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While fans reel in shock from the European champions 0-1 defeat by Switzerland last night, chain store Target has caused consternation of another kind amongst soccer supporters with its kid’s World Cup theme t-shirts. The Spain t-shirt depicts a pre-democratic flag, symbol of the Franco regime, which is banned in Spain.

According to Noticias de Navarra, the t-shirts went on sale at the end May from target.com, with around 700 sold before the items recent withdrawal from online sale. Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas apologized for the mistake, claiming that the t-shirts were not Target’s own-brand, but were sold “exclusively” in their stores. Target has said it will refund the full value of the badly researched t-shirt to anyone who purchased one.

El País reports that High Court judge Baltasar Garzón will be suspended indefinitely, for his part in investigating crimes against humanity during the Franco era in Spain. He departed from the court at 2pm on May 13th, surrounded by tearful colleagues and supporters, some chanting ‘Garzón, stay calm, the people are with you.’ The government stated their support of the decision by the courts, with Vice President María Teresa Fernández de la Vega commenting that ‘the process is not over,’ and that the ‘presumption of innocence’ should be respected in regard to Garzón.

On Wednesday, president of the Board of Judicial Power, Carlos Dívar officially announced a permanent commission to deal with reports in support of sending Garzón to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. However, with the suspension in place it remains to be seen if this can go ahead. Today, the prosecutor of the Court of Justice, Luis Moreno Ocampo sent a report requesting Garzón’s presence as an outside assessor of the court and as an international expert on human rights.

Garzón’s lawyer is challenging the legitimacy of the accusations made by the right wing trade union Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), who filed against Garzón for his alleged breach of Spain’s 1977 Amnesty Law that prevents the prosecution of crimes committed during and after the Spanish Civil War.

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• Judge Baltasar Garzón seeks leave of absence from Spanish court (guardian.co.uk)
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Spanish judge, Baltasar Garzón, faced the Supreme Court in Madrid again yesterday, accused of bribery and corruption, reports El Mundo.

The judge, who sits in Spain’s High Court, the Audiencia Nacional, is known for his investigation into crimes against humanity in the Spanish Civil War, ordering exhumations of mass graves of victims of the Franco regime and attempting to prosecute war criminals despite the amnesty granted to both sides in 1977. He has been accused of exceeding his power in relation to this campaign and faces a twenty year suspension if found guilty. Garzón first came to international attention when he issued an international arrest warrant for Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1998, but failed to have the dictator extradited to Spain to stand trial for his crimes against Spanish citizens.

However, the current proceedings involve payments allegedly made to Garzón by the then president of Banco Santander, Emilio Botín, in return for the judge’s archiving of a case taken against the bank. Garzón attended courses in New York University that were sponsored by the bank, and is accused of accepting $302,000 from the Santander group between 2005 and 2006.

Yesterday in Madrid, over 200 people came out into the streets in support of Garzón. Many famous Spaniards, including actresses Pilar Bardem and Marisa Paredes Supporters held placards bearing messages such as ‘Universal justice, more judges like Garzón’ outside the High Court, while chants of ‘Garzón, friend, the people are with you’ filled the air. Meanwhile, in Chile, Isabel Allende, senator, author and daughter of former Chilean president Salvador Allende stated on behalf of her people; ‘we want to express all our support to someone who has been a bastion in the search for justice and in the respect of human rights around the world.’

Garzón faces a third lawsuit, in relation to the Gurtel case, involving the Partido Popular, the centre right opposition party in Spain. The judge is contesting evidence used in the case, retrieved from interviews between prisoners and counsel, which is normally inadmissible in court except for cases involving terrorism.

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• The dismal assault on Baltasar Garzón | Reed Brody (guardian.co.uk)
• Argentina Tries Probing Crimes of Fascist Spain (abcnews.go.com)
• Spanish Judge Indicted for Inquiry Into Franco-Era Abuses (nytimes.com)

International Solidarity Movement activist Ariadna Jové (26) was released on bail today by Israeli forces, after her arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning from her home near Ramala, reports El País.

