New Zealand rejects WWII comfort women statue after Japan protest
Plans to erect a statue in Auckland symbolising the so-called comfort women, who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two, have been rejected.The bronze statue, depicting a girl seated next to an empty chair, was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, a non-governmental group advocating against military sexual slavery.The Japanese embassy warned that installing the statue in a public garden could significantly impact diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan.The proposal was ultimately voted down by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board following public consultation that showed a lack of community support.More than 200,000 women... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 28 Apr 2026 10:31 LONDON
Family of murdered toddler James Bulger recover items from vandalised grave
The family of James Bulger have recovered items stolen from his grave following vandalism incidents earlier this year.Two cherub statues next to Bulger's grave in Kirkdale Cemetery were damaged twice within six weeks, once in February and again in April 2026.A 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage in connection with the incidents.Following a tip-off, the family found the two vandalised cherub heads, the original sleeping cherub statue, and several other items taken from the grave.Police have also seized items from other graves and intend to return them to the affected families.Denise Fergus, James... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 25 Apr 2026 13:31 LONDON
Statue of Monty Python's Terry Jones to be unveiled in Wales
A life-sized bronze statue of Terry Jones, famed member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python, is set to be unveiled this weekend in Colwyn Bay, Wales, his birthplace.The statue depicts Jones as the 'nude organist,' a character he portrayed in Monty Python's Flying Circus TV show.Jones passed away in 2020 at the age of 77 from a rare form of dementia.The statue was funded through a global fundraising campaign that reached its £120,000 target within six months, supported by fellow Monty Python members and various celebrities.Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, surviving members of Monty Python, will attend the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 25 Apr 2026 08:01 LONDON
Israeli army jails two soldiers for smashing head of Jesus statue in southern Lebanon
Two Israeli soldiers have been jailed for destroying the head of a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon.The incident took place amid the ongoing Israeli military presence in the region.The Israeli army condemned the act and took disciplinary action by imprisoning the soldiers involved.No casualties or further disruptions have been reported in connection with the incident.This event highlights issues of military discipline and religious sensitivities in a conflict zone.The Israeli army's response underscores its stance on maintaining order and respect for religious symbols during operations.It remains unclear what further measures, if any, will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 Apr 2026 22:03 LONDON
Two Israeli soldiers jailed for vandalising Jesus statue in southern Lebanon
Two Israeli soldiers have been sentenced to 30 days of military detention and removed from combat duty after one smashed the head of a statue of Jesus Christ in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel.The other soldier filmed the act, which was widely condemned.The Israeli military confirmed the disciplinary action on Tuesday following an investigation prompted by a photo circulating on social media showing the vandalism.The statue had fallen from its cross before being struck with a sledgehammer.In addition to the two soldiers directly involved, six other soldiers who were present but did... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 Apr 2026 17:33 LONDON
