Hilverbode - News from North Diessen
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CONFEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOINS CASPIAN NATIONS IN SANCTIONING REITZMAG OVER ISLAND BUILDING
Het Goor, 3/3/21 -- Confederal President Inge Pekcan today announced sanctioning measures against the Kingdom of Reitzmag in a move mirroring those of other Caspian nations, including the United Duchies and Pravoslaviya. Nations on the Caspian have been sucked into a high-level feud with the Kingdom of Reitzmag over islands the Kingdom built in the middle of the Caspian Sea. Negotiations led by former Internal Affairs Commissioner Juncker proved fruitless as the Reitzmic delegation refused to accept that the destruction of the islands was the majority opinion.
President Pekcan announced the following measures, to go into effect on 8th March at midnight, the same time as other countries' measures come into force:
- A tripling of all tariffs on goods coming from and going to the Kingdom of Reitzmag from any Confederal territory;
- A complete travel ban for all Reitzmic citizens; Reitzmen already in the Confederacy will be told to report to local law enforcement;
- Seizing of economic and financial assets held by the government of Reitzmag in North Diessen. This is said to include several mining installations south of Het Goor as well as multiple off-shore bank accounts;
- A ban on any Reitzmic vessel entering Diessenian territorial waters. The Confederal government has announced it is seeking the help of the Empire of Inimicus in maintaining patrols along the coast.
President Pekcan commented: "These measures are tough, and especially so in the economic climate our nation finds itself in. We cannot afford to lose more trade, to turn away more skilled workers. But standing by idly would damage our sovereignty much, much more. We will apply for financial support from our friends and neighbours if it turns out these measures damage us significantly. Given that our trade with Reitzmag is limited, I do not expect them to."
Asked whether the formerly autonomous region of Copala City would be included in the sanctions, Pekcan confirmed: "We currently do not recognise Copala City as its own entity. It could, furthermore, act as a loophole through which Reitzmic authorities could funnel goods and services, avoiding tariffs. We are therefore resolute in applying these measures to all Reitzmic territories, including Copala City."
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PRESIDENT PEKCAN REFUSES ANTI-PIRACY CO-OPERATION -- CONSERVATIVE & NATIONAL WORKERS' PARTY VOW OPPOSITION
Het Goor, 22/9/2021 -- Confederal President Inge Pekcan confirmed this morning that North Diessenian naval and air forces will not be employed in co-operation with Reitzmic and Duchian anti-piracy efforts. President Pekcan, whose increasingly closer ties to the Empire of Inimicus have been the topic of growing speculation in recent months, resolved that Diessenian military units would co-operate with Reitzmag only "over my dead body", and claimed the newfound friendship between the United Duchies and the Kingdom of Reitzmag "undermines the terms of the Telum Treaty and puts us all at risk". Following her statement in the Grand National Assembly this morning, spokespeople from the largest opposition party, the Conservatives, accused Pekcan of alienating the Confederacy's allies and refusing to engage with a cross-national force for good.
"The President puts real Diessenian lives and livelihoods at risk, much as we have come to expect from her", said the Hon. Mehmed Tarkan, who leads the Opposition Alliance in Parliament. Mr Tarkan, whose party ally Erin Malih serves as State President of Reuland, North Diessen's most prosperous, eastern district, called upon State authorities to deploy law enforcement and paramilitary units to assist the Duchies-Reitzmag forces operating against pirates in the Caspian. While State President Malih of Reuland immediately answered this call, offering coastal patrol and helicopter units to the anti-piracy alliance, Hammikeln State President Simon Bracke, whose Social Democratic Appeal supports Confederal President Pekcan's government, condemned this call. "The power of deployment of North Diessenian military units rests solely with the Confederal government", a press release from the Hammikeln Presidency stated, "None of the three State Presidencies have any business making alliance or enemy with any foreign power; indeed, doing so can, and must, lead to removal of the State Presidential prerogative."
Moya Cerb, State President of Linnich, the southwestern Diessenian State, cautiously sided with the government, although no formal press releases have been issued from the Linnich State government.
Confederal President Inge Pekcan -
RIFT BETWEEN CONFEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND REULAND STATE ADMINISTRATION WIDENS OVER REITZMAG CO-OPERATION -- MALIH SUGGESTS SECESSION IF CRISIS LEFT UNRESOLVED
Goirke, 22/9/2021 -- State President of Reuland Erin Malih suggested this morning that Reuland could seek to secede from the Confederacy of North Diessen if the current power struggle is not resolved in her favour. Malih's statements follow yesterday's publication of Confederal President Inge Pekcan's refusal to co-operate with Duchian and Reitzmic military units combating piracy in the Caspian. Pekcan suggested the Duchies' new alliance with Reitzmag contravened the intentions of the Telum Treaty and put the integrity of North DIessen at risk. Malih, who leads the most prosperous DIessenian confederal subject, then offered State law enforcement and paramilitary units to the Duchies-Reitzmag coalition to assist.
Minister for National Defence (Bundesverteidigungsbeauftragte, Millî Savunma Bakanlığı) Ekrem Mueller, pictured, warned that any attempt on the side of Reuland's State Presidency to secede would directly contradict the Confederal Constitution and would lead to the active involvement of the Diessenian Defence Forces in Reuland. "Threatening to secede from the Confederal government cannot be a solution to any political conflict", Mueller stated in a Hilverbode interview this morning, "The Constitution provides the Confederal Government the powers to stop, by any means necessary, confederal subjects' intentions to secede from the Union without the consent of all other confederal states, the national government, and the Court of Cassation. If State President Malih does not cease these seditious intentions and withdraws her State law enforcement units from the sea, the Diessenian Defence Force will intervene."
