days and scorched almost 10 thought why not give it a hand?” thousand hectares.

The organisation has also The fire saw 3,000 people had much help from the Mal- evacuated from their homes aga community, who come and killed a firefighter sent to from far and wide to help re- tackle the flames.

Like many forest fires, auforest the land.

According to Martha: “We’ve thorities believe the blaze was started intentionally but highlight that climate change can worsen the situation.

Martha said: “Forest LAST year, Malaga had less It comes despite rising temperafires are almost always than half the amount of forest tures and severe drought in the provoked by humans, fires in 2022, according to El region. intentionally to clear Comité Asesor del Plan Infoca.

In 2023, emergency services areas or burn rubbish Just 10 were reported between nationally received 4297 calls or by accident when January and December, com- reporting forest fires, 60% of having a bonfire or pared to 24 reported in 2022. which came in the high risk pesomething similar.

Most of the fires occurred in the riod between May and October.

“Climate change isn’t high risk period between May Compared to 2022, this is a rethe cause of forest fires and October. duction of almost 1000. but it certainly helps. If

By Yzabelle Bostyn

SCORCHED EARTH

OP QUICK CROSSWORD Across 7 Addition (5) 8 Maintenance (7) 9 Pertaining to sight (7) 11 Move rhythmically (5) 15 Finely powdered earth (4) 18 Princess Anne to the Queen (8) 19 Erasure (8) 20 Completed (4) 23 Aits (5) 26 Found tea cold after stirring it (7) 28 Soldier (7) 29 Pipe type (5)

Down

OP SUDOKU

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

1 Combines (6) 2 Corporate big shot (4) 3 Knight wear? (4) 4 Bound (4) 5 Wind instrument (4) 6 Unit of computer memory (4) 7 Shun (5) 10 Second man on the moon (6) 12 Plant louse (5) 13 Unsoiled (5) 14 Quasi-autonomous government organization (6) 16 Consumers (5) 17 After messing around, he met subject (5) 21 Surpass in cunning (6) 22 Senior (5) 23 John Wayne’s home state (4) 24 Wait in concealment (4) 25 Cut (4) 26 Small harp-like musical instrument (4) 27 Young bears (4)

All solutions are on page 20

it doesn’t rain, it’s hot and the area is very dry, all of these circumstances help forest fires to break out.”

In a vicious cycle, forest fires further contribute to climate change by releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, destroying ecosystems and dislocating animals from their natural habitats.

The effects are particularly potent in protected areas such as national parks due to the ecosystems in those areas.

The Cascos Verdes organiser said: “With forest fires, everyone loses. A forest can be burnt down in a week but takes years to grow.

“So, the targets we have set ourselves this year are high but we will meet them.”

One of the ways they plan to meet their goals is by using drones to drop ‘smart seeds’ around the mountain range.

The seeds are protected by an outer casing which dissolves when wet, meaning the seeds will only be exposed to the ground when the weather conditions are right for them to grow.

However, reforestation is just one branch of the Cascos Verdes project.

The organisation also provides 3,900 young people with educational training on the environment and sustainability.

Educational institutions across Andalucia have also taken part in their competition to create solutions to the environmental issues in their local area.

Some 10 projects have been granted €10,000 to bring their ideas to life, including beach cleaning and revitalising green walkways.

If this pilot is successful, authorities hope to expand the project across Spain.

Everyone is talking about sustainability and the environment and everyone knows it’s time to do their bit. Here, Christin Hagemeier starts a regular monthly column on how to adapt your daily routine!

PLANET AID H VEGANUARY – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

AVE you heard of Veganuary?

An amalgam of two words, Vegan and January, it’s an initiative of supermarkets and influencers to convince people to eat a lot less meat after the festive break, which ended in Spain on the Reyes on January 6.

Its ethos is simple: eating animal products has a high ecological footprint, due to the amount of land and produce needed to raise livestock.

Instead, people should eat more environmentally-friendly foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, pulses and nuts, etc, etc… You see, the non-animal-product list is never ending!

BUT, WHAT IS VEGAN? Vegetarian means to eat no groceries for which an- i mals died, like meat and fish. Vegan includes avoiding all animal products, like cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt, caviar, and more.

But why should we avoid animal-free products, I hear you ask.

Let me explain: To produce cheese, a cow needs to produce milk. To produce milk constantly, the cow has to have a calf once or twice a year.

The problem is that means more cows are born than are needed and cows continually burp and fart methane as they chew, - a gas which is even more warming than CO2 and is bad for the planet, leading to further global warming.

And worse than that, the amount of food a cow eats is enormous and means considerable amounts of good, cultivable land cannot be used to grow other produce. In Spain, it’s estimated that perhaps half of the country’s productive land is used to grow animal feed.

Meanwhile, the cost of vegetables and food in supermarkets soars and let’s not mention the millions of starving people in Africa.

So, please start reducing your animal consumption and use Veganuary as an incentive to try vegan dishes!

There are so many in Spanish cuisine (my favourite is pimientos de padrón) and every restaurant around will be coming up with new vegan dishes this month. Give them a try.

Please send your questions or comments on how to be greener to Christin@theolivepress.es

LA CULTURA Not Marvellous LOOKING FOR MORE November 29th CULTURE STORIES? December 12th 2023 Scan to visit our website

Roman walk

FUENGIROLA council will allow visitors to walk round the Torreblanca Roman Baths area free of charge from the end of January.

The archaeological site dating back to the 1st century AD covers 4,000 m2 and the paths will feature explanatory display boards.

Improvements to make the area visitor-friendly have been completed at a cost of €267,000.

Culture councillor, Rodrigo Romero, said: "It is a site of great interest where people will have the chance to see all the tombs at a space that was formerly home to a Roman villa.”

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

Spaniards upset at being the villains in Marvel’s What If…? about Spanish conquistadors

By Walter Finch

MARVEL’S latest episode of its What If…? animated superhero series has reignited a firestorm in Spain over its portrayal of Spanish conquistadors as cruel, bloodthirsty, and greedy.

With each episode set in a hypothetical, counter-factual reality, episode six deals with a story in which a Native American superheroine seeks to use a magical object to defeat the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century The episode has drawn out-

rage among Spanish fans for its negative portrayal of their explorers and their interactions with Native American tribes.