Jové, from Barcelona, and her Australian colleague, Bridgitte Chappell, sat before the Supreme Court this morning, while the defence argued that their arrest was illegal. Jové stated: “Around 2.30 on Sunday the door opened and 15 or 20 soldiers entered, pointing their weapons at us.” The soldiers raided the apartment, taking a computer, pro-Palestinian banners, ISM volunteer membership forms, and then arrested the women on the pretext that their visas had expired and took them to the Oz Unit, which deals with illegal immigration. Another Czech activist and a U.S. journalist faced the court today, but were deported. Jové and Chappell are forbidden to enter occupied territory whilst out on bail, as the Israeli government has classified them as a threat to security.

According to El Mundo, an army spokesperson stated both women had been “involved in illegal disturbances that interfered with Israeli security.”  Jové has been living in the region since August 2009. The detainment of the two women flouted the terns of the Oslo Accords since the women were arrested by Israeli forces in a designated Palestinian zone of the West Bank. The Spanish government have formally requested an explanation for Jové’s arrest from the Israeli authorities.

The kitchen at El Bulli Image via Wikipedia

Spain’s most famous chef, Ferran Adriá, is to close his world famous El Bulli restaurant in 2012 and 2013, reports El País.

Adriá announced the closure at the Madrid Fusion Gastronomy Summit today, stating that in the current format, it would be “impossible to continue creating” in the three times Michelin starred restaurant. Adriá asked people not to speculate, and claimed the closure was to “normalise the lives” of the staff.

Located in Girona, on the Costa Brava, El Bulli opens its doors to the public from June to December, with tables allocated through a lottery system from the end of the previous season.

A press release elaborated that the two years off will be spent “analysing the know how, developments, techniques and styles of El Bulli after thirty years on its creative path, work that will see itself relected in an exhaustive and detailed encyclopedia.”

The team will work out of two “creative centres”, El Bulli Taller in central Barcelona, and the restaurant itself.

The 2010 season is to go ahead as planned, with the first diners booked in for 15th June.

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The Irish Times reports that Brian Lenihan, Ireland’s Minister for Finance, has said he will not resign from his post, despite starting his cancer treatment this week.

The news of his diagnosis was broken by TV3 on December 26th, forcing Mr Lenihan to make a full statement about his health on his return to work after the Christmas break. The TV station was widely criticised for airing confidential information about the Minister’s health. Lenihan issued a statement yesterday explaning; “during the week before Christmas, I underwent tests in hospital which identified a blockage at the entrance to my pancreas. A stent was inserted and the pancreas is now functioning normally. Cancerous tissue has been identified in the material that has caused the blockage.”

Lenihan begins a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy this week, but appeared upbeat before the media today, as he declared himself fit and well for work, stating; “my doctors have advised that I am fit to continue to fulfil my duties. If that position were to change in the course of my treatment, I would be the first to recognise it. At all times, I will act in the best interests of the country and in accordance with any medical advice received.”  However, he acknowledged the insensitive behaviour of TV3 and asked if “there was any real public interest served in disclosing it on St Stephen’s Day, as distinct from January 4th.” He summed up: “It is a bit like politics, the journalism, you know, the only rule appears to be that there are no rules.”

An outpouring of support for Lenihan has continued since December 26th, with thousands joining groups on Facebook to express their indignation at TV3 and extend their sympathies to the Minister. Lenihan does not intend to issue any further statements about his health as he implements the measures set out in December’s Budget.

Read the full statement by Brian Lenihan here.

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Wednesday saw the announcement of the new budget for 2010 by Ireland’s Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan. Although income taxes have remained static for most people, cuts across the board will squeeze a desperate ecomony further, as social welfare recipients and the lowest paid workers bear the brunt of a stringent budget. Mr Lenihan has fiercely defended his document in the media while opposition parties have been vocal in their criticisms. Sinn Féin’s leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghín O’Caoláin told RTÉ news that the budget was “written by people who are economically illiterate.”

The main cuts in public spending will come from public sector wages, with income levels dropping from 5% to 15% across the various salary grades. Even the lowest paid civil servants will face a cut, despite outcry within the unions and a national strike two weeks ago. Unions are calling for national stoppages early next year, with the possibility of police and teachers on the picket lines. SIPTU union leader Jack O’Connor stated in The Irish Independent, “it is open to us to name a day in February and say that’s the day we’re stopping and we won’t be starting again until there is some resolution one way or another.”

