[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

New coalition is formed: Josephine Alvarez takes office as Prime Minister
6th July 2019

The Liberal Party have agreed to form a coalition with the Conservative Party, the Lauchenoirian Democratic Alliance and the Pacifist Party. Altogether that gives the new coalition 62 representatives out of 120, a slim majority. The new government will be the most pro-capitalism government in Lauchenoiria since the 1952 communist revolution.

The Lauchenoirian Parliament today voted to approve the new government, which consists of ministers from all four parties and will be headed by Liberal leader Josephine Alvarez as Prime Minister. In what will come as a surprise to many, the Pacifist Party, whose leader Samantha Clavell is the new Minister for Culture and the Arts, have managed to secure a place in government after their very first election.

The coalition agreement includes a pledge to remove various restrictions on private business which are still in place from the communist era as soon as possible. Also, the coalition has agreed to freeze military spending at current levels – a compromise between the pro-cuts Pacifists and the Conservatives who wished to increase it.

The LGBT+ community have been celebrating the new government, as Alvarez will be the first openly gay Prime Minister of Lauchenoiria. The coalition agreement has also promised a consultation on reforming gender recognition law to discuss the possible recognition of non-binary genders, something which trans rights campaigners have long called for.

Green Party leader Lucie Scott said today that she was ‘disappointed’ her party was not included in the coalition, however has pledged to ‘hold the new government to account to the best of our ability’. She has also promised to put pressure on the government to increase environmental regulations and to treat climate change as an emergency.

President-elect Alex Marwick today met with the new Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez to discuss scheduling a vote on the new constitution. The new constitution will be the first thing passed by the new parliament, as stipulated in the Haven Accords which ended last year’s civil war. The vote is expected to take place within the next two weeks.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Date set for vote on new constitution
11th July 2019

The Federal Parliament of Lauchenoiria has set a date for the final vote on adopting a new constitution, which has been drafted over the last ten months since the conclusion of last year’s civil war. The Haven Accords, which ended the war, mandated that a new constitution be drafted and put to vote in a new national parliament following elections.

The new parliament, elected last month, will vote on the adoption of the new constitution on Friday 18th July 2019. It is expected to be an almost unanimous vote in favour – although the two Anarchist Party of Yervia representatives are expected to abstain due to their opposition to the ‘concept’ of a constitution.

The new constitution is expected to treble the number of representatives in the Federal Parliament, as well as giving provinces more power, enshrining the rights of minorities and removing the constitutional prohibition of tobacco and recreational drugs (although further legislation is planned to keep these things illegal for the time being).

The constitution has been agreed by all major parties, including all parties represented in the Federal Parliament except the Anarchist Party of Yervia. The Feminist Party and the Social Democratic Party, both of whom lost all seats in June’s election, have also publicly supported the new constitution.

All eight provincial authorities have also publicly supported the constitution, with even First Minister of Aeluria Nazario Macías, who supports Aelurian independence, claiming that the new constitution is a much fairer deal for Aeluria. Provinces have long sought greater powers from the central government, and it is expected this change in particular will be welcomed by many across the country.

The previous constitution, written by the Communist Party after the 1952 Communist Revolution, has provoked much controversy, even after it was heavily amended in 1993. Many had criticised it for being designed to keep the Communists in power. It was suspended by President Kieran MacKenzie last year at the request of Prime Minister Suleman Chaher, and has remained suspended since.

The adoption of a new constitution will spell the final end to a conflict which tore Lauchenoiria apart, led to the deaths of thousands of people, and fundamentally changed the country. The after-effects of the war are still present in all aspects of Lauchenoirian life, and many hope that the new constitution will lead to the country finally being able to move forward completely.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Lauchenoiria refuses to extradite Xiomeran citizens wanted for running media operation
18th July 2019

Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía today refused to extradite two Xiomeran citizens in Lauchenoiria, after the Lauchenoirian government was sent arrest warrants, demanding their detention and extradition. Warrants were also sent to Laeral and Zamastan for several individuals in those nations. The wanted Xiomerans are journalists for the Xiomeran Underground News (XUN), a media outlet banned by the autocratic Xiomeran government. Many XUN journalists are based outside of Xiomera for this reason.

Pavía called the Xiomeran attempt to extradite the two journalists based in Lauchenoiria as “clearly politically motivated”, and made assurances that Lauchenoiria would never extradite any individuals wanted for political purposes. “The so-called ‘crimes’ these Xiomerans are accused of have no equivalent under Lauchenoirian law, and therefore the Federation of Lauchenoiria has no choice but to refuse Xiomera’s extradition request. The two Xiomeran citizens in Lauchenoiria will remain free to continue their activities.”

Pavía gave the two XUN journalists further assurances that they are safe in Lauchenoiria, and that the Lauchenoirian government would make no attempt to prevent their activities, as long as they followed Lauchenoirian law. Freedom of the press is protected under various pieces of legislation in Lauchenoiria. However, this was not respected during the Chaher/Clarke regime last year, with current President Alex Marwick being hunted by the regime for making pro-Resistance broadcasts last year.

Green Party leader Lucie Scott welcomed the decision of the government to refuse extradition, saying that “criticism of a government is only healthy, whether that is our government, Xiomera’s, or any other”. She praised the XUN journalists for having the courage to stand up for their beliefs, in spite of their government’s policies towards them. “If Alvarez was to extradite these journalists, it would be a betrayal of everything she has purported to stand for,” she said.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

New constitution passes in parliament with no opposition
19th July 2019

The new Lauchenoirian constitution, drafted over the last ten months under the supervision of the unity government led by Keitha Noguera, has been formally approved by the federal parliament of Lauchenoiria, following the elections which took place on the 16th June. The new constitution takes effect immediately, and fresh elections under the new constitution have been scheduled for April 2020.

The new constitution was passed with 111 votes in favour, 0 against and 9 abstentions. The abstentions included all Lauchenoiria First representatives, along with the 2 Partido Anarquista de Yervia (Anarchist Party of Yervia) representatives. Paul Doberman, leader of Lauchenoiria First, had previously said he could not vote for a constitution that ‘does not protect the security of Lauchenoiria’. The two PAY representatives abstained over an ideological disagreement with the structure of government formed by the constitution.

The new constitution trebles the size of the federal parliament, which has been criticised by many for being excessively small relative to the population of Lauchenoiria. It also mandates that elections for all levels of government take place every four years, and grants each province greater powers and rights, along the same lines as those agreed for Aeluria prior to their independence referendum.

The rights of ethnic minorities, disabled people and members of the LGBT+ community have also been enshrined in the new constitution, a move which was controversial among supporters of far-right Lauchenoiria First, but which has been applauded across the political spectrum otherwise.

The provision in the 1952 constitution which banned tobacco products and recreational drugs has also been removed from the constitution, although other legislation remains in place keeping such products illegal for the time being. It is expected, however, that fresh legislation will lift the ban on nicotine patches and other aids from being used – something the Aelurian provincial government has been pushing for.