Observers released photos on social media showing troop movements from military bases near the capital eastwards, into Reuland, amassing near the State capital of Goirke. Troop transports were met with shouts and resistance from the local population where confrontations ensued, with tomatoes, bricks, and pavement stones, being thrown at lorries and transportation vehicles. "These units have been moved purely as a precautionary measure", Mueller confirmed, "And have not been given orders to engage, move, or conduct any operation as yet." The Reuland State Government completely condemned what it called the "incursion" into its territory.
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REULAND STATE ADMINISTRATION DECLARES SUPERIORITY OF PROVINCE OVER CONFEDERACY -- STAND-OFFS IN MAJOR REULAND CITIES
Goirke, 13/10/2021 -- Several weeks after State President of Reuland Erin Malih suggested State law enforcement and paramilitary units could assist the Reitzmic-Duchian coalition combatting piracy in the Caspian Sea without consent of the Confederal government, Speaker of the Reuland Assembly Dale Wickam issued a motion declaring Reuland Assembly laws as "superior" to Confederal bills. Wickam's motion was passed unanimously by the Reuland Assembly this afternoon. "From passage of this Motion, the Reuland Assembly assumes, declares, and maintains, its laws in all legal ways superior to those laws passed by the Grand National Assembly of the Confederacy of North Diessen", part of the motion read. This declaration follows weeks of strife between the State government of Reuland and the Diessenian confederal administration, which has sent national military units to key sites in Reuland "as a precautionary measure".
The Court of Cassation in the Confederal Capital of Het Goor was swift to dismiss the Reuland Assembly motion as "unconstitutional, fallacious, and potentially illegal". Similarly, the office of Confederal President Inge Pekcan vowed "to retaliate with immediate effect", following which the Confederal Office for Prosecution issued arrest warrants for State President Malih, Assembly Speaker Wickam, and several other high-ranking Reuland officials. Minister for National Defence (Bundesverteidigungsbeauftragte, Millî Savunma Bakanlığı) Ekrem Mueller further announced the active deployment of the Diessenian Defence Force (DDF) in Reuland's state capital, Goirke, and declared that DDF's military police units would execute the issued arrest warrants.
This led to armed confrontations between Confederal and State law enforcement and paramilitary units. Thus far, Hilverbode has not received any reports of escalations, but none of the fugitive statespeople are reportedly under arrest, either. Footage posted on social media showed DDF units being blockaded from entering the State Chancellery in Goirke by Reuland Constabulary troops and rowdy masses; peculiarly, individuals in Inimician military uniform were seen behind Reuland Constabulary lines.
Confederal President Inge Pekcan called upon "all Reuland citizens faithful to the Confederacy" to take to the streets and confront "those traitors who would seek to tear our union apart". This call, described by many in the Grand National Assembly as an incitement to violence, led to several stand-offs between mobs armed with bottles, sticks, and parts of Reuland's pavements, and DDF forces.
President Pekcan also appealed to the Confederacy's foreign allies, including the Duxburian Union, Spain, and Inimicus, to send "whatever help you can spare to quash this open rebellion". She furhter accused the Kingdom of Reitzmag and the United Duchies of "wilfully undermining Diessenian stability", and warned them that "Diessen will emerge from this crisis stronger than you would ever have anticipated". No foreign administrations have reacted to developments so far.
In Danger? The Confederacy's Flag (left) was lowered from the Reuland State Assembly this morning, leaving only the Flag of Reuland (right) flying.
Crowds gathered in Reuland's State capital, Goirke, and confronted Diessen Defence Force order patrols.
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BREAKING: CAR BOMB DETONATES IN CONFEDERAL CAPITAL --//-- REPORTS OF ARMED CLASHES IN REULAND STATE
Investigators inspect the wreckage of the detonated car bomb outside Het Goor's government quarter.Reuland, 18 Oct 2021 -- Significant damage was done to buildings belonging to the Confederal Government in North Diessen's capital, Het Goor, by a car bomb that was detonated around 10am this morning. Preceding the detonation, messages were sent to all major Diessenian news networks, including De Hilverbode, linking the detonation to paramilitary organisations vowing independence for Reuland, the Diessenian state which has been at odds with the Confederal government for several weeks now. Initial reports suggest an undisclosed number of fatalities were caused by the blast, as well as several dozen wounded. Het Goor Fire and Rescue Commander Erik Sağın, however, was swift to reassure foreign administrations that "as far as we know, no foreign nationals were killed or injured in this morning's attack." It is thought Confederal President Inge Pekcan was not in her office at the time of the attack, having been called to the Emergency Action Room at an undisclosed location.
President Pekcan is likely to have descended into the Emergency Action Room due to worrying signals emerging from Reuland territory. Shortly after the car bomb detonated in Het Goor, reports of fighting around key buildings in the Reuland state capital, Goirke, were received. Speficially, Diessenian Defence Force (DDF) units stationed in the secessionist territory appear to have come under attack from Reuland's armed law enforcement agencies, as well as armed paramilitary groups. DDF spokespeople have so far refused to comment on events, however footage from social media shows Reuland State Police brigades exchanging shots with DDF units in front of the Reuland State administration building. "Unless the DDF succeeds in quashing this all-out revolt swiftly", comments De Hilverbode's Reuland editor Robert Karaca, "We may be headed for the most severe period of civil unrest in the Confederacy's long history."