Government ministers have taken a further wage cut of 5 per cent, on top of the 10% decrease in April’s emergency budget, but have been criticised for protecting themselves while low income families suffer the effects. Fine Gael’s deputy leader and finance spokesperson, Richard Bruton, claimed that cuts were misleading, as they factored in a 10 per cent cut already announced in the last budget. Taoiseach Brian Cowen, formerly the fourth highest paid leader in the world is now going home with 20 per cent less of taxpayers money.

Social welfare has also taken a plunge, with €762 million axed from the budget and recipients under 66 facing a minimum 4 per cent cut. Brian Cowen described the cuts as “regrettable, but necessary.” Old age pensions have not been reduced, but young unemployed people aged 23 and 24 will lose €50 per week from their payment, while those aged 21 and 22 will see their welfare halved. This will undoubtedly increase emigration levels, as many graduates and unemployed young people leave Ireland for the UK, Australia and Canada. The legislation is being debated in the Dáil, with a vote likely to happen today. Labour leader Eamon Gilmore and other opposition figures claim that rushing the vote today is a matter of political convenience, so that backbenchers won’t rethink the measures over the weekend when they are back in their constituencies facing their voters. Lenihan claimed on RTÉ radio that, “this country could have become insolvent in the last year, and we all have to recognise that there was a 3.5 per cent increase in social welfare introduced by me last autumn, but the cost of living dropped by 6 cent in the meantime, so the real value of social welfare payments actually went up by almost 10 per cent.”

Child benefit has decreased, but not for those receiving social welfare. Many parents who can afford it save their child benefit money as a college fund for later years, but those on low incomes who really need the payments wil find it tough to rearrange their household budgets. Carers have also been hit, losing over €8 a week. The much vaunted carbon tax will come into play, at €15 a tonne. Petrol prices have increased by 4.2 cent per litre and diesel by almost 5 cent. Gas and home heating oil will increase in price from May 2010. €70 million has been allocated rfor flood protection after the recent disasters for homeowners and farmers in the west of the country. A car scrappage scheme has been reintroduced, offering €1,500 towards a new vehicle for cars over ten years old.

Alcohol excise duties have been reduced, in an effort to save jobs in the food and beverage industry, but little else has been enforced to boost employment. Up to 80,000 jobs will be supported through an Employment Subsidy Scheme and €900 million will be invested in 2010 to protect jobs and provide training. A further €200 million will be set aside for enterprise supports.

Various cuts in the health service are planned, with a 50 cent charge on every item prescribed, even for those with medical cards. Ireland’s super rich and tax exiles will face an annual €200,000 domicile levy for incomes exceeding €1 million.

The vote is due to take place at 6.30 pm.

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Trade unions are to meet with Government officials today to discuss how to reduce Ireland’s 1.3 billion euro public pay bill. Yesterday, over 250,000 public service employees went ahead with a one-day strike, in a backlash against probable pay cuts in the sector, reports The Irish Times.

The industrial action affected the entire country, with the exception of badly flooded areas. Social welfare payments to over 55,000 people were delayed due to the closure of offices around the country, and almost all government-run agencies, tourist attractions, and services were closed with thousands taking part in pickets. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan told the Irish parliament, the Dáil, that it was “not unreasonable” to seek cuts in public pay, reminding politicians that “public servants enjoy a job security and a guaranteed pension that is unique in the workforce at present. In that regard, their experience during this recession is far more benign than that of many in the private sector.”

Unions want a reform programme introduced that would avoid pay cuts, but significantly reduce employee numbers. Temporary measures are sought, to reduce the pay bill, however Impact union general secretary Peter McLoone admitted, “reforms were unlikely to deliver the necessary savings before 2011.” The bridging measures proposed include the introduction of flat rate overtime, rather than the customary time and a half, unpaid leave for employees, an 8am to 8pm workday which excludes overtime payments during these hours, no Christmas and Easter privilege days and a small number of additional hours work for staff. Another full day strike is planned for Thursday 3rd December if talks fail.

Irish soccer players and supporters were robbed of their chance to go to South Africa for next year’s World Cup, after a bitterly disappointing result in the Stade de France last night, says The Irish Times.