The commitment to secular government remains, however the outright ban on religious schooling has been removed – allowing for private religious schools to open, while keeping state-funded schooling strictly secular. It is expected this will be welcomed on Aeluria, where followers of the Lurian religion have long been arguing for the right to teach young Lurites about their religion, which the Communist regime from 1952-1993 tried to stamp out.

Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez welcomed the new constitution, saying that it marks the end of last year’s conflict. “The civil war is over, and it is time that Lauchenoiria moved forward, building a fairer and more prosperous country together. This new constitution will allow us to move on from the errors of our past and build something better together.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Doberman angry at being branded a ‘fascist’ by KICC host
20th July 2019

Paul Doberman, leader of Lauchenoiria First, has today lodged a complaint with the Lauchenoirian Media Standards Organisation over his party being branded as ‘fascists’ by Sisil Czrn, one of the hosts on the Kvaskm International Communication Channel (KICC), a news channel based in the nation of Kvask in northern Hespia.

While discussing the new Lauchenoirian constitution, which was passed yesterday, on their broadcast on the KICC, Sisil Czrn and her co-host Klove Javtina appeared to offer support to the Anarchist Party of Yervia, and praised the protection of civil rights for members of the LGBT+ community in the new constitution. Czrn went on to use the phrase “those Lauchenoiria fascists can go choke on a rod”.

Doberman told the Lauchenoirian Guardian: “it is unacceptable that media broadcast in Lauchenoiria, regardless of which country it was originally produced in, can contain slanderous lies calling those worried about family values ‘fascists’ and threatening them. We hold journalists to higher standards in this country and it is absurd that foreign media such as that from Kvask, a country full of weak, hippie anarchists who think it’s still 1962, can be allowed to get away with such things if they want their broadcasts to be shown in Lauchenoiria.”

He then went on to accuse Kvask of being ‘dirty feminists, just like Kerlile’ and accused the two nations of working together to spread ‘misandry’ across the IDU. When contacted for comment, the Kerlian ambassador to Lauchenoiria, Iva Tordai, called the idea ‘laughable’ and did not elaborate. The Kvaskm ambassador, Vaczek Ylanav, said when approached for comment that "The idea of working with a misandrist that views the genitalia as the marker of what makes a person versus a slave is gross and ill-thought."

The seven Lauchenoiria First representatives in the federal parliament abstained on yesterday’s vote on the constitution, claiming that the new constitution did not protect the “security and sovereignty” of the Lauchenoirian people. Lauchenoiria First objected to several parts of the constitution – including the prohibition of capital punishment, and the protections of the rights of ethnic minorities – on these grounds.

Annabeth Montrose, one of the newly-elected Lauchenoiria First representatives, also publicly objected to the inclusion of protections of the rights of members of the LGBT+ community. “I support family values, and the rights of people of faith in Lauchenoiria – something the atheist government rarely takes into consideration. It is unfair to provide protection to one minority group and then insist on atheism.”

Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez responded to Lauchenoiria First’s concerns, saying: “the views of Doberman and his allies are a minority and do not reflect the opinions of the vast majority of progressive, forward-thinking Lauchenoirians. The new constitution is supported across the country, and the provisions to protect minorities are among the most welcomed sections of the new constitution.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Lauchenoiria rejects Kerlian extradition request
21st July 2019

The Lauchenoirian government has rejected a request by the Matriarchy of Kerlile for the extradition of a convicted murderer, just days after rejecting a request by Xiomera for the extradition of two of their citizens. Jasmine Eddington, a Kerlian citizen, crossed the border into Lauchenoiria three days ago following her escape while being transferred between two prisons in Kerlile.

Eddington was convicted of the murder of thirteen teenage boys across Kerlile which took place between 2006 and 2009. She published a ‘manifesto’ detailing her intentions to kill one boy from each of Kerlile’s 16 regions, as a ‘punishment’ for the acts of men throughout history in perpetuating the patriarchy and oppressing women. She was arrested in November 2009 and sentenced to life in prison.

Lauchenoiria currently has a complete ban on extraditing any individual to Kerlile, a result of the autocratic matriarchy’s frequent use of the death penalty and the inhumane conditions in their prisons. Due to Kerlile’s emigration ban, the vast majority of Kerlians who live in Lauchenoiria are considered ‘fugitives’ by the Kerlian regime. Lauchenoiria generally grants asylum to all Kerlians who escape across the border.

Eddington currently remains in custody in Lauchenoiria, and will not be returned to Kerlile, despite the request for an exception to the ban from the Council of Kerlile. This move was criticised by many, including Feminist Party leader Katherine Wright who said “Jasmine Eddington is a dangerous serial killer, not a political refugee. She made a mockery of feminism with her twisted theories, and keeping her here is a danger to all Lauchenoirians.”

This comes only days after Lauchenoiria refused a request by the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera for the extradition of two journalists working for the Xiomeran Underground News, a media outlet banned by the Xiomeran government. Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía called the charges against the two Xiomerans “clearly politically motivated”, and the request was refused. The warrants were later withdrawn by the Xiomeran government.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Government criticised for refusing to extradite Kerlian murderer
24th July 2019

Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía has been criticised for refusing to extradite Jasmine Eddington, a convicted serial killer, to Kerlile. Eddington entered Lauchenoiria on the 18th July, after escaping while being transferred to another prison in Kerlile. She was apprehended by the Lauchenoirian authorities on Sunday and remains in custody. Kerlile has requested her extradition, however the request was refused.

Pavía has come under fire in parliament from Communist Party leader Javier Flynn, who has raised concerns around the refusal. “Eddington is a dangerous criminal, not a political dissident like most Kerlians who come to Lauchenoiria. We know she is not going to be executed and was being moved to a type of facility in Kerlile where torture is not very common. I see no strong argument in favour of refusing her extradition.”

Supporters of far-right Lauchenoiria First today protested outside of Fleura House, the residence of the President of Lauchenoiria, against the extradition ban and the acceptance of Kerlian refugees into Lauchenoiria. Their leader, Paul Doberman, said: “despite a Kerlian – Charissa Clarke – managing to infiltrate the highest levels of our government, we still let them come here, take jobs and spread their propaganda. Kerlile is dangerous and our current policy is just asking for us to be infiltrated again!”

Lauchenoiria currently has a complete ban on extraditing any individual to Kerlile, a result of the autocratic matriarchy’s frequent use of the death penalty and the inhumane conditions in their prisons. Due to Kerlile’s emigration ban, the vast majority of Kerlians who live in Lauchenoiria are considered ‘fugitives’ by the Kerlian regime. Lauchenoiria generally grants asylum to all Kerlians who escape across the border.

Pavía defended her decision, stating that “while we recognise that this is a unique case, and while we have considered an exception, it would be a mistake for this government to violate our long-standing policy against extraditing to Kerlile. The Matriarchy of Kerlile frequently uses capital punishment, and commonly tortures prisoners. No individual, regardless of their crimes, should be treated in this manner.”

Jasmine Eddington remains in custody in Lauchenoiria.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

TRC verdicts and sentences announced
25th July 2019

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission formed to investigate acts carried out during the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War has today issued verdicts and sentences against individuals involved in the war.