Reuland's State Police is directly funded and commanded from Goirke.Minister for National Defence (Bundesverteidigungsbeauftragte, Millî Savunma Bakanlığı) Ekrem Mueller released a short statement this morning commenting on "disorder encountered by some, but not all, of the Defence Force units currently present in the territory of Reuland State." The Confederal Government therefore seems committed to downplaying this morning's events, although footage of DDF fighter jets taking off from bases in the other Confederal States and heading towards Reuland appears to contradict Minister Mueller's words. "At this time", Mueller's statement continues, "We must ask all good-natured Diessenians in Reuland, Het Goor, and the border regions between Reuland and Hammikeln and Linnich, to stay indoors for the time being. Do not leave your homes unless for essential business. Do not travel to work. I am, under the power vested in me by the Emergencies Act 2008, declaring a state of Martial Law in the State of Reuland. The rights to assembly is hereby suspended, and anyone found outside without proper justification may be arrested and confined."
In the absence of words from President Peckan, Mueller once again appealed to the Confederacy's allies for material and diplomatic assistance: "This is, without a doubt, the most severe crisis in the Confederacy's modern history. To all national governments which value proper rule of law, democracy, and peace, I appeal for help. We are in urgent need of manpower, material, and nutrition. Send whatever you can. The Confederacy is a peaceful nation, and has always worked constructively in the international community, giving where we can, assisting wherever possible. Now is the time for the international community to return the favour."
Minister for National Defence Ekrem Mueller -
INIMICIAN SOLDIERS TO COMBAT REULAND SEPARATISTS AS MORE BOMBS EXPLODE IN MAJOR CITIES
Three separate bombings occurred across the Confederacy overnight, the largest in Piushaove and Jerusalem, the capitals of Hammikeln and Linnich State, respectively.19th Oct 2021 == The Confederal Government in Het Goor announced this morning that military contingents from Inimicus's Imperial Armed Forces (hereafter IAF) have been deployed against increasingly worrying troop numbers in Reuland State. IAF forces crossed the border between Inimicus and North Diessen last night, 18th Oct, and have immediately begun securing key Diessenian sites against potential attack by separatists, and have begun an offensive against paramilitaries in the east of the Confederacy. President Inge Pekcan, in her first statement following the escalation of the Reuland conflict, lauded the Inimician response as "evidence of the impeccably strong bond between our two nations." Pekcan further uttered strong condemnations of Reuland State President Erin Malih, whose statement yesterday she termed an "intolerable unilateral declaration of secession".
Deployment of Inimician military units in North Diessen follows renewed terrorist attacks, claimed by Reuland paramilitaries, in the capitals of the two other Diessenian States, as well as on a commuter train running between Het Goor and Piushaove. Casualty numbers are as yet unknown, but local response spokespeople declared "multiple fatalities at each incident". It is not known whether foreign nationals are among those killed or injured. Shortly after the blast on the 19:04 departure from Het Goor to Piushaove, Inimician armed forces appeared on scene, providing first aid, handing out thermal blankets, food and water, and liasing with local law enforcement. Similar scenes emerged in the locations of other explosions, leading some locals to take to the streets brandishing images of Inimician Emperor Artabanos, hailing him as "the hero we have wanted for so long".
Early reports suggest IAF aircraft have attacked known Reuland military depots and military bases, although no statements from Reuland's secessionist government have been released so far. IAF Force Commander Major General Ettore Stuart (pictured), who co-ordinates operations against Reuland in tandem with the Diessenian Defence Force (DDF), announced this morning: "At the request of the Confederal Government of North Diessen, which the Empire of Inimicus continues to recognise as the only national-level authority in the State of Reuland, the Imperial Armed Forces were deployed against secessionist rebels in the State of Reuland. The IAF further secured key Diessenian government sites and continues to protect these against rebel and terrorist attack. IAF first response units have been called to sites of recent bomb attacks across the Confederacy of North Diessen, and have been hard at work relieving the pains of the Diessenian people."
The Confederal Presidency announced a joint press conference with President Inge Pekcan and Inimician Imperial Consul Christopher Strathclyde for later on today, 19th October. Preceding the press conference, the Confederal Office for Prosecution is expected to issue arrest warrants for all the signatories of the Reuland Declaration -- it is further expected that Imperial Armed Forces units will assist in bringing the signatories to Het Goor.
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PRESIDENT PEKCAN SILENT AS INIMICIAN MILITARY MAKES SHORT WORK OF REBELS
Reuland commanders survey the Goirke Valley (left) as an exhausted Reuland paramilitary rests (center) and Inimician soldiers prepare to infiltrate a village near Wollek (right).
Reuland, 22nd October 2021 -- Reports from the Diessenian Defence Force (DDF) and Imperial Armed Forces (IAF) of Inimicus suggest strong headway has been made against the separatist rebels in Reuland State. IAF Force Commander Major General Ettore Stuart announced this morning the only remaining rebel stronghols are bases in and around the Reuland capital city of Goirke, and the major cities of Beek and Berdao. A significant military presence has assembled near Goirke, possible awaiting a full-scale offensive to retake the city. Similarly, elements of the Inimician fleet have been spotted off the coast near Berdao, where they are expected to launch attacks against rebel positions in the city. "I continue to advise anyone and everyone in rebel-held territory to stay indoors, switch off gas and electricity as much as possible, and await rescue by the Imperial Armed Forces", General Stuart further announced.
Inimician operations in North Diessen followed a formal request by Confederal Minister for National Defence Ekrem Mueller, who responded to an armed insurgency by Reuland State forces under the leadership of Reuland State President Erin Malih. This followed weeks of high tensions between the Reuland State government and the Confederal administration, amplified by the refusal of the Confederacy to work with the governments of Reitzmag and the United Duchies to combat piracy in the Caspian Sea. General Stuart also commented on the apparent origins of the conflict: "The pure silence on behalf of Reitzmag and cautious, non-committing statement of support from the United Duchies are telling. It is poignant to remember their conduct in the Caspian is one of the root causes of the present situation."