Viewers pointed out that the Spanish never reached the northern territories depicted in the show, historically inhabited by the Mohawk Nation and other European settlers.

Spanish author Javier Rubio Donze, known for his book Spain Against its Black Legend, has been vocal on social media about negative coverage of his country’s history.

TALENT SEARCH SPANISH silver screen legend Antonio Banderas is on the hunt for jazz-singing and tap-dancing talent for a pair of Broadway-style musicals to debut at his Malaga theatre this year.

The actor, director, and producer is calling for auditions for the productions ‘Touching Our Song’ and ‘Gypsy’ at the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank.

The auditions are scheduled for February 27 in Madrid,

BLOODTHIRSTY: Portrayal of Spanish conquistadors Yet despite the uproar in Spain, the reaction in the lands depicted - South America - has been quite the opposite.

“The Spaniards within two hours: no guys but we never

invaded Latin America, they were taught badly,” wrote one Marvel fan from Argentina.

“We never left our country!!!”

“It is not Marvel's fault that they and interested performers can apply until January 14 do not teach you via the theatre’s website. well the history The play, featuring a script by Neil Simon, music by of the conquest of Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, will America,” wrote premiere in June with Miquel Fernández and María another.

Adamuz taking the lead roles.

Another user was The auditions aim to fill not only the understudies for more direct: “You the main characters, Sonia Walsk and Vernon Gersch, cannot be so stubut also six additional roles that require strong acting, pid as to deny the singing, and dancing chops. genocide by the ‘Gypsy’, set for an October premiere, showcases BanSpanish in Latin deras’ directorial prowess.

America.

He has cast his ‘Company’ co-star Marta Rivera, as the “Did they come energetic and charismatic Rose, with Lydia Fairén also here with flowers? joining the impressive cast.

Don't act stupid.”

9

Peak Pablo THE Picasso Museum in Malaga has revealed that it set a new record in 2023, attracting an impressive 779,279 visitors.

This figure surpasses the previous high of 2019 by nearly 60,000, proving the museum’s status as a powerhouse in Spain’s art world.

It is especially momentous in a year marking both its 20th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s passing.

One of the highlights of the museum’s year was its participation in the international Celebración Picasso 19732023.

The museum hosted the acclaimed ‘Picasso Sculptor Matter and Body’ exhibition, curated by Carmen Giménez, and the ongoing ‘The Echo of Picasso,’ curated by Eric Troncy, open until the end of March 2024.

These exhibitions, coupled with a glut of educational and cultural activities, drew in 21% more people than in 2022, setting the museum’s new record.

10

LA CULTURA

English-speaking writers keep falling for Spain’s charms. the Olive Press looks at some of the best authors over the decades

S

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

Literary love

PAIN has captivated wave after wave of English-speaking writers for generations. Even now, with so much written about every corner of its magisterial landscape, Spain’s rich traditions and sorrowful past are a siren call to artists from rainy northern climes.

Popular, modern-day writers like Britain’s Chris Stewart and the Anglo-American Jason Webster, are re-introducing readers to Spain’s allure, as the country weaves its spell on the next generation.

It’s far from an unrequited love affair. In a relationship stretching back centuries, expat historians, journalists and novelists have left an indelible and invaluable stamp on Spain’s cultural map.

Labyrinth

Indeed, Gerald Brenan, with books like South of Granada, the Spanish Labyrinth and The Face of Spain, cemented his place as perhaps the most authoritative voice on Spain, albeit one with a clipped British accent.

The perspective of British writers like Brenan and Hugh Thomas, following the Civil War, was crucial in forming an accurate historical analysis of the bloody conflict and its aftermath. With Spanish historians and scholars neutered by Franco’s vicious suppression of free speech, British writers fixed a powerful beam on the Generalissimo’s murky regime.

Here is our guide to ten of the best British and Irish writers on Spain.

Michael Jacobs THE art historian, travel writer and hispanophile Jacobs was one of Britain’s foremost writers on Spain. A bon viveur, he settled in the Andalucian town of Frailes, writing his much-loved Between Hopes and Memories: A Spanish Journey and The Factory Of Light, set in the village he had come to call home. His final, unfinished work was a book on Spanish art, focusing on Velázquez’s masterpiece, Las Meninas, and his relationship with it. As he was dying of cancer, he pointed out the irony of the darkened figure in the background of the painting, quietly exiting the scene up some stairs. He died in 2014 aged 61.

Jimmy Burns Staying with Barcelona, Burns’s lifelong passion for the Catalan football giants is given vivid expression in a superb labour of love. Barca: A People’s Passion is a forensic examination of the club’s history, tragedies and glories, both sports book and historic account. Burns is a committed cule (the name given to the club’s fans comes from the Cata-

Robert Hughes ART critic Hughes’ peerless Barcelona is an aria to this most elegant of cities. Avoiding the fiery civil war years, his meticulous research and acute observation cast a magisterial eye over the Catalan capital’s 2,000-year history.

In the city’s transexual prostitutes plying their trade, Hughes divined Barcelona’s endlessly rich spirit of reinvention. He warmly evokes nights spent in bustling working-class restaurants around the fisherman’s quarter Barceloneta in the 1960s, and vividly recalls the thenseedy Placa Real where you could feel ‘the germs mutating’.

But it’s the sheer historical scope of Hughes’ book that so impresses.Tracing the city from its Roman roots, he explains how Catalan developed from the class of Latin conquerors who settled in the area. Barcelona’s art, architecture, its struggles with Castilian and foreign monarchs and the surge in Ca- t a l a n nationalism are all given generous attention in Hughes’ scholarly masterpiece.

George Orwell

George Steer

HOMAGE To Catalonia is a typically Orwellian sneer at the absurdities and hypocrisies of war. An early volunteer to the Marxist POUM, Orwell was initially energised by the anarchist revolution he encountered on arrival in Barcelona in December 1936. ‘When one came straight from England the aspect of Barcelona was something startling and overwhelming,’ he wrote.

‘It was the first time that I had ever been in a town where the working class was in the saddle.’