Among those convicted are a number of Kerlians – including Councillor Anita Patel, a member of Kerlile’s hereditary ruling Council. Patel, 70, notorious for her pro-torture views, will serve 20 years in a Sanctarian prison. However, her fellow Councillor, Pauline Pierre, was found not guilty – a verdict which will thrill Kerlile, and disappoint many Kerlians. Former President of Kerlile Joanna Greenwood was also found not guilty.

Former Prime Minister Laura Moore was also found not guilty, something that will be controversial in Lauchenoiria. Sylvia Churcher, the judge chairing the Commission, implied that the lack of conviction was the fault of the prosecution for failing to prove the allegations against Moore. Moore is a highly controversial figure in Lauchenoiria, with many believing she was responsible for the destruction during the war, while others support her and credit her with saving democracy.

Lauchenoirians convicted by the TRC include Captain Gregor Docherty, a Lauchenoirian naval captain responsible for refusing ships carrying food and medical supplies to reach Aeluria during the Aelurian blockade. He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Victoria Juárez, former First Minister of Ulinaria Province was also sentenced to 10 years in prison for mistreating prisoners of war. General Eduardo Sanchez was sentenced to 15 years for enabling war crimes.

Also convicted was Anthony Santos, the notorious interrogator employed by the communist dictatorship in the late 1980s and early 1990s, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Leanna Walker and the torture of several prisoners of war. Santos, who had been under investigation before the outbreak of the civil war, is widely disliked throughout Lauchenoiria and it is expected that this sentence will be celebrated.

For Lauchenoiria, the verdicts mark the final end to the civil war. Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez said that she welcomes this conclusion. “The war is over, and those guilty of crimes committed during it will now be punished. This is a time for Lauchenoiria to move on from the past, to heal our wounds, come together and move forward. Today marks a new start for Lauchenoiria, and I hope that Lauchenoiria can now move on and thrive.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Rise in anti-Kerlian hate crime recorded
28th July 2019

The number of recorded incidents of hate crime against Kerlians in Lauchenoiria has doubled since the end of the civil war, new figures show. A report released by the Lauchenoirian Statistics Office shows that anti-Kerlian hate crime is at a record high, and instances of violence have increased rapidly.

In the past six months, sixteen Kerlian refugees have been hospitalised due to attacks on the streets, with fourteen of these incidents occurring in Yervia Province, which was occupied by Kerlile for a period during the war. Anti-Kerlian sentiment in Yervia is at an all-time high, with 37% of Yervians claiming that they are always or usually suspicious of any Kerlian. Meanwhile, 79% of Kerlians residing in Yervia have reported being insulted because of their nationality.

Mabel Baker is a 29-year-old Kerlian who has been living in Usera, Yervia since 2007. She fled Kerlile alone at the age of 17, after her brother was arrested. During the civil war, she was found by the Kerlians and had been scheduled to be returned to Kerlile, however was saved by the signing of the Haven Accords. She works in a local supermarket.

“I never used to feel unsafe in Lauchenoiria, but that all changed during the war. When the Kerlians occupied Usera I thought I was going to die. I survived, but since the war, people have been treating me differently. It’s not so bad when I speak Spanish, but when I speak English they hear my accent. I get accused of being a Kerlian spy, or an Aurora sleeper agent. One man spat in my face and threatened to assault me.”

The rise in hate crime has been attributed by some groups to the rhetoric put forward by Lauchenoiria First, and especially their leader Paul Doberman. Doberman has repeatedly called for female politicians to be viewed with suspicion in case they are Kerlian sleeper agents. One man charged with assault following an attack on a Kerlian refugee was a member of Lauchenoiria First, and a former LF candidate for the Yervian Parliament. He came in sixth place.

Lauchenoiria has had an open border policy with regards to Kerlian refugees since 1996, with the vast majority of Kerlians crossing the northern border being granted asylum. Emigration is illegal in Kerlile, with any Kerlian citizen caught attempting to cross the border either being shot on sight or imprisoned for life. Kerlians who successfully make the crossing cannot ever return home.

Lauchenoiria also refuses all extraditions to Kerlile due to the autocratic matriarchy’s widespread mistreatment and torture of prisoners, as well as their use of the death penalty. This policy has caused recent controversy, after a notorious Kerlian serial killer Jasmine Eddington crossed the Lauchenoirian border. She is presently in custody on immigration charges, however the government have said they will not extradite her.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Lauchenoirian Parliament to debate amendment to extradition law
1st August 2019

The Federal Parliament of Lauchenoiria is set to debate an amendment to extradition law today which would end the ban on extraditing to the Matriarchy of Kerlile. The amendment, proposed by Pacifist Party MP and Minister for Culture and the Arts Samantha Clavell, seeks to introduce a measure where the President can authorise an extradition to Kerlile in ‘exceptional circumstances.’

The amendment is set to be highly controversial, and comes following a widespread debate surrounding the fate of Jasmine Eddington, a notorious Kerlian serial killer who escaped prison and fled across the border to Lauchenoiria 11 days ago. She is presently being held in immigration detention, however must be either extradited or released on Sunday, as under Lauchenoirian law no individual may be detained for more than 14 days for immigration reasons.

Supporters of the amendment include the Pacifist Party, Lauchenoiria First and the Feminist Party, who no longer have any representatives in the Federal Parliament. Clavell, who is the leader of the Pacifist Party has said she supports the amendment because “we must respect the laws of other countries, and we must not endanger our own population by allowing dangerous individuals to run loose in Lauchenoiria”.

However, the amendment is strongly opposed by the Green Party, along with the Left Alliance and the LDA – who have split from government policy on this issue. Green Party leader Lucie Scott, who spent the civil war as a political prisoner in the hands of the Chaher regime, opposes the policy as “Kerlile is responsible for widespread human rights abuses, and no prisoner in Kerlile is safe from these. While some people do deserve punishment, nobody deserves to be tortured, and that is what Kerlile will do to people if we return them.”

At present, Lauchenoiria cannot lawfully extradite any individual to any country which has capital punishment, however this amendment would also permit the President to bypass this regulation in certain circumstances. If the amendment passes, this will be cause for concern for many – including two Xiomeran journalists whose extradition the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera requested just over two weeks ago.

The result of the vote on the amendment, scheduled to take place this evening, is uncertain – with several parties giving their MPs a free vote, it is too close to call. The debate will be watched closely by both human rights groups, and individuals who could potentially be affected by the change. A result is expected by 9pm local time.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition law amended – but no decision on Eddington made
1st August 2019

The Federal Parliament has voted narrowly in favour of amending extradition law to permit the extradition of some individuals to countries which use the death penalty, including Kerlile under certain conditions. While the original bill was expected to give the President the power to decide if the circumstances warranted extradition, the bill passed by parliament today is far more restrictive.

In order for an extradition to be approved to a country which ‘actively uses capital punishment’ – defined as having carried out a judicially sanctioned execution within the last five years, and retaining capital punishment on the statute books – certain conditions must be met. The individual must have committed a violent crime, must be over the age of 21, and the country in question must give assurances to the Federation of Lauchenoiria that the individual will not be executed.