Inimician-led operations in the last few days have been met with support in the Grand National Assembly, the North Diessenian Confederal Parliament, and in the office of the Minister for National Defence. However, rumours emerged that President Inge Pekcan is skeptical towards IAF deployment in North Diessen. President Pekcan has not been seen in public since her joint press conference with Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, and official channels indicate nothing more than that she is supposedly somewhere in Het Goor's government quarter, against advice from DDF authorities: "Het Goor remains a high-level target for terrorist activity", claims DDF General-In-Chief Lyndah Barhame, "And we advised Her Excellency to vacate the area accordingly. Given that she has not done so, our primary duty remains to protect Her Excellency and the government quarter. We find ourselves helped significantly by the presence of Inimician Imperial Guard troops in our capital."
The most significant fighting of the conflict has so far centred on the Goirke Valley, a mountainous region just west of the Reuland capital. Advancing DDF columns came under heavy bombardment from Reuland separatists yesterday. After calling in support from the Inimician Imperial Air Force, whose ground attack aircraft arrived within minutes, DDF troops proceeded to clear the valley. In sections of the terrain where air support was limited, requests for Inimician ground and artillery support became more frequent, and as of this morning the valley has mostly been cleared of Reuland presence. "At the end of the valley", General Stuart announced, "Lies Goirke, and the restoration of Diessenian state integrity." It is expected the final assault on Goirke will commence sometime today, 22nd October.
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CANAL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WITH FESTIVE OPENING CEREMONY
Inimician and Diessenian leaders at the Artabanos Canal Opening Ceremony. From left to right: Inimician Emperor Artabanos, Diessenian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Arnum Blauberg, Inimician Imperial Foreign Officer Sarah Gladwell, Confederal President Ekrem Mueller, and Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Pamut Ebbi.
Fatima, 8th December 2021 - Works on the Artabanos Canal Project have officially begun with a gathering of spectators, funders, and politicians at the canal's northern end at Fatima, in the State of Hammikeln. The first shovels of dirt were moved by Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus and Confederal President Ekrem Mueller, who lauded this moment as "the start of a new era of friendship between our two nations, and the opening of North Diessen to the world." Also in attendance were representatives from the European Development Agency, who have pledged half a billion Euros to the project. Emperor Artabanos, whose Foundation is another major funding source for what is the largest infrastructure undertaking in Diessenian history, thanked the EU's funders for "showing us all how the European Union can work."
An army of construction workers, diggers, engineers, wagons, and freight trains, has now begun the immense task of excavating a small stream to a cargo-size trans-national canal. While celebrations were ongoing in Fatima, excavation started just east of Waspik, where the proposed canal emerges into North Diessen's largest river, and on into the Persian Gulf. The majority of equipment used appears to have come from the Confederacy's southern neighbour Inimicus, with truckloads of small equipment and heavy excavators making their way across the border in the last few weeks. Foreign Affairs Minister Arnun Blauberg, speaking at the opening ceremony, celebrated the "immense commitment of the Empire to our joint prosperity". He further commented that "Inimicus has a great deal to gain by this project, naturally -- but so have we, and it is us who will hold all the cards."
Inimician Emperor Artabanos, arriving at the site by Imperial Air Force helicopter and dressed in rural leather and hiking boots, gave a short address to all those gathered, in which he praised Confederal President Ekrem Mueller's "resolve in Diessen's recent struggles". He further pledged another forty million Euros' worth of humanitarian aid to the State of Reuland, whose government initiated a brief civil conflict last autumn that was swiftly put down by Inimician armed forces. This money, Artabanos commented, "is solely to be used for the rebuilding of key infrastructure, for providing food and water, for rebuilding the Reuland state apparatus; in short, for construction works that are at least as important as the ones we are celebrating today."
The Emperor and President were cheered as they began digging together, laughing and joking.
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BOMB THREAT AT HILVERBODE EDITORIAL OFFICES --//-- BUILDINGS ON LOCKDOWN
Het Goor, 8/2/22 - Police have been alerted to a suspicious package near the editorial offices of this news outlet. Between 20 and 30 law enforcement and military vehicles are cordoning off the area, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the building. A statement from Het Goor Constabulary read: "We have reason to believe at least one improvised explosive device has been planted around the Hilverbode's main buildings in Het Goor. We further believe the individual responsible for planting these devices is still inside the complex, which is why we have cordoned off the area until further notice."
Bomb disposal units are on site, including the Inimician Imperial Guard Bomb Division, a detachment of which has been stationed in Het Goor since the wave of terrorist attacks in October last year. Hilverbode journalists have reported armed police sweeping their offices in search of the suspect, but no one inside appears to have been informed when the lockdown would end. All internet and phone communications, including mobile data and even fax connections, were suspended minutes after the cordon began.
The Office of the President of the Confederacy Ekrem Mueller claimed "the situation is still ongoing" and would not make any allegations regarding the perpetrator's motive.
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Exclusive Nestor Karaman Interview Accuses President of Illegal Power Grab -- Claims Pekcan "Rotted In Dungeon" while Mueller "Partied In Office"
QUICK READ:
- Political refugee and former journalist Nestor Karaman accuses President Ekrem Mueller of a 'silent but violent' coup in the wake of last year's Reuland Rebellion.
- Mueller 'deceived his own people and the Inimician military leadership', Karaman claims, and took power in as little as thirty minutes, following months of extensive planning.
- Former President Pekcan was allegedly 'murdered only this winter' after months in confinement, countering official claims of her being severely wounded during the rebellion.
- Karaman calls for 'mass protests' against Mueller's government and 'immediate reprisals by allied powers'.
"Ekrem Mueller exploited everyone's good intentions. Those of the Diessenar people, but also those of our faithful allies in Inimicus", claims Nestor Karaman, self-defined political refugee and accused terrorist, from his temporary residence in North Diessen's southern neighbour.