Dispatched to the front, Orwell describes with a journalist’s detail the squalor, fear and dom of life as borea soldier. While

TIMES journalist Steer was the first reporter on the scene after Hitler’s Condor Legion eviscerated the ancient Basque market town of Guernica. Filing his copy the day after the 1937 massacre, Steer was quick to point the blame at the Nazis, identifying Junkers and Heinkel bombers and fighters as responsible for dropping more than 3,000 incendiary bombs before machine-gunning fleeing victims. The overall death toll is estimated to have been as high as 1,500.

Franco denied the bombing was carried out by nationalist forces, ludicrously blaming the massacre on the Republicans.

Steer’s detailed on-the-scene account for the Times and the New York Times was a bold repudiation of Franco’s lies. Four days after reading it, Picasso began painting his iconic Guernica.

there, he was shot and wounded in the neck.

While recovering, Orwell was in Barcelona again during a key moment in Spain’s Civil War, where he watched the bullets fly between rival leftist factions

lan for ‘arse’, he reveals, as before the Nou Camp was built, fans’ backsides would hang off the walls of small stadiums).

The club’s motto, Mes Que Un Club, is examined by the journalist as

on the Republican side from the rooftops of the Ramblas.

He was forced to flee Spain with his wife for fear of being assassinated by Communists.

His book remains a key firsthand document of the war.

he talks extensively to fans, players and officials connected to the Catalan titans.

Barca has, over the years, become a political and social phenomenon, at times acting as an engine of social change and a symbol and forum for dissent. The club’s emergence from a group of English, Swiss and Spanish players, the 1936 assassination of president Josep Suñol and Barca’s reawakening with Johan Cruyff's arrival are all brought to life by Burns in this excellent account.

LEGENDARY: George Steer and (below) Guernica

LA CULTURA

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

11

YOUNGER DAYS: Legendary British author Laurie Lee

Ian Gibson IRISH scholar Gibson has devoted much of his life’s work to examining the murder of poet Federico Garcia Lorca. During 60 years in Spain,

Laurie Lee the Dubliner has interviewed giants of Spanish life, writing books about Salvador Dali and assassinated political leader Calvo Sotelo, among others.

But it is for his definitive work on Lorca that Gibson is most instantly associated. Publishing the first of five books on the Granada poet in 1971, Gibson admits he was forced to bend the law in his pursuit of what happened to Lorca, who was shot dead near his hometown shortly after the Civil War broke out. Pretending he was a professor of botany, the scholar bravely walked into one military office demanding to see a map of the area where Lorca was shot.

His most recent book, Aventuras Ibericas, was published this year and examines his love affair with Spain. Part travelogue, part memoir, it draws on Gibson’s rich experiences during six decades writing and working in Spain.

LEE’S autobiographical As I Walked Out One MidSummer’s Morning is a lyrical paean to Spain and to one young man’s questing wanderlust. Landing in Vigo in 1935, Lee encountered a country unmoved by centuries of European progress but on the brink of changing utterly.

Armed with nothing more than a violin, he was almost devoured by wolves in Galicia and just about survived the flaying heat of Castile’s sun-scorched plains as he headed south on foot.

Sleeping rough and busking for money, he gained a unique insight into a country

on the brink of war. When Spain’s toxic political brew

John Hooper HOOPER’S The New Spaniards is essential reading for anyone interested in how Spain flourished in the years following Franco’s 1975 death. During two stints as Spain correspondent for the Observer and the Guardian, Hooper assembled the information to write perhaps the most definitive account of modern-era Spain.

In his foreword to the book’s third edition, Hooper illustrates the extraordinary changes that swept over Spain in the 20 years after democracy was restored. He wrote: ‘A predominantly rural society has become transformed into a mainly urban one. A dictatorship has become a democracy. One of the world’s most centralised states has been made into one of the world’s most decentralised.

A society that was intensely sexually repressed has become notably permissive. There has been a revolution in the roles of men and women.

‘Other countries have undergone several of these transformations but I know of none that has experienced them all, and in such a brief time-span.’

Washington Irving THE American writer travelled from Madrid to Granada in 1829, taking up residence in the dilapidated Alhambra. Irving, who had won fame as a short-story writer, was enchanted by the fading glory of the Moorish Palace and the Andalucian city which had remained largely unchanged since the15th century.

Irving had travelled to Spain to research his book, A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, which was published in 1828. Moving on from Madrid to Granada, his Tales of The Alhambra hit bookshelves four years later.

Irving’s collections of short stories conjured a magical image of the Alhambra which endures to this day.

PORTRAIT: Of Washington Irving

reached boiling point, the young British writer witnessed a tax inspector chased from an Andalucian village by enraged peasants, then the accidental bombing of the village.He was evacuated by a British warship from Gibraltar shortly after war broke out.

Controversy surrounds Lee’s account of his time in the International Brigades in A Moment Of War, with some Brigadistas denying he was present at some of the events he describes.

Richard Ford OXFORD-EDUCATED Ford’s 1845 A Handbook for Travellers in Spain, and his 1846 follow-up Gatherings From Spain, are regarded as benchmarks in the travel genre - 19th-century Rough Guides for Britain’s moneyed classes venturing south.

Ford struck out in an era when Spain’s inhospitable terrain had yet to be mastered by concrete, tarmac or rail track. Riding on horseback, he journeyed the length and breadth of the country.

From Galicia to Granada and the Basque Country to Badajoz, he spent four years delving into every aspect of Spanish life. From its cuisine and wine, and from bandeleros to bullfights, Ford was a true pioneer in promoting Spain’s wild exoticism, a frontier land about which little was truly known by his fellow countrymen.

LETTERS GET IT RIGHT!

12

Readers spring to the defence of Age Concern Estepona…

A former treasurer writes…

I am writing with regards to your very poor ‘Olive Press investigates’ article of 13th December concerning Marie-Andree Gleeson and Age Concern Estepona.

I was a member of Age Concern up to October

2021 when I returned to live in the UK, and was in fact treasurer.

I would like to make the following points: 1. I feel that this situation has been instigat-

4

January 10th -NEW January 23rd 2024 S

www.theolivepress.es

CHARITY CONCER Rain dance N December 13th - Januar y 10th 2024

VOLUNTEERS at a THE Junta is set to launch known expat charity are wellraft of measures to counter a concerns over how it is raising most prolonged drought the run. since Current and former staff the 1960s.