Notorious Kerlian serial killer Jasmine Eddington, presently in Lauchenoirian custody, meets these conditions. Kerlile has assured Lauchenoiria that Eddington’s sentence of life in prison will be continued, and she will not face execution. Eddington is in her 40s and has been convicted of 13 counts of murder, alongside one of kidnapping. It was the case of Eddington that sparked interest in a reform of extradition law in Lauchenoiria, after the government refused to extradite due to the ban on extraditing to Kerlile.

A decision on the Eddington case has not yet been finalised. Officially, the Lauchenoirian government are insisting that she will not be extradited, however sources close to President Marwick say he is actively considering signing an executive order. This comes after family members of Eddington’s victims sent letters from Kerlile to the Lauchenoirian government, urging them to extradite her, and warning that if they do not, she will “undoubtedly kill again”.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Population drops in Lauchenoiria as emigration rises
2nd August 2019

The population of Lauchenoiria has fallen relative to the 2017 estimate, as emigration rates rise and immigration falls. The fall in the population has been attributed primarily to net migration - birth rates within Lauchenoiria have remained relatively steady, as although births between March and May were down considerably, there was a spike in June.

Since last year’s civil war, the amount of Lauchenoirians leaving the country has more than trebled relative to the pre-war rate, with many leaving for nations such as [nation]Laeral[/nation] and [nation]Gnejs[/nation] who have been taking in refugees fleeing the conflict and its aftermath. At the same time, immigration has been falling, with only 426 individuals arriving in Lauchenoiria with the intent to remain in the last 12 months.

The top five destinations for Lauchenoirian emigrants are: Laeral, [nation]Sanctaria[/nation], [nation]Zamastan[/nation], [nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation] and [nation]Kvask[/nation]. Also on the list of destinations are [nation]Xiomera[/nation] and [nation]Shuell[/nation] – both surprising to many. The vast majority of immigrants have been Kerlian refugees, fleeing from the autocratic matriarchy, although the number of Kerlians crossing the border has dropped, due to an increased presence of Kerlian border guards, as emigration from [nation]Kerlile[/nation] is forbidden.

Laeral and Zamastan, along with Gnejs have all accepted considerable numbers of refugees fleeing both during the conflict, and in the immediate aftermath. These countries have been welcoming of Lauchenoirians experiencing hardship at home as a result of the war, with many of them seeking asylum following the destruction of homes and livelihoods in southern Lauchenoiria last year. Most Lauchenoirians departing for this reason left between July and September 2018. The Lauchenoirian government has recently given assurances to Lauchenoirians that they will be safe at home.

The majority of emigrants to Libertas Omnium Maximus are from the impoverished areas of Lauchenoiria with high unemployment, seeking work. Most travelled to LOM on a basic work permit, which does not entitle the individual to permanent residency, after finding employment in the country. It is likely that this will be a temporary move for many of these individuals. LOM was the most popular destination among low-income emigrants.

Sanctaria is also a popular destination for Lauchenoirians. During the war, a number of Lauchenoirians fled the conflict to Sanctaria, however it has also become a popular destination for emigrants leaving Lauchenoiria in recent months. The most commonly listed reason for leaving by those with an intended destination of Sanctaria was the state of the Lauchenoirian economy. Sanctaria was the most popular destination among emigrants from the middle- and high-income brackets.

Those moving to Kvask, which supported the Aelurian declaration of independence during last year’s conflict, have flocked to the capital of Noskv, where a Lauchenoirian population has existed for decades. A number of Lauchenoirians opposed to the authoritarianism of the Villanueva regime in 1952, especially communists who disagreed with the coup and the dictatorship, travelled to Kvask, founding a significant Lauchenoirian community in the nation. During the 1990s, a considerable number of Lauchenoirians also moved to Kvask.

Some Lauchenoirians have also travelled to the nations of Xiomera and Shuell, although in much smaller numbers. Two Lauchenoirians have also moved to Kerlile, despite being warned not to. Individuals wishing to live and work in Xiomera must not advocate against the current system of government in the nation – meaning Lauchenoirians in the country may not argue in favour of democracy. One Lauchenoirian who has moved to Xiomera told the Lauchenoirian Guardian: “why would I support democracy anyway? It is a system that naturally leads to conflict – that’s what caused the war.”

In the last six months, 17 Lauchenoirians have also decided to move to Shuell – a nation which has been providing Lauchenoiria with aid, but which also bans emigration. Of these 17, four listed their reason for leaving as religion-based, after converting to the Shuellian religion of Szilankism, which worships a deity known as the ‘shard-being’. The Lauchenoirian government has advised Lauchenoirians against moving to Shuell, however has not forbidden them from doing so.

The amount of Kerlian refugees crossing the border has decreased marginally, although Kerlians still make up the vast majority of immigrants to Lauchenoiria. Since the war, however, the Lauchenoirian government has amended their policy on handling Kerlian border crossings in light of the ‘Aurora revelations’, in which Charissa Clarke was revealed to be a Kerlian sleeper agent. Individuals crossing the border illegally are now briefly detained until their identities can be ascertained – however the vast majority are released within 24 hours.

Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez commented on the population drop, saying: “while it is understandable that many Lauchenoirians felt the need to leave after the war, I give my assurance to all Lauchenoirians that this country will remain your home if you wish it to be. My government will work hard to ensure that Lauchenoiria can move on from the war and become a place where everyone feels safe and has a chance to thrive.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Eddington extradition: Marwick decision likely to be appealed
4th August 2019

President Alex Marwick announced this morning that Lauchenoiria intends to extradite notorious serial killer Jasmine Eddington to the Matriarchy of Kerlile – however, Eddington is allowed to appeal the decision. This is expected to prolong the debate surrounding extradition to Kerlile, an issue recently brought up 14 days ago when Eddington escaped during a routine prison transfer and fled across the border to Lauchenoiria.

Lauchenoirian extradition law was amended by Parliament on Thursday to end the blanket ban on extraditions to Kerlile, and other countries which use the death penalty. Exceptions to the ban may now be made for individuals who committed violent crimes and are over 21, provided that their country of origin gives Lauchenoiria assurances that they will not be executed. This change was met with mixed reception.

Eddington was found guilty in 2009 of the murder of 13 adolescent boys, and the kidnapping of one further boy. The murders were carried out between 2006 and 2009, and Eddington published a ‘manifesto’ claiming she was ‘punishing’ males for the ‘sins of their gender’, and that the Goddess, a deity worshipped in Kerlile, would reward her. She was sentenced to life in prison in Kerlile.

Marwick said in a statement to press today: “This has been a difficult decision, especially given the history of relations with Kerlile, and our knowledge of how Kerlile generally treats their prisoners. In normal circumstances, I would not consider any extraditions to the Matriarchy. However, in the case of Jasmine Eddington, it is too dangerous to allow her to remain free in Lauchenoiria. After being given assurances that she will not be tortured or executed, the decision has been made to return her to Kerlile.”