Hilverbode journalists spoke at length to their former colleague Karaman, who was forced to flee North Diessen after the Confederal Government accused him of planting explosives at the Hilverbode's headquarters. "Why would I bomb my own place of work?", asks Karaman, "Why would I attempt to destroy what I worked a decade to establish? A free Diessenar press."
The Diessenar government claims it has footage of Karaman "infiltrating" the Confederal Presidential Palace just moments before planting his explosive device. "Yes", responds Nestor, "I was there. I was there to speak to Inge Pekcan - or what was left of her. A link between me and the dungeon Inge was being kept in invited me to speak to her, one final time. Obviously this had to be done in secret."
Former Confederal President Inge Pekcan disappeared from the political stage after reportedly being wounded in an attack on the governmental compound during the Reuland Rebellion. Karaman, however, reveals differently: "Pekcan was not wounded by rebels. Pekcan was shot, dragged to the cellars, and confined to a life of squalor and deformity by Ekrem Mueller and his cronies."
According to Karaman, the Reuland Rebellion, in which one of North Diessen's three States attempted to secede following a dispute over anti-piracy measures in the Caspian, was "completely and entirely orchestrated" by Ekrem Mueller, who served as Defence Minister at the time. "And how convenient that it was Mueller who stood up to the plate during that crisis, who orchestrated Inimician involvement to put down the rebellion, and who took the credit when things were resolved swiftly."
Asked whether anything Pekcan claimed could be corroborated by evidence, Karaman responded: "Everything I have just related to you makes far more empirical and logical sense than the explanations offered by Mueller." Temporary power cuts at Diessenar Defence Force bases in the wake of the rebellion were ascribed to Reuland's cyberwarfare by the government, but Karaman suggests it was Mueller's supporters who "took their chance to take power in the absence of military protection."
During the thirty or so minutes that communications between Diessenar armed forces, law enforcement, and government agencies were impaired, Karaman claims then-President Pekcan was "dragged downstairs" in the Presidential Palace, where Ekrem Mueller "told her who was now in charge, tortured her, shot her at least once, and confined her to a mould-infested dungeon for the rest of her life." Mueller allegedly installed allies in key positions of power, ensured the military full immunity from prosecution to ensure their loyalty, and arrested several high-ranking journalists and media editors. "The whole thing took months if not years of planning, but was finally executed perfectly within half an hour."
All of this, Karaman claims, occured while Inimician Imperial Armed Forces were deployed against rebellious elements in Reuland, while Inimician advisers were present in the givernmental compound, and while Imperial Special Envoy Albert Rosenfield was in the Presidential Palace itself. "It is therefore not surprising", Karaman told the Hilverbode, "That Rosenfield was literally thrown out the building when he became too vocal. He undoubtedly saw too much and threatened to go public."
Following what Karaman terms "the worst possible betrayal of our allies in the south", he called for "neighbouring nations to put pressure on this illegitimate administration, to remove him from power immediately, and restore proper democratic order." He further encouraged Diessenar citizens to "think for themselves, rise up, and strike down this autocrat."
The Confederal Presidential Palace has been contacted for comment.
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President Mueller Suspends Grand National Assembly as Protestors Flock to Streets Demanding Change of Leadership
Left: protests outside the Grand National Assembly buildings in Het Goor. Right: police took violent action against protestors last night.
Het Goor, 18th March 2022 -- Following an evening and night of mass protest around the Confederacy, President Ekrem Mueller issued an edict immediately suspending the Grand National Assembly, Diessen's unicameral legislature, and authorising the Diessenian Defence Forces to assist law enforcement in suppressing protests. Across the nation groups gathered to demand the President's resignation after the Hilverbode published a conversation with Nestor Karaman, a political refugee now housed in Inimicus. Karaman alleged President Mueller violently and illegally took power in the wake of the Reuland Rebellion last year, behind the backs of the Diessenar establishment and the Inimician military.
Demonstrations were generally met with armed suppression from police forces. Curfews have been announced in most major Diessenar cities and gatherings of more than five people in public spaces have been prohibited until further notice. Despite these restrictions, mass crowds of demonstrators have occupied major city centres since yesterday afternoon, with law enforcement seemingly powerless to stop them.
Chairwoman of the Grand National Assembly Maaike Wolum, a key ally of former -- and allegedly murdered -- President Inge Pekcan, called out what she considers an "illegal suspension" of North Diessen's confederal legislature. She announced she and "the majority of my colleagues in the Assembly" would be joining protests in Het Goor this afternoon, fuelling concerns that this evening's civil disruption could be of a far greater scale than that seen yesterday night.
The legal basis for President Mueller's suspension of Parliament is not immediately apparent, and the decision has already come under severe scrutiny from legal experts. "This move was clearly and simply a way for Mueller to avoid parliamentary scrutiny", comments Professor of Diessenar Law Bahar Boustel, "There is no constitutional or legal ground for the President's actions." Others have accused Mueller of "confirming his autocratic tendencies" and "spitting in the face of democracy."
A delegation from the Grand National Assembly made a formal request to Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus this afternoon to "remove by whatever means necessary" President Mueller and his cabinet. The Inimicians have not responded to the request as yet, and it is unclear whether they will treat it in any official way or, indeed, what the Inimician government could do to remove President Mueller from power.