EXCLUSIVE the president of Esteponaclaim The €71 million plan,

By Walter Finch Concern is running it like Age ‘Sequia Plus’, involves called a ‘private business’. sive borehole drilling, extenthere for seven years, insists as well They insist president care under her watch. as deploying ‘it Maportable is time Marie resigned’. desalinarie-Andree Gleeson, 58, She said that even she was not tion units. ing to act transparently is fail- “I just got sick of the amount of aware of how many clients A total of 1,097 offering scant care to theand is money either sitting in the bank organisation looked after the projects are being hydraulic local or being wasted,” launched, community. she the lack of transparency. due to including more Olive Press this week. told the wastewater The Olive Press can reveal The situation has become and reservoir transfers that “We had so much , while three members of the executive money and bad that former volunteer so water may also be shipped this s say huge lunch committee resigned earlier they have taken to helping Algeciras and Malaga as into this was just a way to for 25 people ‘a last year. burn through pendently on their own. inde- resort’. some of it.

The trio walked out over “Nothing is transpare nt and Councillor Carmen Crespo ing’, ‘being ignored’ and ‘bully- “It’s incredible how much is KNEES UP: Lunch La Madera nothing seems to be accountstressed that she hoped beach restaurant proson ‘agreeing to things thatGlee- being spent on frivolous things, caused concern ed for,” longed she rainfall added. nev- such as a 12-seater might “I er happened.’ see where any money cannot need to bring in wateravert the is hired to take just five minibus age. being by sea.

They were also uncomfo spent. Apparently a few isation’s accounts which staff to meals “However, if no rain falls in were that she had appointed rtable one of our fundraisers in So- Yet when she tried to find out just ‘an A4 how many elderly the piece of paper with on wheels, but I have no evi- certain areas from now on, the treasurer - on top of beingherself togrande. organi- no system of ships might be necessary sation pres- “We ended up accounting what- dence of it.” ident. spending more were was helping, her queries soever.’ next summer,” she admitted by dismissed money than the whole But the final straw was Gleeson hit back strongly event “In fact, insteadout of hand.

Despite recent rainfalls . an ex- raised.” at her Smears of sharing this travagant €1,375 anniversa month, the information, Gleeson told this critics, telling the Olive Press She - The concerns were ry lunch at La Madera continued: “Only one per- has hardly drought situation me to that she looked backed by improved and resafter ‘at restaurant in Estepona, beach the respected former president back off,” she explained.

100 elderly or vulnerabl least’ son has access to the money ervoir levels remain critical. paid “I don’t for think of animal charity ADANA. e peo- now Marie has she ever out of donations.

While Malaga’s reservoir made tually genuinely wanted ac- ple in the community.

Mary Page had agreed s are treasurer as well. Now herself at 17.4%, Former shop manager the She went on to to help there is the Axarquia, Campo insist Heatherington, who Maggie the charity in 2020 in a bid to publicity.” accounts were auditedthat the no accountability at all.” de Gibraltar and the Costa Page added that she could worked improve its by an The remaining executive del marketing and im- laugh’ ‘only com- Sol are particularly affected by when she saw the organ- internal accountant and sent off mittee member, to the tax authorities quarterly shortages Alex . came to Gleeson’s Aldous, Across .

COIN has received three And she added that, defence, Andalucia the new defibrillabecause insisting that tors and life saving training she held multiple roles she saw the ac- are at just 20.5%, whilefigures thanks to a in Alcampaign by a local real worked ten-hour-plus days, and counts and everything was in meria the reservoirs sit at just she order.

‘Touch of Kindness’, a estate company. did not have the time 10.2%. to pro“Marie terranean Homes, has campaign by Medi- protection they deserve’. is the victim of a smear The portable desalinat duce monthly accounts. ion units campaign,” she told the fibrillators installed in seen three new de- It comes just days She insisted she had not Olive will give up to 20 hectometres after Afacol, a local wanted Press.

The latest device was Coín.

Alzheimer's associati to hold both positions and of cubic water for some on, received a new Viejas Primary School.installed at Huertas defibrillator, also serving she had ‘done everythin that “She’s an excellent and dedicat- Modifications are also areas. two other charg’ to fill ed welfare officer planned Members of staff also the role of treasurer. who works so for transferring 100 hectolitre received life saving itable organisations located in the same training to ‘give the younges s building However, despite Gleeson’s hard for everyone who comes to of water from Huelva’s t members of Mediterr.

Andeher our community and for help.” anean protests, valo reservoir Homes provided staff another long-time vol- The their educators the with in depth training on how Olive Press wishes to clarify It has been . unteer was even more damning the hottest year on to use the device. that Age Concern about the ‘mismana gement’ nothing to do withEstepona has record so far. and deteriorating quality Age of on other parts of the Concern See Poisoned coast.

Waters, page 6

Concerns mount over Costa del Sol expat charity

Big hearted

ed by a volunteer as - has already been menfound any fault possible to criticise. tioned - a smear campaign.

WE TAKE CARE OF YOU R WINE 2. I was appalled by the lack of support from I found your whole article to be one sided the committee members offered to Marie-Anand a disgrace. dree with the running of the branch before Age Concern Estepona and especially Mathey chose to resign. rie-Andree Gleeson are working numerous OUR PRODUCTS These older ladies treated the meetings more hours per week to ensure the elderly and as a coffee morning than a committee. (not so elderly) people are being cared for WE WILL BE OPE 3. When I resigned as treasurer I handed all asSUN I am sure they will be letting you know.

N ON: DAY 24TH & SUNDAY 31ST records concerning the finances OUR toSERV a ICES volunHowFRO many M 10:0of 0 TOthe 18:00other ‘committee’ memteer who it transpired could not even bank bers rolled up their sleeves and washed shop takings without Marie’s assistance. people’s backsides when they were inconThis is why Marie is now performing role tinent, or cared for clients in HER own OUR SHOPthe S of treasurer. home when no care home bed was avail4. I introduced Mary Page to Age able, the answer NONE. But at least you CONTACTConcern US Estepona. I have to say that from the outset I got a story. was in fact extremely embarrassed and wish I had not done so.

Andrew Sprake She immediately made it quite clear she had Ex Treasurer and Committee her eyes on the president’s position, and member of Age Concern Estepona

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Editor’s response: Our investigation into the Age Concern Estepona has divided opinion and brought out defenders as well as detractors.