Eddington will be allowed to appeal this decision, and is expected to do so. It is uncertain whether or not a Lauchenoiria court will uphold the decision, given the complexities of Lauchenoirian extradition law and the nature of human rights in Kerlile. If Eddington is extradited, it will be the first extradition to Kerlile in Lauchenoirian history. Eddington is expected to remain in Lauchenoirian custody while hearings take place.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Alvarez accuses Doberman of ‘hypocrisy’ after Kerlile comments
6th August 2019

Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez has accused controversial far-right leader Paul Doberman of ‘hypocrisy’ after he claimed she had been influenced by Councillor Jennifer Hale of Kerlile into changing Lauchenoirian extradition law. Doberman had previously expressed support for the extradition of Jasmine Eddington, the case which sparked the change.

Jasmine Eddington, a notorious Kerlian serial killer, escaped Kerlian custody during a routine prison transfer and fled across the border to Lauchenoiria. She was found guilty in 2009 of the murder of 13 adolescent boys and one kidnapping. She believes she was ‘punishing’ the male gender for their ‘sins’, and that she would be rewarded by the Goddess, a deity worshipped in Kerlile. She has been in Lauchenoirian custody since then.

Parliament passed a bill on the 1st August which allows Lauchenoiria to extradite individuals to Kerlile in certain circumstances, ending the blanket ban on extraditions to Kerlile and other countries which use the death penalty. Following passage of the bill, President Marwick announced that Lauchenoiria intended to extradite Eddington. She is currently in the process of appealing this decision. The bill passed only a day after a phone call between Alvarez and Councillor Hale.

Alvarez and Hale are still legally married, though it is expected that Alvarez will soon seek a divorce. The two were married when Hale was using the identity Sonja Viratnen and living in Lauchenoiria. Her true identity was revealed almost exactly a year ago, during the Kerlian attack on the city of Usera during the civil war. Alvarez has insisted that she did not know Hale’s true identity until this point.

In a speech in Parliament, Doberman, a Lauchenoiria First MP, said: “we all hear from Alvarez no, we will never extradite to Kerlile, then suddenly she’s on the phone with Hale and the next morning she’s saying something different. Alvarez is as much a puppet of Kerlile as Clarke was. We have to do something to end the Kerlian influence in this nation – we can no longer allow this to happen or soon we’ll end up as oppressed as Kerlians.”

Doberman continued, accusing Alvarez of setting Lauchenoiria down a ‘slippery slope’: “What next? First up it’s a Kerlian serial killer, and then suddenly we’re doing everything any crackpot dictator asks of us. Those Xiomeran journalists should be worried – soon Alvarez and her Kerlian chums will be sending them to their deaths. Kerlile has invaded us by stealth – again. I’m surprised the Sanctarians haven’t done anything about it, cause this is surely a threat to the peace!”

Alvarez responded to the accusations, saying: “Councillor Jennifer Hale and I are no longer in a relationship, we haven’t been for a year. She holds no influence on me, and the extradition bill had nothing to do with her. I find it ironic that Mr Doberman is now claiming that the extradition changes are a Kerlian plot, given that previously he spoke in support of the extradition of Eddington, calling her a danger to the Lauchenoirian people.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Shuell requests extradition of aid worker
6th August 2019

The Incorporated States of Shuell has requested the extradition of Peter Bloch, an aid worker who has requested asylum in Lauchenoiria. Shuell is the third autocracy in recent weeks to request an extradition. This comes shortly after the passage of a bill in parliament which permits extraditions to countries which use the death penalty in specific circumstances.

Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía responded to the request, stating that: “the Federation of Lauchenoiria takes all asylum claims seriously. We intend to investigate the claim of the Shuellian national Peter Bloch thoroughly. We kindly request that the government of Shuell remain patient while we consider this request.”

Shuell has been providing Lauchenoiria with aid since February, helping to rebuild Lauchenoiria after the war and to feed individuals who lost their homes and livelihoods in southern Lauchenoiria. President Alex Marwick today praised Shuell’s involvement, stating that “Shuell has helped Lauchenoiria to rebuild, and we must consider that. However, we need to give due consideration to Peter Bloch’s claims”.

This comes shortly after the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera requested the extradition of two journalists wanted for broadcasting subversive messages, which was refused by the government. The two Xiomerans were part of a media outlet banned in Xiomera. Lauchenoiria refused the extraditions, calling them ‘political’. Xiomera also requested extraditions from Laeral and Zamastan. Zamastan has since imposed sanctions on Xiomera in what some are calling the beginning of a trade war.

Lauchenoiria is also considering extraditing notorious serial killer Jasmine Eddington to the Matriarchy of Kerlile. Eddington escaped to Lauchenoiria just over two weeks ago and is currently in Lauchenoirian custody, awaiting the result of her appeal of President Marwick’s decision to extradite her.

The Shuellian request is certain to cause controversy across Lauchenoiria, due to the mixed opinions of Shuell in the country. While many, especially communists, strongly dislike Shuell, many Lauchenoirians are very supportive of the Shuellian aid provision in the country, particularly in the south and on Aeluria. Many Lauchenoirians are also set to head to Shuell for the IDU Olympics which will be starting soon.

It is unknown when the government will respond to the Shuellian request – nor when the final decision on the Eddington case will be made. If either extradition goes ahead, it will be the first extradition to a country which has the death penalty since 1993.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: Lauchenoiria refuses asylum claim of Shuellian national
7th August 2019

The Federation of Lauchenoiria has today rejected a claim for asylum made by Shuellian national Peter Bloch following his fast-tracked initial interview. Immigration officials deemed Bloch ineligible for refugee status. The asylum interview was unconnected to Shuell’s request for extradition, which in light of the refusal, will need to be considered separately.

Peter Bloch was in Lauchenoiria as an aid worker, providing food and assistance to people in southern Lauchenoiria who had lost their homes and livelihoods during last year’s civil war. Shuell began providing Lauchenoiria with aid in February, and was the first country to do so, with Zamastan and Laeral following. Southern Lauchenoirian communities have called Shuellian aid ‘instrumental’ in ensuring their survival and helping with rebuilding after the war. Shuell was not involved in the war.

Shuell has requested the extradition of Mr. Bloch, a request which will now be considered following the rejection of his asylum claim. A taskforce has been set up by President Marwick to examine Bloch’s case, along with those of Kerlian Jasmine Eddington and two Xiomeran journalists in light of a wave of extradition requests, dubbed the ‘extradition crisis’ by media. Shuell has accused Mr. Bloch of ‘terrorism, sparking a manhunt, resisting arrest and subversive behaviour.’

Following the passage of the Extraditions Act (2019) last week, individuals may be extradited to countries which use capital punishment provided they are over 21, have committed a violent offence, and the country they are being extradited to has given Lauchenoiria assurances that the individual will not be executed. Prior to the passage of this Act, extraditing to countries with the death penalty was illegal under Lauchenoirian law.