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"Weekend of Reckoning" for President Mueller as Pressure Mounts --- Defence Force Placed on High Alert
Diessenar Defence Force personnel moving equipment (left) while a seemingly distressed President Ekrem Mueller (right) addresses government aides on Saturday
Across the Confederacy, 19th March 2022 -- Confederal President Ekrem Mueller has issued orders for the Diessenar Defence Force to move to the "highest and most serious level of alertness", following widespread anti-regime protests and civil resistance against law enforcement in the last few days. At least twelve people have died and hundreds more were injured in what analysts have termed "the largest and most widespread nation-wide civil protest in Diessenar history", which further shows no sign of abating. Protests took shape last week after revalations by Nestor Karaman, a former Hilverbode journalist now expelled from North Diessen, alleged Mueller took power in a violent yet undercover coup late last year.
Mueller's orders were met with more intense violence from protestors against police and Confederal Guard units on the streets. Demonstrators chanted "lock him up" in front of the Presidential Palace in Het Goor; in the southern city of , on the Diessenar-Inimician border, protestors appealed to Inimician Emperor Artabanos to "strike the feind", in apparent reference to the suggestion made by a delegation from the now-suspended Grand National Assembly that North Diessen's southern neighbour should intervene to eliminate Mueller's government. The Empire of Inimicus has not responded to this request as yet, with Imperial Palace sources claiming Emperor Artabanos is "enjoying His weekend and will discuss the matter with the National Imperial Council first thing Monday morning".
Mueller told civil service staff this morning that any intervention by foreign powers would be met with "rocks, bullets, and missiles", warning the Inimicians not to "exceed their diplomatic mandate". Suggestions that persecuted citizens could be temporarily housed in the United Duchies were further met with scepticism by the Presidential Palace, calling any attempt to "criminalise being Diessenar" completely unacceptable.
North Diessen braces itself for what promises to be another tough night, with social media buzzing with plans for mass protest once again. Diessenar Defence Force elements have appeared on the streets as of this afternoon, with protestors gearing up in balaclavas in reponse.
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIR DECLARES MUELLER PRESIDENCY OVER, CALLS FOR ARREST OF FORMER PRESIDENT AND NEW ELECTIONS SUPERVISED BY INIMICIAN PEACEKEEPERS --//-- KARAMAN DECLARES CANDIDACY
Now ex-President Mueller (left) and GNA Chair Maaike Wolum (right)
Highlights:
- President Ekrem Mueller deposed and charged by Grand National Assembly
- New Presidential elections scheduled for April 30th -- to be supervised by Inimician military
- Administration of National Unity to head interim government
- Controversial journalist Nestor Karaman first to announce presidential candidacy
Het Goor, 8th April 2022 -- With the words "the Mueller Presidency is at an end", Grand National Assembly Chairwoman Maaike Wolum declared the long-awaited end of Ekrem Mueller's Confederal reign. Speaking to crowds gathered outside the Presidential compound, Wolum's words were met with great enthusiasm from protestors, who had been calling for Mueller's resignation for several weeks. The Defence Minister turned President stands accused of gross crimes against the Diessenar state, several individuals including former President Inge Pekcan, as asll as of illegally seizing power in the wake of civil unrest late last year.
Wolum, who declared she spoke with "the authority of the vast majority of the Grand National Assembly and the backing of the Imperial Government of Inimicus", later released a press statement detailing formal criminal charges to be served to former President Mueller, including high treason, armed insurgency, and murder. Sources confirm to the Hilverbode that Mueller has fled the capital and is currently being chased by Diessenar law enforcement. In the meantime, new Presidential elections have been scheduled for April 30th, and until such time an "administration of national unity" is to respond to any urgent governmental matters.
Some critics of Wolum's statement have suggested the Grand National Assembly lacks the capacity to declare the President deposed, to prescribe new elections without government approval, or to issue criminal charges. Moreover, the Assembly was formally dissolved by Mueller himself not three weeks ago, putting the legality of any decisions in doubt. Wolum's statement quoted the "unprecedented historicity" of the current situation, and the "clear and united calls for change" eminating from all States of North Diessen over the last few weeks.
Public opinion appears to have swayed in favour of Mueller's deposition, however, further evidenced by the great enthusiasm for the first declared Presidential candidate, Nestor Karaman. The former Hilverbode reporter, who is currently a refugee at the Imperial Palace in Telum, Inimicus, was the subject of a major controversy in which he claimed to be in possession of documents and testimony suggesting a violent and illegal takeover of power by Ekrem Mueller. Karaman fled Het Goor for the Inimician border several weeks ago, and the Inimicians refused multiple extradition requests filed by Mueller's administration. Maaike Wolum, whose Administration of National Unity formally invited Karaman back to North Diessen, has further appealed to the Inimician leadership to supervise and ensure the democratic legitimacy of the April 30th elections.
The Inimician government was swift to agree to this proposal, and offered to send at least 3,000 peacekeeping troops to various population centres across North Diessen around polling day.
The Hilverbode will keep up a rolling coverage of events as they unfold further.
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Presidential Candidate Line-Up Finalised as Registration Period Ends --//-- Ex-President Mueller "Still at Large" - Law Enforcement
All certified Presidential candidates for the 2022 election. From left to right (in order of registration date): Nestor Karaman, independent; Emma Artabanoglu, Radical Centrists; Pamnut Ebbi, Social Democratic Appeal; Devlet Schrerer, Conservative/National Worker; Don Benjamin, Communist League.
Highlights
- Major Diessenar political parties put forward Presidential candidates;
- Former journalist and political refugee Nestor Karaman remains the only indepedent candidate with sufficient support for electoral registration;
- Campaign season begins in earnest: major themes include corruption, confederal state structure, and the benefits of the Artabanos Canal
The Diessenar Confederal Electoral Commission has ratified the candidacies of five nominees for the Presidential election of April 30th. The snap poll, called by a council of high-ranking Grand National Assembly members, will replace now-deposed President Ekrem Mueller, who Diessenar law enforcement sources confirm is still on the run from arrest.