We tried very hard to be as fair and balanced as possible when writing this story.

We spoke to numerous people, many more than were featured in the article, who told us things were wrong in the running of the charity.

This included past and present volunteers and committee members.

And so we decided to run the story.

But we also spoke to Marie herself and made sure to include her right-to-reply - as well as words from her supporters - including that it is a ‘smear campaign.’

Support for Marie-Andre Gleeson I could not believe it when I read the story in the Olive Press criticising Age Concern Estepona.

Marie Gleeson should have a statue in the centre of the town.

She was always there for me and helped me with my 82-year-old mother in so many ways when the Junta would not.

I was only able to go to work because

Marie cared for her, she even took my mum into her own house.

She works day and night to help people. The world would be a far worse place without her.

I have been able to eat thanks to Marie-Andre Gleeson.

Lois Hilbink, Estepona

… but questions need to be asked Just answer the question

No smear!

Yes it's so wrong what is going on with the volunteers.

If they ask a question they get sacked or told they are not needed any longer after 18 years of giving up their own time to volunteer.

All because the management can't answer what should be simple questions and something should be done about this.

No one should be able to get away with it.

Instigating questions is not in any way synonymous with a smear campaign.

In fact, drawing attention to problems within a charitable organisation is a moral duty and takes a lot of courage!

Tina Gilmartin

Mollie Warren

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14

BUSINESS

January 10th January 23rd 2024

REPSOL PROBED

SPAIN'S competition watchdog, the CNMC, has started proceedings against the Repsol oil company for possible anti-competitive practices.

The issue concerns whether or not Repsol 'abused its dominant position' in the wholesale distribution market for automotive fuels in Spain.

The CNMC claims that the oil giant took advantage of its dominant position in Spain's wholesale hydrocarbons market to carry out alleged transgressions between March and December 2022.

Oil company accused of anticompetitive practices

By Alex Trelinski

It also suggests that it had the capacity to erode profit margins of independent stations and limit competition in retail distribution.

The watchdog said that Repsol offered extra fuel discounts to service station customers through apps or loyalty and

HOTELS DEAL

BILLIONAIRE founder of the Inditex fashion group Amancio Ortega, 87, has purchased two boutique hotels in Mallorca for €35 million.

The properties were bought via his investment company Pontegadea from a Swedish group.

The purchase was made public in July when the Genova Property Group announced that it was offloading the Concepcio by Nobis hotel and the Nobis Palma.

Until now, however, the buyer had not been revealed as being Ortega, who is the man behind global fashion chains such as Zara, Pull & Bear and Bershka.

According to the Forbes rich list, Ortega is currently the 12th wealthiest person in the world, with a net worth of just under $100 billion (€90 billion).

payment cards, while wholesale prices to independent stations went up.

Repsol sources 'categorically' rejected the accusations made by the CNMC and said that the company 'does not have a dominant position in the Spanish fuel market and strictly complies with competition regulations'.

It added that Repsol had made 'an enormous effort to help its customers through discounts and thus deal with the price increases resulting from the war in Ukraine', with over €500 million allocated for discounts at its service stations in Spain. This was now being unjustly branded an anti-competition measure.

The investigation started following complaints filed by the National Association of Automatic Service Stations and the Association of Independent Hydrocarbon Marketers.

The CNMC probe could take up to two years and though it is branded as 'disciplinary proceedings', it does not prejudge a final verdict.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

CHEERING AWARD

A BEER from the Mahou brewery has been chosen as the best from the country at the German Finest Beer Selection competition.

Barrica de Mahou Bourbon took the top spot from all of the brews that Spain has to offer, with 94 points out of 100.

The beer is part of the Barrica de Mahou range from Mahou-San Miguel, which was originally founded in 1890 in Madrid.

It is an Imperial Pilsner-style beer that is aged in an oak barrel that has previously been used for bourbon.

A total of 880 beers from 18 different countries were considered by the judges in the Finest Beer Selection competition, with each drink appointed a score out of 100.

Sardine search

THE most-googled recipes in the world have been revealed and a humble Spanish beach staple comes in second.

The simple sardine espeto (skewered and grilled in front of a fire) was most searched by people in

Not just a pretty place A MALAGA village has won a place in the list of Spain’s prettiest towns.

Some 19 towns were put forward to gain the prestigious title in 2024 but just five made

By Yzabelle Bostyn

the cut.

Parauta has joined two other Malaga towns on the list - Frig-

ITALIANS KNOW BEST

THE boss of a Spanish Gelato shop has headed to Rome and scooped a prestigious prize for his frozen treats.

The business owner was awarded the sought after award by the official Italian Gelato Association.

‘Cavaliere del Gelato’ is the highest possible accolade nominees can re-

ceive for their ‘defence of traditional products’.

Juanma Guerrero, owner of Sicilia Gelati, was the only Spanish contender for the prize.

It is a huge boost to the Torre del Mar (Malaga) business, which sells gelato made with traditional production methods.

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It is believed the dishes rise in internet popularity ís because cooking with skewers on barbeques is a common way to cook in Latin America.

Espeto came in just behind bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and was followed by papeda, an Indonesian fish soup.

New entry on the list of Spain’s prettiest towns

STUNNING: Parauta is nestled in the Sierra de Ronda iliana and Genaguacil.

Found in the Serrania de Ronda’s Genal Valley, Parauta is known for its ‘Bosque Encantado’, an ‘enchanted’ forest walk for families.

The white washed village stands out against the surrounding green of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.

It is also close to the Bosque de Cobre, famed for its golden trees in the autumn.

Although Parauta is a relaxing place to enjoy nature, the town also holds many delights along its cobbled streets, including the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion and typical gastronomy such as gazpacho, local meats and wines.

The other four towns to be awarded the title this year are Ampudia (Palencia), Comillas (Cantabria), Trevejo and Trujillo (Caceres).

There are currently 116 places in the list, managed by the Asociacion de los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España.

To gain a place, the towns must meet some 40 conditions including heritage, urban planning, harmony, cleanliness, preservation of facades, traffic, care of flowers and green areas, programmed cultural activities and attention to traditions.

Given the tough requirements, only around 20% of nominated candidates are successful.