The cases of Peter Bloch, Jasmine Eddington, and the two Xiomerans are all expected to be reviewed by the new task force. This will come as unwelcome news to the two Xiomerans, as Xiomera’s request for extradition was originally rejected outright by the Lauchenoirian government. It is expected that the task force will work quickly to arrive at decisions, in order to avoid any international incidents.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: taskforce moves cases forward of Shuellian, Xiomerans
8th August 2019

The extradition taskforce formed by President Alex Marwick to examine the recent requests for extraditions by Xiomera, Kerlile and Shuell has concluded that all cases warrant further examination. Initial reports suggested the two Xiomeran cases would be removed from consideration immediately, however following an attack on the Xiomeran Embassy by the two individuals, it is being reconsidered.

The ‘extradition crisis’ began when the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera requested the extradition of a number of journalists; 5 from Laeral, 4 from Zamastan and 2 from Lauchenoiria. The dispute between Xiomera and Zamastan on the issue has now morphed into what some are calling the early stages of a trade war. President Marwick initially rejected the extradition of the two Xiomerans in Lauchenoiria: Tlixō and Xōne.

Only a few days later, the Matriarchy of Kerlile requested the extradition of Jasmine Eddington, a notorious serial killer who managed to escape during a routine prison transfer, and fled across the border to Lauchenoiria. The Eddington case generated large amounts of controversy and was responsible for the rushed passage of the Extraditions Act (2019), aiming to change the law forbidding extraditions to Kerlile, and other nations which use the death penalty.

The crisis had shown signs of slowing down when the Incorporated States of Shuell submitted a request for the extradition of Peter Bloch, a Shuellian aid worker accused of terrorism who abandoned his post and attempted to seek asylum in Lauchenoiria. The asylum claim was rejected at an initial interview, with immigration officials stating that Bloch was not eligible for refugee status.

In the early hours of this morning, the two Xiomeran journalists attacked the Xiomeran Embassy in Buttercity, which prompted a re-evaluation of their cases. A spokesperson for the task force said: “before this morning, there was no evidence that these two had committed a violent crime. However, in light of this attack, we must review the evidence. A decision will be made as soon as possible. In the meantime, the two individuals will be kept under surveillance.”

The Eddington appeal is ongoing in court – the case being complicated by Kerlile’s widespread use of torture. While Kerlile has insisted they will not execute Eddington if returned, the Lauchenoirian judge will have to be convinced that the Matriarchy will not in any way torture or mistreat Eddington before her extradition can be approved. Small protests have been taking place outside the court calling for her immediate extradition.

President Marwick today released a statement on his intention to extradite Shuellian citizen Peter Bloch, stating: “After reviewing the Bloch case, it is clear that this individual is more dangerous than initially thought. Having spoken with the Shuellians, it has become clear that the extradition of Mr. Bloch is a necessity.” It is thought that Marwick has information on the Bloch case that is not publicly available.

An appeal by Peter Bloch is due to be heard in court tomorrow, although the appeal is expected to happen quickly. A spokesperson for the taskforce called the Bloch case a “national security issue”, however refused to elaborate. It is unknown what terrorist offences Mr. Bloch is said to have committed or what danger he poses to Lauchenoiria.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Alvarez urges ‘trade war’ countries to seek solution quickly
8th August 2019

Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez has urged four nations currently involved in trade disputes to “seek a peaceful and prompt solution” before the economic damage spreads across the IDU. Zamastan, Xiomera, Kerlile and Trive are presently locked in a battle of increasing sanctions and trade embargoes, which began following a request by Xiomera to Zamastan, asking them, along with Laeral and Lauchenoiria, to extradite four dissident journalists.

The dispute began after President Anya Bishop of Zamastan denounced Xiomeran censorship and placed sanctions on the nation, saying: “We stand against the Emperor’s efforts to undermine democracy and the truth, which we here in Zamastan will continue to and always have supported unconditionally.” The initial sanctions targeted luxury products and food.

This led to anti-Zamastan protests in Xiomera, which led to Zamastan threatening to devalue their currency. The dispute escalated after Kerlile joined Xiomera in sanctioning Zamastan in return, following discussions of a deal between the two authoritarian states. Zamastan in turn sanctioned Kerlile. Trive was also dragged into the dispute after they hacked the Kerlian broadcasting system, in what has been widely condemned as an attack on Kerlian sovereignty.

The ambassadors to Sanctaria from the four involved nations were summoned to a meeting with Sanctarian Trade Secretary, Julia Griffin, this morning, in which they were told to “get [their] act together”. Griffin also said that she “urged the nations to come together under a mediator to resolve the trade issues before they escalate further.”

Prime Minister Alvarez commented on the dispute today, saying: “I hope this dispute will be resolved before it has a detrimental effect on the world economy. It is not my place to assign blame in this scenario, and I hope that all the parties involved can come together, discuss their issues and find a better way to resolve this than ever-increasing sanctions, and attacks on the sovereignty of other nations.”

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: Marwick under fire for decision on Shuellian
8th August 2019

President Alex Marwick has been heavily criticised for his decision to extradite Shuellian national Peter Bloch both at home and abroad. Critics of his decision include Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry, along with the leaders of the Green Party, Communist Party, and the Left Alliance in Lauchenoiria. Prime Minister Alvarez has also denied any involvement in the decision-making process.

In what came as a surprise to many, Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry waded in on the issue this evening, criticising Marwick’s decision, saying: “I’m deeply surprised that Lauchenoiria, not yet finished rebuilding from its own divisive civil war, is bending its knee to authoritarian regimes. Frankly, it doesn’t bode well for the future.”

Hendry went on to confirm that the reason for Sanctaria’s boycott of the Olympics was Shuell’s dictatorial regime, and say she was ‘disappointed’ in both Alvarez and Marwick for the decision. She also mentioned the money being spent on Lauchenoiria by Sanctaria after the war, saying: “both I and my cabinet are concerned that Sanctarian pounds are being funnelled into Lauchenoiria and instead of helping re-establish strong democracy, those monies are being used to transport prisoners to their death.”

The statements by Hendry have concerned many in Lauchenoiria, who were already sceptical of Marwick’s decision to extradite Bloch. Prime Minister Alvarez shocked the nation by announcing a U-turn shortly after Hendry’s speech on her support of Marwick’s choice, saying: “after careful reconsideration, I can no longer in good conscience support President Marwick’s decision to extradite Mr. Bloch.”

She continued, discussing the aid provided by Shuell: “My predecessor, Keitha Noguera, made the choice to allow Shuellian aid workers into the country. While Shuell has done good work, they must understand that this does not allow them to put pressure on us. Lauchenoiria is in the process of rebuilding our democracy, and we cannot have dictatorial regimes attempting to intervene in our affairs.”

This is the first public argument between President Marwick and Prime Minister Alvarez since both took office. Alvarez’s statement attracted controversy almost immediately, with many taking to social media to voice their support or opposition. Green Party leader Lucie Scott posted on social media: “I am glad to see Alvarez has come to her senses and has decided to stand up to the Shuellian dictatorship.”

However, not all are pleased with Alvarez’s statement, with her Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Averforth, leader of the Lauchenoirian Conservative Party, voicing support for the President’s decision. “President Marwick has made the choice to protect Lauchenoirian citizens from a dangerous terrorist and a dangerous serial killer,” he said, referencing the case of Kerlian citizen Jasmine Eddington. “Alvarez should be supporting him, not denouncing him just to score points with the Sanctarians.”