Ireland were leading 1-0 (1-1 on aggregate) after 90 minutes. However, during extra time French captain Thierry Henry handled the ball before a quick pass to William Gallas on the goal line, who knocked it past an outraged Shay Given to put France ahead. The Hand of God moment cancelled out Robbie Keane’s effortless first half goal and crushed Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for South Africa after coming second in their group to world champions Italy. Players Kevin Kilbane and Kevin Doyle laid the blame squarely on the officials, somewhat absolving Henry from his actions, both noting that any player would try and get away with what he had done. However, there is no doubt that Henry’s nice guy reputation will be marred by the incident as players and supporters are calling for retrospective punishment from FIFA.

Ireland outclassed France throughout the 90 minutes, despite some chances for the home side in the first half. An injury to Escude, caused by his own teammate and a few mistakes put the more experienced French team on edge, while the underdog Irish squad played an attacking game, outperforming themselves since their previous outing in Dublin last Saturday. France won 1-0 at Croke Park with a goal from Nicolas Anelka that took an unfortunate deflection off Ireland’s Sean St Ledger.

Robbie Keane spoke out against FIFA officials today, criticising FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini, saying: “they’re all probably clapping hands, Platini sitting up there on the phone to Sepp Blatter, probably texting each other, delighted with the result.”  The Irishman also commented on the introduction of seeded playoffs, a move seen as unfair by many to smaller footballing countries like Ireland. Keane said; “Germany had a chance of being in the (play-offs) as well. With two massive countries there’s no way in a million years is there going to be fair draw.”

Henry has admitted he handled the ball but reminded press and players that he “is not the referee.”

An angry Richard Dunne spoke to The Irish Times last night saying; “the goal should have been disallowed for two reasons; the linesman was in line and should have given them offside then the referee should have given a free out for the handball.We couldn’t believe he didn’t but when we chased after him he said that he was 100 per cent sure that he (Henry) hadn’t handled it. But then Henry came over to us himself and said he had. He said he hadn’t intended to, it had just happened. He’s admitted that he cheated and that we should have gone through. He didn’t apologise but he admitted it. What can you do, though? That’s the result now and they’ve gone through.” The incident has provoked calls for video referees to be used in football, similar to rugby and cricket. However, the decision of officials last night caused outrage amongst Irish fans, players and manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Speaking to RTÉ last night, Trapattoni was visibly angry but praised the efforts of his team, who surprised even Irish fans with their tour de force performance. Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and Liam Lawrence dominated the game, with John O’Shea winning the ball in open play to set up Duff’s perfect pass to Keane for an Irish goal after half an hour. O’Shea’s injury and substitution swung the balance in favour of the French, and along with the exit of Glenn Whelan from the pitch, the team was without two first choice penalty takers. However, Ireland never got to take the dreaded penalties, as the controversial French goal during extra time sealed their fate. Trapattoni’s assistant and former Ireland player Liam Brady called it “a bad night for football.” When asked if he thought Henry’s move constituted cheating he said; “I wouldn’t call it that, I couldn’t use that word, but when it comes to the crunch the big teams do always seem to get the decisions. They (FIFA) wanted Portugal and France in the World Cup when they made the draw last month and that’s what’s happened.”

Read more Irish reactions here.

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Basque terror suspect Arturo Villanueva Arteaga, was saved from extradition by a Belfast judge today, according to El País. Arteaga (33), who has been living and working in Northern Ireland is accused of membership of an ETA youth organisation, Jarrai, and will face terrorism charges if he returns to Spain. He fled to Ireland in 2007 before his trial came to court.

BBC reports detail Judge Thomas Burgess decree that the arrest warrant was “invalid,” since there was no concrete proof that Arteaga was actually a member of Jarrai. The article also quotes Arteaga as saying he always worked “politically, peacefully and publicly in defence of Basque youth rights and in defence of Basque national rights”. He told reporters outside the court that he disagreed with Spain’s handling of similar cases, saying; “not just myself, but many different lawyers and international bodies, year after year, have been calling attention to the Spanish authorities to improve on matters of human rights and judicial rights for any legal cases relating to the Basque conflict.” Arteaga runs a tourism business in Northern Ireland.

Another terror suspect living in Northern Ireland, Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, aka Iñaki de Juana Chaos, is awaiting the judges decision on his extradition. The fifty-four year old is wanted in Spain for glorifying terrorism, and could face two years in prison if extradited. He was imprisoned for 3000 years in 1987 for his involvement in 25 murders, but was released in 2008 and took up residence in Ireland at an address linked to Colombia Three member Jim Monaghan.

Read more here.