15

GOOD STAY A HOTEL in Sevilla province has been named among the best in the world by the respected Traveler magazine.

The Hacienda San Rafael is rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s greatest hotels on the latest list of the 75 best places to stay in 2024 from the Conde Nast publication.

The 18th-century farmhouse was inherited by Kuky Mora-Figueroa, who breathed new life into it along with her English husband, Tim Reid.

It first opened its doors as a hotel in 1992 and offers 20 rooms as well as ‘three thatched casitas and a pool villa’.

The day-to-day running of the hotel is now the responsibility of Figueroa and Reid’s sons, Anthony and Patrick.

But, Traveler writes, the imprint of the couple ‘still defines the look and feel of the place, with an eclectic assortment of heirlooms and antiques mixed with travel treasures’.

16

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL CARVING UP THE CAPITAL

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

As Madrid chef Dabiz Munoz is once again voted the world’s best chef, Jon Clarke picks out his favourite 10 capital restaurants

A

La Burlona

FTER Madrid’s Dabiz Munoz maintained his position as the World’s Best Chef for a third year running, the globe’s keenest gourmet travellers immediately started reading up on the Spanish capital.

Not famed for its cuisine, Madrid is best known for its hearty stews, roast suckling pig and, er, chocolate and churros, while most culinary writers rave instead over San Sebastian in the north or the other end of the Pyrenees in Catalunya.

Tapas is not even its thing (it’s far better in the north) and, when I lived in Madrid for two years in the 1990s, there was literally

only one vegetarian restaurant and I lived off mostly pinchos of tortilla.

But things really started to change when mohican haired Munoz (left), a total maverick in more ways than one, gained his third Michelin star at restaurant Diverxo a decade ago. (For the record there are now 28 restaurants with a star or more in the city).

A huge fan of Munoz, I managed to meet the man for an interview the day after that incredible achievement - the first three star joint for Madrid - in 2013.

Enthusiastic and only too happy to pose with a stuffed piglet, the main takeaway I took from him was that to really understand his award I needed to understand the various suburbs of the city, where he loved heading off to find interesting dishes.

He recommended the working class barrios of Embajadores, Lavapies and even Vallecas, where he promised I would find some ‘incredible’ dishes.

And it’s perhaps no surprise that two of those districts have since made Time Out’s ‘40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ list in recent years, with Carabanchel, most famous for its prison, making it into the Top 10 this year.

Take a stroll into any of the above and, what I guarantee, is a series of dishes you’ll try almost nowhere else. Tripe, inCREATIVES: Chefs in La Burlona have tremendous skills

nards, gizzards, broths and stews, yes, there is so much going on.

It is down in Lavapies that you’ll find one of my favourites, La Burlona Bar, in Calle de Santa Isabel.

Triciclo

NO BALONEY This truly hip, buzzing joint epitomises how good the local food culture in Spain is today.

Given there are only a dozen tables you’ll need to book, but be prepared for one of the most creative and fresh meals around.

It’s an interesting walk down into the edgy working class barrio, behind the Reina Sofia Museum and near the southern tip of the Retiro park.

This is the culinary stage of Jorge Reina Monreal, who trained at among the best restaurants in Spain, including Valencia’s Quique Dacosta, DStage and Zalacain.

He very much dominates the pass, a real perfectionist who sends out some of the best-looking dishes I’ve witnessed in years.

His cannelloni of game was as rich as could be while his Cantonese-style ribs in aniseed and plum rocked.

And if you want a true taste of Madrid go for the tripe and mussels, a stunning delicious working class number.

ON SHOW For something a little different and those with an architectural need, the restaurant

on one side of the city’s important Reina Sofia museum is a great find.

Called NuBel, it is extremely convenient for Atocha train station and is the perfect spot to take a loved one or for a business meeting, and you can have breakfast, brunch, or lunch, if you so desire. Many also just come for a drink or cocktail.

Style personified, its deep red shiny walls play off against the green and yellow Nest furniture, creating a huge range of different places to sit.

T H E O L I V E P R E S S A N D P I C U BA N U S I N V I T E YO U TO A B OT T L E O F W I N E * W i t h eve r y t a b l e re s e r va t i o n - s c a n t h e Q R c o d e.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL NuBel

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

La Trainera BEST FISH: Not cheap but La Trainera is hard to beat The chicken is an absolute winner, as are the spectacular artichokes, while the pork-scratch starter called ‘torreznos’ was super delicious.

One of the best wine lists in the capital, there are loads of champagnes, burgundies, and of course interesting Spanish wines.

OTHERWORLDLY: Space age style at NuBel at the Reina Sofia Triciclo, based in the central hisThe vibrant colours and com- toric suburb Barrio de las Letras. positions somehow make the The menu changes daily and it large open-plan space cosy and rests heavily on good seasonal intimate. produce, such as mushrooms, Food-wise there is everything seafood and vegetables. from a great guacamole sharing I really recommend leeks in a plate and an interesting brioche red pesto sauce, if in season, with squid. coming with Raf tomatoes from I also had a fantastic tuna tartare Almeria, while the classic Maand grilled leek dish and was ex- drid-style ‘Besuga’ fish dish is tremely impressed with the salm- beautifully braised. on Poke bowl.

There is a good wine list and loads by the glass, while a maTAKE A TRIKE jor selling point, particularly if you are a foodie and want to Another consistently good place try a larger number of dishes that I always love seeking out is is that you can have a half por-

TRAWLING FOR FISH tion and even a third on many.

COME HOME TO ROOST On the edge of the hip Chueca barrio, best known for its pink pound, you’ll find so many new places opening up these days.

But for something really comforting and incredibly tasty Roostiq takes some beating.

So successful, they have even just opened in Marbella, I love the fact the menu is really geared towards simplicity and top quality free-range chicken and pizzas.

It’s a little known fact that Madrid has the best fish in Spain.

Despite being hundreds of kilometres from the coast in all directions (the city is actually the dead centre of the geographical landmass), it is highly-praised for its excellent fish restaurants.

It’s due to the fact that the ports on all four coastlines send their best fish to the capital first, as that is where the highest prices are always paid.

One of the very best places to try it out is La Trainera, which means appropriately trawler in Spanish.