President Marwick made a speech from Fleura House this evening, attempting to address the concerns of Hendry and Alvarez. “My decision was based on information that suggests that Peter Bloch would be a danger to Lauchenoiria. Shuell has given me assurances that Mr. Bloch will not be executed, and I believe they are being truthful.”

He continued: “While Prime Minister Alvarez and I will not always agree on everything, we will continue to work together for Lauchenoiria. We are believers in free speech in Lauchenoiria. I respect Alvarez’s right to her opinion on this matter. I am sure that despite this disagreement the Lauchenoirian government is united in what truly matters: moving forward as one country following the war.”

An appeal is set to be heard in the Bloch case in court tomorrow. If the extradition is deemed legal, Bloch will be the first person to be extradited from Lauchenoiria to a country which uses the death penalty since the end of the communist dictatorship in 1993. It is uncertain whether or not the court will uphold Marwick’s decision.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: Bloch appeal hearing begins, Xiomeran cases dropped
9th August 2019

A Lauchenoirian court is today hearing the appeal of Shuellian national Peter Bloch following a decision to extradite him by President Marwick. Marwick’s decision has sparked controversy, with even Prime Minister Alvarez attempting to distance herself from it. If Bloch, who is accused of terrorism, is extradited he will be the first individual extradited from Lauchenoiria to a country with the death penalty since 1993 – though the Shuellians have given assurances he is not to be executed.

The Bloch case is part of a trio of cases which have been dubbed the ‘extradition crisis’ by social media. The other cases include those of Kerlian serial killer Jasmine Eddington, who escaped across the border several weeks ago; and two Xiomeran journalists, Tlixō and Xōne, who are wanted for treason. Eddington, responsible for the deaths of 13 adolescent boys in Kerlile, was the cause of the rushed passage of the Extraditions Act (2019) through parliament, granting the president powers to extradite to countries which use capital punishment in select circumstances.

President Marwick set up a taskforce to examine the extradition cases in full detail following the request by Shuell. The taskforce has today advised that extradition be refused in the cases of the two Xiomerans – only a day after recommending that the Shuellian case be considered. A spokesperson for the taskforce told the Lauchenoirian Guardian that: “there is no evidence that the Xiomerans committed any violent crimes in Xiomera, and we have not received assurances that they would not be executed.”

This will come as a relief to the two Xiomerans and to their supporters. Following an attack on the Xiomeran Embassy yesterday morning, they have been under surveillance by the Lauchenoirian authorities. Xiomera had added charges of terrorism to the warrants following this, which had led some to believe that they would be eligible for extradition under the new Act – which allows for extradition in cases where an individual is over 21, guilty of a violent crime and where Lauchenoiria has received assurances they would not be executed. However, the taskforce confirmed that the attack was under Lauchenoirian jurisdiction.

Peter Bloch, a Shuellian national, appeared in court appealing the decision to extradite. Bloch was an aid worker who had come to Lauchenoiria as part of an effort to help Lauchenoirians in areas which were devastated during last year’s war. Shuell has been a large provider of aid to Lauchenoiria post-war, after having been invited into the country by former Prime Minister Keitha Noguera. Bloch later attempted to claim asylum in Lauchenoiria – though this claim was rejected when immigration officials decided he was ineligible for refugee status.

The result of Bloch’s appeal will likely be announced on Monday. If it is successful, he will remain in Lauchenoiria. If not, he will be extradited to Shuell – the first extradition to the country from Lauchenoiria in history.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Extradition crisis: protests in Buttercity as decision on Shuellian finalised
12th August 2019

Protests are taking place in Buttercity following the rejection of an appeal by Shuellian national Peter Bloch against his extradition by a Lauchenoirian judge. Bloch, accused of a variety of crimes including terrorism in his native Shuell, will be the first person since 1993 to be extradited from Lauchenoira to a country which uses the death penalty - though Shuell has given assurances that Bloch will not be executed.

Peter Bloch came to Lauchenoiria as part of an effort by Shuell to provide aid to war-torn communities in southern Lauchenoiria, after Shuell was invited to send aid to the country by then-Prime Minister Keitha Noguera. This move has since courted controversy, with many raising concerns about human rights in Shuell. Bloch attempted to claim asylum in Lauchenoiria last week, however his claim was rejected during his initial interview by immigration officials, who said he was ineligible for refugee status.

The request for the extradition of Mr. Bloch by Shuell came shortly after two other extradition requests. The first came from the Huenyan Empire of Xiomera, for two journalists wanted for running a pirate media operation, and then later one from the Matriarchy of Kerlile in the case of Jasmine Eddington, notorious serial killer who escaped across the border over two weeks ago. The Xiomeran case was rejected on the grounds that the individuals had not committed a violent crime in Lauchenoiria. Eddington is presently appealing her extradition.

President Marwick decided to extradite Mr. Bloch last week - a decision which has caused controversy across the IDU. Prime Minister Alvarez, who initially supported the decision later criticised Marwick. Alvarez's u-turn came after Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry criticised the pair, which is thought to have factored in to Alvarez's position. There has also been protests across Lauchenoiria against Marwick in light of the decision. These have increased since the announcement of the failed appeal this morning.

Bloch had appealed the decision of President Marwick to extradite him to Shuell, and his case was heard by a Lauchenoirian court on Friday. This morning, the judge announced that the appeal had been rejected. Protestors later accused the judge of being "politically motivated", and of aiming only to please Shuell in exchange for their aid. A spokesperson for the Lauchenoirian government later released a statement saying "the Lauchenoirian judiciary is independent, the government had no role in this verdict."

The extradition of Peter Bloch is expected to take place tomorrow, although further details are being kept private for reasons of national security.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Green leader Lucie Scott calls for investigation into extradition taskforce
13th August 2019

Lucie Scott, leader of the Green Party, has called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the extradition taskforce set up by President Alex Marwick to handle requests for extraditions from countries which use capital punishment. The task force was set up following a change to extradition law permitting extraditions to nations which have the death penalty in select circumstances. This itself followed requests from three nations: Shuell, Xiomera and Kerlile.

Speaking at an event in support of sustainable construction, Scott was asked her opinion on the recent decision to extradite Shuellian national Peter Bloch. Mr. Bloch was an aid worker who came to Lauchenoiria as part of an effort by Shuell to provide aid to war-torn communities in southern Lauchenoiria. He is now presently on a plane to Shuell after having been extradited following a failed appeal against President Marwick’s decision.

“President Marwick has a lot of questions to answer about this decision,” said Scott. “Whatever fate awaits Mr. Bloch in Shuell is bound to be unpleasant, and Marwick is responsible for condemning him to that. I am very disappointed in him. I expected better, and all of Lauchenoiria expected better from a man whose entire platform was based on respecting democracy and listening to the will of the people.”