Nestor Karaman, whose revelations about former President Mueller's illegal rise to power sparked mass protests and revolts across the country, travelled to the Diessenar capital of Het Goor tonight for his first campaign rally. Flanked by Inimician Imperial Guard troops who were invited by the Grand National Assembly to supervise the democratic conduct of the election, Karaman called for a "complete renewal" of Diessenar politics as well as "intense accelleration" of the Artabanos canal project.
A joint candidate was put forward by the Conservative and National Worker's Party, whose party leaderships released a press communique on Saturday suggesting the "odds of a victory for common sense" were "significantly less slim" with a combined candidate for both lists. The right-wing coalition calls for increased centralisation of the Diessenar state and the elimination of the confederal structure, something which would require a large amount of constitutional amendments.
Two currently serving members of the Cabinet registered as candidates on behalf of their parties: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Emma Artabanoglu is to campaign on behalf of the Diessen Radical Centrists (who came out victorious in the 2018 elections, propelling the late Inge Pekcan to the Presidency). Pamnut Ebbi, whose involvement with the construction of the Artabanos Canal filled most of her brief as Agriculture and Forestry Minister over the last year or so, was nominated on behalf of the Social Democratic Appeal. Termed by analysts as the "continuity candidates", Artabanoglu and Ebbi are largely considered mainstream, and can count on the support of large swathes of moderate Diessenar voters.
Several multi-party debates are scheduled for the coming two weeks as Diessenar citizens make up their mind. The April 30th election is constitutionally mandated to use the Alternative Vote system, meaning candidates are also marketing for second, third, and even fourth preference votes to improve their chances in later voting rounds.
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Karaman Emerges as Presidential Front-Runner after Passionate Pro-Canal Address --//-- Polling Suggests Two-Way Karaman-Artabanoglu Stand-Off
Highlights
- Independent Presidential candidate Nestor Karaman jumped by as much as a dozen percentage points in nationwide polls after addressing construction workers at the Artabanos Canal site;
- Karaman now leads polls, trailed closely by Finance Minister Emma Artabanoglu, whose supporters include anti-Canal activists and moderate Diessenar voters;
- Frontrunner debate last night watched by virtually no one at all.
Fatima, 25th April 2022 -- Speaking to a crowd of workers dressed in high visibility jackets and wearing hard hats, Independent Presidential candidate Nestor Karaman countered his main opponent Emma Artabanoglu's claims a Karaman presidency would end up "voluntarily opening the doors to Inimician colonialism", by emphasising "to you, the ordinary workers of this Confederacy, the immense importance of this vital infrastructure project." Karaman further called for pay increases for public sector workers such as those in front of him, greater international co-operation with Diessen's neighbours on "canals, bridges, borders, and boatways", and announced a Karaman presidency would "mark the end for the forces of corruption that were clearly rife under Pekcan and Mueller's reign", and which, in direct reference to his main opponent, "could become even more widespread if the people elect their pawn."
This opponent, current Finance Minister Emma Artabanoglu (representing the Radical Centrists, the same party which produced Inge Pekcan and Ekrem Mueller), responded to Karaman's harsh yet seemingly popular call for change by appealing to her record in government, which -- by Diessenar standards -- is remarkably clean. Artabanoglu further called for the "immediate cessation of works on the Artabanos Canal until our allies have been consulted", placing her at odds with the now immensely powerful construction unions.
Both candidates have been polling at around 25% of votes in recent days, with Karaman outperforming Artabanoglu in most polls by around 4 points. Coverage of the Presidential election has been marred by incidents involving the Inimician Imperial Guard, which is assising the Confederal Electoral Commission and the Grand National Assembly in safeguarding the election process. In one incident, footage of which was released on social media before being taken down hours later, protestors assailing candidates emerging from the Hilverbode studios after last night's electoral debate appeared to have been selectively targeted by Imperial Guard troops. Demonstrators harrassing Conservative and National Worker's Party candidate Devlet Schrerer threw tomatoes and rotten eggs unopposed, while Karaman and Artabanoglu were seen rapidly escorted to armoured limousines, with several protestors being beaten in the process. Inimician authorities say they are "reviewing" the footage.
The election debate preceding this incident was reported as the least watched electoral debate in the history of the Confederacy, with only 400,000 viewers nationwide tuning in for the initial hour. The debate, organised by Hilverbode TV, was designed to give all candidates an equal standing and paid specific attention to candidates polling below average. Nevertheless, viewers across the country tuned out en masse, evidenced by what Hilverbode TV CEO Peter Hillyum called "an almost mechanical, bot-like" swarm of Twitter reports complaining about the debate set up.
Most viewers took to social media with negative opinions on candidates and the debate process. Among the most frequently cited words, "boring" and "bland" were most prevalent, followed by "incomprehensible" and "nonsensical". One Twitter user lamented the "time and attention spent on cretins who won't win anyway", with another simply suggesting "#BuildTheCanal. Not tuning in until it's built." However, an undercurrent of users complained of "TV blackouts" or "weak receptions". One viewer related how accessing the livestream of the debate from her home in Reuland -- the state most opposed to the building of the Artabanos canal and polling most favourably towards Artabanoglu -- was blocked by "DDoS protection software" from viewing the debate, however when setting her virtual private network to originate from Inimicus, she could watch the whole thing without issue.
Most candidates have now pulled out of the one remaining debate scheduled to occur before the 30th April election date, with most preferring rallies and media publications instead.
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KARAMAN IS PRESIDENT
Het Goor, 30th April 2022 -- With a record 34% of first-preference and 56% of second-preference votes, former Hilverbode journalist and recent political refugee Nestor Karaman has been elected to the office of President of the Confederacy of North Diessen. Karaman defeated runner-up Emma Artabanoglu (Radical Centrists), who received 22% of first preferences and 18% second preferences. All other candidates scored under 20% on both rounds.