Based in the most upmarket

part of the city, Barrio Salamanca, it may not be good value, but the turbot is possibly the best I have ever eaten (maybe with the exception of Elkano, in Getaria, the Basque Region).

This is where all the key power brokers, politicians and business moguls do lunch and there are always clams, crabs, prawns of all types, and hake cooked in about half a dozen different ways to keep them happy.

DELIGHTFUL DEESSA If you are really looking for some glamour and somewhere to push out the boat, you need to head for Continues on next page

17

18

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL FOOD CAPITAL

Deessa

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

From previous page

Deessa.

This beautiful space in the Ritz hotel is the domain of Valencia’s three Michelin star genius Quique Dacosta in Madrid.

One of the country’s top rated chefs, this grand open-plan dining room with Romanesque pillars, gold capitals and

crystal chandeliers guarantees an exquisite and special meal, heavy on the romance.

It now has two Michelin stars (won over consecutive years) and the menus certainly warrant them, with Dacosta’s trusted sous chef Ricardo Vega in charge.

Expect to eat wonderful red shrimp from Dacosta’s home town of Denia, while his well honed Valencian pumpkin seed soup with black truffle is a delight.

A Shiso saam with red tuna and ‘starry moss’ is reminiscent of an Andalucian tortillita de cameron, but far subtler.

THE STAGE IS SET

Dstage

Finally look out for DSTAgE, easily the hippest place to eat in Madrid.

Its eccentric chef Diego Guerrero - recently voted 42nd best chef in the world - is one of Spain’s best-loved culinary stars with two Michelin stars to boot.

Try and get one of the four or five tables facing the line up of chefs, like bank tellers, in crisp blue tunics and caps, where you won’t find better theatrics in the capital.

I loved watching the team at work in this theatre of dreams that wouldn’t be out of place in the Meatpacking District of New York, with its exposed bricks and industrial lights.

An acronym for MASTERPIECES: Are created at DSTAgE by Diego and his team

‘Days to Smell Taste Amaze Grow & Enjoy’, the mission of DSTAgE is to make fine food less pretentious and more accessible.

It’s an honourable - and often necessary - plan, given the number of top chefs who go off on their own personal missions, leaving the majority of their clients behind in a fog of inventiveness.

This was quite the opposite, an extremely inclusive evening, where dishes were not just well explained but conceived with real passion, but not pretension.

There was creation (take the ‘potato with honey’ which was actually a type of cheese) but equally there were as many good solid dishes that bring you down to earth.

The pigeon, which is served with pear, has been tenderised over an incredible two weeks we are told, while the ‘tears’ of green peas, triple podded and served in squid ink are stunningly good. See full review on the Olive Press website.

of the south, head for KultO. This is a real journey to Cadiz and particularly Zahara, on the Costa del la Luz, and its head chefs Laura Lopez and Jose Fuentes only provide the very best on offer.

So you will definitely eat amazing bluefin tuna, as well as amazing beef albondigas.

Jose started cooking in Madrid at just 20 years old, but loved travelling and picked up recipes in Bali, Peru and Mexico among a huge list of countries he’s worked in.

But the place he ended up cooking at for nine years was Zahara de los Atunes and he opened various restaurants there before finally heading home to Madrid.

You can really tell he is a Cadiz-lover from the menu with its gambas, pigs ears and croquettes, not to mention a great tuna tartare, one of the best, as you would expect.

in a stripped down factory with all most of its original features including floors and pillars, as well as great upcycled tables and chairs.

There is also a larger dining room, which is stylishly lit and there is always a big mix of people.

Part of a group of 10 restaurants (named after Madrid’s historic La Ancha) food-wise it is a very seasonal place with lots of vegetables from their own huertas.

Its bosses Nino Redruello and his cousin Patxi Zumarraga met at Catalunya’s legendary El Bulli restaurant, so they all know a lot about cooking.

Nino also did his time in the north at Arzak and he is a big believer in authentic, no nonsense cooking.

You’ll always eat well here and the menu changes regularly, but you might eat roasted cabbage in a miso soup or a white tuna belly with a pad thai of tuber vegetables. Delish.

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FOOD & DRINK

January 10th January 23rd 2024

19

a bit dull, but try them at Casa Julio and your whole perception of these basic Madrid staples will take on a new meaning.

They are delicious and having them for lunch (or supper) at Casa Julio has been a pastime for local Madrilenos in the know for nearly 100 years.

For some strange reason the band U2 came and posed in the restaurant for a photo shoot back in 2003 and their global fans STYLISH: Fismuler is as stylish as Casa Julio is still make a beeline to see the pictures on the bustling wall every day.

Founded in 1921, Casa Julio is the very definition of a spit and sawdust joint in a grotty backstreet in the heart of the working class, but rapidly gentrifying, barrio of Malasana.

Recommended to me by a journalist pal, whose been a correspondent in Madrid for a decade, I particularly liked the prices, which are among the best in the city.

There is wine, but most punters sink a few canas or a vermouth with the food.

Fismular

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DIVERXO And of course I couldn’t leave out Diverxo itself. This really is the most amazing place - and meal - you will ever eat.

Dabiz Munoz is the world’s best chef after all, and IF you can get a table (and it will be six to eight months wait) then take it with both hands and find out what the fuss is about.

Casa Julio

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20

HEALTH

A FAMILY doctor group wants compulsory mask wearing restored to hospitals and medical centres to reduce the spread of flu, Covid, and other respiratory diseases.

The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) wants stronger protection measures to prevent the transmission of respiratory infection viruses to people with multiple pathologies and chronic patients.

This includes the return to the mandatory wearing of masks which was imposed during the Covid pandemic.

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It also wants to re-establish greater spacing between seats in health centres, the dispensing of hydroalcoholic gels and improved ventilation in waiting rooms.

In addition, they have asked the health authorities to raise awareness among the population about the proper use of healthcare services and not to use them if medical treatment is not required in order to stop centres being over-saturated.

CHEERS FOR THE BEER

Spain's favourite tipple is being used by top athletes to recover including a huge Real Madrid star TOP athletes, including a Real Madrid star, are drinking beer following workouts to improve recovery.

Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric, has started drinking beer after working out on the recommendation of his trainer Vlatko Vucetic.

It has aroused much interest due to Modric’s physical fitness and high performance at the demanding club despite being 38-years old.

