[Xiomera]

Xiomeran civil war

Emperor Xochiuhue deposed in another coup

Security head takes over in more turmoil in Xiomera


Calhualyana speaking to the Xiomeran public

In a short announcement from the Palace of Flowers today, the head of Xiomera's security forces announced that Emperor Xochiuhue has been deposed, and that she will be taking over as the nation's new leader "until such time as a more formal selection process can be undertaken."

Calhualyana, previously the country's Secretary of Security, declared that the Xiomeran security forces and armed forces had invoked Article 14 of Xiomera's laws of succession to remove Emperor Xochiuhue due to "mental incapacity." She further declared that a new provisional government had chosen her as the new Empress of Xiomera for the foreseeable future, to replace the deposed Xochiuhue. Article 14 of the Xiuhtonal, the lengthy document that outlines Xiomera's complicated selection process for its rulers, grants the Xiomeran military and security forces the power to remove the ruler under "circumstances of extreme emergency, in which there is not sufficient time to convene a Great Selection to replace the Emperor or Empress." It is unclear what circumstances led to Xochiuhue's removal under this Article. The new Empress did not elaborate on the exact reasons for Xochiuhue's removal, alluding only to the extreme difficulties and unrest that Xiomera has faced since the coup that deposed Xochiuhue's predecessor, Yauhmi, earlier this year.

The new Empress announced that many of the draconian restrictions imposed by Xochiuhue, such as prison camps for dissenters, curfews, and checkpoints, will be discontinued. The new Empress also announced that she is willing to open talks with the supporters of the former Empress, Yauhmi, in an attempt to find a negotiated solution to the civil war that broke out in Xiomera after the coup.

From their "temporary capital" in Chuaztlapoc, the government of Empress Yauhmi would not commit to joining any talks; a spokesperson for her government said only that they will "consult with all of our allies before agreeing to anything" and reaffirming their belief that Yauhmi is the only true and legitimate ruler of Xiomera.

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Regional news: Maraix

Court session to determine island's fate

A court session in the National High Court of Laeral scheduled for November 10th will determine the fate of Maraix, an overseas territory of Laeral in the Tenebric Ocean.

The court case began in 2018, when residents of Maraix attempted to file incorporation documents with the provincial court in Laeralsford. The Maraix residents refused to pay the required taxes and fees, asserting that they were not actually Laeralite citizens due to new DNA research casting doubt on the longstanding belief that the island's founder, Tom Morrison, was a citizen of what was then the colony of High Fells. When the provincial court rejected their application due to the unpaid fees and taxes, the Maraix residents appealed to the National High Court.

The Maraix residents cite recent research conducted by the Maw Island Research Group at Bayview University in Legionas, which triggered DNA testing which they state confirms that Morrison was not, in fact, a subject of High Fells. This new evidence, according to the Maraix residents, renders Laeral's claim to the territory invalid. The Maraix residents have stated that they hope the court decision will confirm their status as an independent state. Observers have noted that if Maraix does follow through with independence, the island will likely lose the equivalent of $3 million standard dollars in Laeralian marks in benefits they receive annually from Laeral. This, however, has not deterred the independence movement on the island.

If the National High Court upholds the island's case, Maraix will become the second new nation emerging in the IDU in the past month. The Netlcoātl Islands, a territory of the Xiomeran Empire, declared their independence on October 5th.

Fast Facts about Maraix:

- Originally known as Maw Island, the community was founded after it was settled by escapees from the royal prison in High Fells in 1788. It was founded by Tom Morrison, the youngest member of the group of fugitives.
- Maraix (then the Maw Island territory) was briefly mentioned in the 1855 Treaty of Meilun, which transferred ownership of the Territory from High Fells to the First Allied Provinces of Laeral.
- The island was the scene of violence during the 1970s and 1980s after it was sold to a cartel leader. After the cartel leader was arrested, his wife took over, eventually selling the island in 2015 to a group consisting of the original island residents and condo owners.
- The island is currently administered by a homeowners' association and land trust; their attempt to incorporate led to the current court case.[/box]

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Regional news: Lauchenoiria

Fleming escapes from Lauchenoirian prison

Gabriel Fleming, a former agent of the Lauchenoirian Intelligence Agency, has escaped from a high-security prison where he was being held on charges of treason, murder and mistreatment of prisoners. The Lauchenoirian government has refused to provide the full details of Fleming's alleged crimes, citing national security reasons. However, there are claims that Fleming was a supporter of Suleman Chaher’s coup in 2018, and that Fleming or pro-Chaher groups may intend to attempt another coup.

Security services have been placed on high alert following the escape. Border patrols have been increased, and security around the Parliament has been increased as well. There is also now additional security outside the residences of both the President and Prime Minister. The government has denied that this is a result of Fleming’s escape and that they are responding to the increased threat of civil disobedience from activist groups such as Watchdogs of Our Earth (WOE). However, this claim is considered suspect due to the timing of the security increase, which came immediately after the Fleming escape and months after protests by activists began.

Unverified documents were leaked online following the escape which imply that Fleming was responsible for a number of online rumors surrounding Yauhmi, the deposed Empress of Xiomera and leader of one faction in the present civil war there. The rumors, which alleged that Yauhmi had cheated on her husband, the then-Emperor Topilpopoca, were vehemently denied by the Xiomeran royal family and led to threats from both Yauhmi and her son, Crown Prince Texōccoatl, to "find and punish" whoever was responsible for the rumors.

Lauchenoirian authorities have warned that Fleming is extremely dangerous, and that only law enforcement or security personnel should attempt to apprehend him.