She continued: “The people of Lauchenoiria did not support this extradition, that is clear from the volume of protests we are seeing across the country. President Marwick has been in the job a month, and already he is going back on his promises. There must be an investigation into his conduct in this matter; into the conduct of this ‘extradition taskforce’ set up by Marwick which seems to unquestioningly follow his orders rather than investigating anything; and into the conduct of the judge who rejected Bloch’s appeal.”

Protests against the extradition of Mr. Bloch took place today in Buttercity, Annatown and Summersea, with several individuals arrested for trespassing at Annatown International Airport after information was posted online claiming Bloch would be extradited from there. This information was later found to be false. Protestors are calling for the new extradition law to be scrapped and for Lauchenoiria to go back to refusing all extraditions to nations which use capital punishment.

In a likely response to the extradition decision, Sanctaria has announced that they will be significantly reducing their peacekeeping presence along the Lauchenoiria-Kerlile border “effective immediately”. Sanctarian Chancellor Charlene Hendry had cautioned Lauchenoiria against extraditing Bloch last week. This decision will come as a disappointment to communities near the border who fear Kerlian incursions, however was welcomed by controversial far-right leader of Lauchenoiria First, Paul Doberman, who has opposed Sanctarian presence in Lauchenoiria before.

A decision has yet to be made in the case of Jasmine Eddington, a notorious Kerlian serial killer who escaped across the border to Lauchenoiria during a routine prison transfer. She has been in Lauchenoirian custody since then. President Marwick announced following the passage of the Extraditions Act 2019 that she would be extradited; however, she is presently appealing the decision.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Jasmine Eddington to be released after successful appeal
14th August 2019

Kerlian serial killer Jasmine Eddington is to be released from Lauchenoirian custody following a successful appeal against her extradition. The controversial decision comes only days after Shuellian national Peter Bloch was extradited, the first extradition to a country which uses the death penalty since 1993. There has been speculation that this decision is related to the backlash over the Bloch extradition.

The judge refused to uphold President Marwick’s decision to extradite Eddington on the grounds that “the Matriarchy of Kerlile is known for its widespread use of torture against prisoners. Multiple reports suggest that any Kerlian who attempts to leave the country is subjected to torture should they ever return. Therefore, it is likely that, should she be returned, Jasmine Eddington would also be subjected to torture, despite the assurances of the Council of Kerlile, who are not known for keeping their word.”

The decision has sent waves of fear through the Kerlian refugee community in Lauchenoiria, who fear that Eddington, who was responsible for the deaths of 13 adolescent boys in Kerlile between 2006 and 2009, will kill again. Eddington published a manifesto claiming she intended to kill 16 boys, one from each of Kerlile’s regions, as a “punishment for the sins of the male gender”. Many people fear she will try to complete that aim.

Yasmin Lee, who runs a network of support groups for Kerlian refugees, told the Lauchenoirian Guardian: “we are receiving back to back phone calls, and in-person visits from the parents of teenage boys who were born in Kerlile. Everyone is worried that their son is going to be Eddington’s next victim. How can they decide to extradite that Shuellian and yet put lives at risk by releasing this dangerous criminal?”

Controversial far-right leader of Lauchenoiria First, Paul Doberman, during a speech to supporters in Elopolis, said: “none of this would happen if we didn’t keep letting Kerlians cross the border. We need to start saying no! Kerlians are dangerous, they have proven that they want to take over our country. We need more border guards, more funding, and we need to stop people illegally entering our country!”

The new extradition legislation which permits extraditions to countries with the death penalty in certain circumstances has come under fire this week, with calls to scrap the new legislation – which is only several weeks old. Green Party leader Lucie Scott, who called the Act “shameful” has called on the federal parliament to scrap the legislation before it can be “abused” again. She has also called for an independent investigation into President Marwick’s conduct on the extraditions issue.

President Marwick has yet to comment on the court’s decision. It is expected that Eddington will be released later today.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Eddington to be extradited to Sanctaria
15th August 2019

Kerlian serial killer Jasmine Eddington is to be extradited to Sanctaria, the government announced this morning. A judge yesterday refused to extradite Eddington to Kerlile as there was a strong possibility she would be subjected to torture. Sanctaria requested Eddington’s extradition after Lauchenoiria refused to extradite her to Kerlile, on the grounds that one of her victims was of Sanctarian descent.

Eddington was convicted of the murder of 13 adolescent boys and the kidnapping of one further boy in 2009 in Kerlile. She was sentenced to life in prison for the crimes, which took place between 2006 and 2009. She escaped across the Lauchenoirian border over three weeks ago after escaping during a routine prison transfer.

Since Sanctaria does not have the death penalty, there are few barriers in the way of extraditing Eddington, unlike in the case of Kerlile. Eddington is expected to be extradited almost immediately. It is a scenario that the majority of people are accepting of - even north of the border in Kerlile. President Rebecca Arnott of Kerlile said she would “rather see Eddington in a Sanctarian prison than free”.

A source close to Prime Minister Alvarez, speaking on condition of anonymity, reports that Alvarez was “incredibly relieved” to receive the Sanctarian request. “It was a no-win scenario before: either we sent Eddington off to be tortured or we let a serial killer loose on the population. This provided a third option, one with the Prime Minister was all too willing to take. She made the decision almost immediately.”

This will also be seen in Buttercity as a way to begin mending relations with Sanctaria, who were disappointed in the Lauchenoirian government’s decision to extradite Shuellian national Peter Bloch. Sanctaria responded to Lauchenoiria’s controversial decision on Bloch, taken against Sanctarian advice, by withdrawing peacekeeping troops from the Lauchenoiria-Kerlile border. It is hoped by the Alvarez administration that this decision will help make up for the Bloch affair.

[Lauchenoiria]

Lauchenoirian Guardian

Aelurian parents fined for illegal homeschooling
15th August 2019

Two parents have been fined 10,000 Gold Cookies each for illegally home-schooling their three children on Aeluria. The couple were arrested in April after their 11-year-old daughter attempted to run away from home and was found in the woods by a farmer. The couple have three children, aged 5, 7 and 11. Until their parents’ arrest, the children had never attended school.

The couple were devout Lurites, and had chosen to home-school their children for religious reasons – however, home-schooling is legal in Lauchenoiria only with a permit, and permits will not be granted for religious reasons. Religious schooling is currently banned in Lauchenoiria, however there is presently a bill in the federal parliament which aims to make private religious schools legal.

Aeluria has long campaigned for religious schooling to be legal. It was outlawed under the previous constitution, however with the passage of a new constitution it is possible that this will change. Under the new constitution, state-funded schools will still be required to be secular, however private religious schools may be created. However, while this policy is popular on Aeluria, the rest of Lauchenoiria are generally opposed.

Home-schooling permits are generally only granted if: the child lives over two hours travel time from the nearest school, the child has a disability which makes attending school difficult or detrimental to their health, or the child has had proven adverse experiences in school which would make it damaging for them to continue to attend.

The children have been living with a foster family since April. The parents have been denied custody of the children as a result of the conviction. The children are expected to remain in care, as their extended family are supportive of their parents’ religious views. The parents, who cannot be named for legal reasons, declined to comment on their conviction.