Karaman's victory speech at the newly-constructed Artabanos Halls in Het Goor celebrated "the true Diessenar spirit of internationalism" for which his campaign "stood with tooth and nail". In his first three months in office, Karaman pledged to "accellerate and complete the construction of our beloved Artabanos Canal; to continue to intensify the close partnership North Diessen has developed with our southern neighbours; and to root out the last of Ekrem Mueller's rot in the heart of our government." Thunderous applause and cheers accompanied the new President-Elect into the night.
Artabanoglu conceded her loss at an election rally this evening. All other candidates similarly congratulated Karaman on his election victory, barring the Conservative and National Worker's Party's Devlet Scherer, who issued a formal request with the Confederal Electoral Commission for a recount just minutes after results were published.
Karaman's election makes him the youngest ever Confederal President at 34, and the first ever President from Reuland. Karaman's home State was close to seceding in October last year, yet has now delivered the most popular President in history of the Confederacy (as measured by vote share).
International reactions to Karaman's collection were spearheaded by a press release from the Inimician Imperial Palace, which congratulated the new President-Elect on "a stellar campaign and an equally stellar manifesto". The Palace further commented it "awaits with eager anticipation the President-Elect's plans for accelleration of canal building".
Finally, the communiqué included a personal message from Inimician Emperor Artabanos: "I have come to know you during your time in exile at the Palace as a conscientious, honest, kind, thoughtful, incredible individual: I have no doubt your people are blessed by your election, and I look forward to meeting you hopefully very soon."
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In Full: Confederal President Nestor Karaman's Swearing-In Speech
Newly sworn-in Confederal President Nestor Karaman delivers his inaugural address outside the recently renamed Inimician Cathedral (formerly the Cathedral of Sts Peter and John) in Het Goor.
Highlights
- President-Elect Nestor Karaman is sworn in as President of the Confederacy of North Diessen in the Inimician Cathedral, Het Goor
- President Karaman promises "a renewed focus of internationalism", stressing Diessen's relationships with its neighbours as top government priorities.
- Other key promises include the reiteration of the pledge to complete the Artabanos Canal in the first 100 days of the Presidential term, the capture of former President Mueller and his associates, and general left-of-centre economic policies such as tax hikes for higher incomes and moderate increases in government spending in the economy.
Het Goor, 2nd May 2022 -- Not 48 hours after the Presidential election results were certified by the Confederal Electoral Commission and the Inimician Imperial Guard Investigation Unit, Nestor Karaman was sworn in as Confederal President. Citing "safety concerns" and a "filling of the executive void", Karaman had pushed legislators to allow for an earlier-than-usual inauguration date, which, given he is not replacing any previous incumbent, the Grand National Assembly was content to accommodate. Speaking to a crowd tens of thousands strong in the central Cathedral Square in the Diessenar capital Het Goor, Karaman set out a legislative agenda for his next five years in office in an inaugural address.
"My friends and compatriots, thank you. It truly is the greatest honour that any Diessenar citizen could experience to stand before you today. Our popular movement was successful during the election, and it will continue to be successful during the coming presidential term, during the next legislative elections, and into the long distant future. I have you to thank for your support.
"The Diessenar Peoples know what the first priority of this administration will be. We will build the vital link between our two shores with renewed vigor and strength, and complete the entirety of the Artabanos Canal within the first one hundred days of my Presidency. To this end, the Confederal Government will infest a further ₺50 million on top op the previously pledged infrastructure fund. I have further managed to extract another ₺200 million from our friends to the south and the Artabanos Foundation. Truly, our canal will be the envy of the infrastructure world.
"Our nation needs healing. Our Confederacy was severely weakened by the rift of 2021, and this administration will take the necessary steps to close this rift. We will start by eliminating the mould and rot of Ekrem Mueller from all levels of government; Confederal, State, Local, Ekrem loyalists and pro-putsch actors will be hunted down and put to trial. I promise you, Peoples of Diessen, that after the first year of my term we will have a renewed democracy in North Diessen, free from corruption, free from self-centered imperialists, where the livelihoods of every citizen count equally.
"This, sadly, we cannot do alone. You know as well as I do that last year's war tore down our industry, destabilised our internal economy, and left us exposed to the stealing, criminal hands of the Mueller clique. It is with this in mind that this administration will seek investment from the European Development Agency to repair the damage that was done. We have also arranged further negotiations with the Imperial Government of Inimicus, who have offered a ₺5bn annual fund to shore up our economy. Truly, the Confederacy is blessed with such allies and such a community in our region; I intend to ensure we can be there for our allies, such as our allies are there for us.
"We will seek rapproachment with the United Duchies, whom my predecessors alienated and cast aside. We will work as an active member of the Caspian Treaty, improving relations with all our Caspian partners, including the Kingdom of Reitzmag and Pravoslaviya. We will seek to end the scourge of piracy in our northern waters, collaborating closely with the Inimician Imperial Navy. And finally, speaking of which, our greatest and most trustworthy allies to the south, who intervened decisively when our nation was on the brink of destruction last year, must receive our unrelenting and unwavering support and loyalty. The Inimicians were there for us in our times of need, including in safeguarding this past election campaign, and we will be there for them should their time ever come.
"To His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, I say thank you, on behalf of the Peoples of Diessen. To you all, wherever you may be and whatever your personal circumstances are, I say thank you. I will get to work, this administration will get to work, to ensure that every Diessenar citizen will, very shortly, once again voice with pride our national motto: He is happy who says 'I am a Diessenar'."