Beer, says Vucetic, act as a motivator and reward for

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January 10th January 23rd 2024

By Yzabelle Bostyn

the footballer during games, which can last up to two hours.

This, combined with the relaxing effect of the alcohol, positively affects the athlete’s mental health, an important part of professional football.

Modric is not the only one using beer as a post-workout beverage.

The doctor and Olympic basketball player, Juan Antonio Corbalan, once described beer as the ‘perfect isotonic drink’ in an interview with La Razon.

He said: “It has a little bit of alcohol, but the rest is the perfect isotonic drink. These are all copied from beer.

“I like it and it's OK for me to drink a good beer and get the best sporting results.”

Like Corbalan, Vucetic claims beer has important health properties. These include rehydration. Research into sports medicine has shown that beer can outperform water in post-exercise hydration.

Beer is also an effective

SUP UP: Modric enjoys a beer after a match to help him recover from his exertions antioxidant and therefore promotes the early metabolism recovery, preventing post-workout muscle soreness.

Moderate beer consumption also helps to maintain higher blood glucose levels, reduce stress and prevent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).

BOY BOOZERS

MORE than a fifth of children aged 12 to 13 in Spain have drunk alcohol in the last month according to a new government report on addiction.

The pilot study on alcohol consumption, tobacco and possible behavioural addictions found that 21.5% have drunk alcohol in the last 30 days and the number shoots up to 30.6% for the previous 12 months.

Conducted on 8,000 1st and 2nd year students by the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs and the Estudes (School Survey on Drug Use in Sec-

Pandemic concerns A REPORT into Spain's handling of the Covid 19 pandemic has warned that it is 'probable' in the medium or short term that there will be a new pandemic caused by 'highly serious respiratory viruses'.

The 157-page document produced by a group of experts was commissioned in 2021 by the Interterritorial Council - a group made up of the national health minister and 17 regional counterparts.

The study concludes that the best way to fight a new pandemic is to 'prevent it'.

The experts propose a roadmap be adopted with 72 actions aimed at preparing Spain for such an eventuality and to not be caught out like in 2020.

They say the health service did not have enough protective materials; not enough resources; no clear strategy to react to the threat; a lack of co-ordination; and the most vulnerable people did not get protected.

Health Minister, Monica Garcia, says that several of the report recommendations are 'already being developed' and that a Public Health Agency was being set up this year.

BE READY: For new pandemic

ondary Education Students), it raises significant concerns about the early onset of substance use in Spain.

It is the first study of potentially addictive consumption habits in this age group and focuses on the two most common legal substances with which these students live - alcohol and tobacco.

The survey also sheds light on how young people access alcohol — primarily through local shops (41.6%), at other people's homes (40.8%), or within their own homes (33.2%).

Furthermore, there appears to be a correlation between the drinking habits of parents and the likelihood of their children hitting the bottle.

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Christmas prison break

FINAL WORDS

A KILLER of two escaped from Alcala Meco prison, Madrid on December 23.

Yussef ML, 20, simply walked out of the door, after staff guided him to the correct exit, believing he was a visitor.

Snow fall COCAINE prices have almost halved in Europe due to overproduction in Latin America. The drug went from €33,000 per kilo to €18,000.

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Vol. 18 Issue 435 www.theolivepress.es January 10th - January 23rd 2024

Unwelcome message A MOROCCAN gardener could become a billionaire after the heir to popular luxury clothing brand Hermes vowed to leave him a €6bn inheritance.

Known only as Jadil, he has worked on the Spanish finca of heir, Nicolas Puech Her-

Racism row THE Three Kings Day parade has sparked international accusations of racism as one of the Wise Men, Balthazar, was played by a white man in blackface in Madrid.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

mes (pictured at his farm), for many years.

While working at ‘Los Cuatro Vientos’, in Aracena, Huelva, he became a close confidant of the fashion tycoon.

Now, he A PENSIONER furious that his car had been towed could inaway armed himself with two shotguns and hailed a herit a cab to the police station vowing to kill any officers he f o r t u n e encountered. as Puech But before he could get out of the taxi, forewarned has bepolice were waiting and arrested him before he could gun legal carry out his planned assault. proceedPolice say that the man appeared ‘out of control’ and ings to was shouting that he was ‘going to kill innocent peo- adopt the ple’.

50-yearThe man, described as elderly, had lost his cool when old man. his car was towed from a loading space outside a su- Puech repermarket in Arroyo de la Miel (Malaga). portedly consid-

GUN THREAT

Heir to €12bn Hermes fortune wants to leave half to his Moroccan gardener but charity is not pleased

ers Jadil his ‘son’, having no children himself and being estranged from most of his family.

The 80-year-old is the fifth generation descendant of Thierry Hermes, who founded the French brand in 1837.

Known for its handbags, Puech’s shares in the brand have helped him amass a €12bn fortune.

Now, Puech wants to leave half, around €6bn, to his gardener, according to Swiss media reports.

However, he will first have to cancel a ‘succession agreement’ made with the Isocrates Foun-

dation in 2011, a charity dedicated to ‘the protection and promotion of public debate’.

Despite Puech being the founder and president of the charity, the foundation has announced it will oppose the heir’s decision through the Swiss courts.

Jadil is married to an Andalucian woman with two children, who Hermes reportedly refers to as his family.

The heir is thought to own about 5.7% of Hermes’ current shares, which have soared in value since the pandemic saw demand for luxury goods almost quadruple.

AN ARTIST from Barcelona, Alicia Framis, will become the first woman to marry a hologram generated by artificial intelligence this summer.

The event will take place at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam.

Framis, 57, will get hitched to a hologram of her own design called AILex, tailored to 'satisfy all of her emotional needs.'

AILex’s personality brings together profiles of acquaintances, friends and family of the artist and makes use of information about the people and experiences that have marked the life of his fiancee.

“It’s going to be hard for us to hide things from each other,” joked Framis.

Wrong flight

PASSENGERS leaving Valladolid on a flight to Palma de Mallorca were shocked to find they were put onto a plane for La Palma in the Canaries instead.

Fortunately the travellers on the Iberia service were not in the air when the mistake was spotted.

After disembarking they had to collect their luggage and go through the security checks again before boarding the correct Iberia flight.

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