Posts made by Gadalland and Aspern

Changes in immigration requirements for foreign international students

effective 10 November 2023

Previously, all international students studying in the Kingdom of Sertia were required to apply for a visa before they arrived in the Kingdom of Sertia.

Citizens of certain countries will now be able to study in Sertia without any foreign immigration requirements, provided that they can prove on arrival to Sertia they have

• proof of intention to study
• sufficient funding and resources for at least 9 months

The list of eligible nationals is below:

Montenbourg

Fremet

Icholasen

Ineland

Brickston

Czech Slavia

United Duchies

Spain

California

Yosai

Inimicus

Angleter

Leagio

Elthize

Nofoaga

ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Changes to travel rules for citizens of the United Kingdom

19 August 2023

Previously, the Brætha have instituted a ban on travel by citizens of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sertia.

The Brætha appreciate the disruption this travel ban has caused, disallowing many family reunions, business affairs and affecting income due to a decrease in tourism.

Effective 19 August, citizens of the United Kingdom will be able to apply for an E-visa to come to Sertia. This visa will be valid for one entry, with a maximum stay of 91 days out of every 180 days.

The Brætha continue to condemn statements made by the government of the United Kingdom concerning the domestic affairs of Sertia, but recognise the need for uninterrupted trade of people, goods and services for the betterment of the European Union.

It is illegal to publicly endorse, by speech or by media, the former regime of the Republic of Aspern, due to continued violence and danger posed by the Aspernians to the good people of the Kingdom of Sertia. Anyone found guilty of committing an offence on these grounds will be subject to 180 days in prison or 250 hours' community service. The Brætha reserve the right to notify InterSpol of any pertinent offences.

ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Tourism Spotlight: Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey

Likely the most popular Sertian landmark, and one of the most important to the island's history, the Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey lies in the Erdàis district of the city of Osperfey. This monument was dedicated to St Verna in 1240 to honour her successful effort to unite the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern.

Before the union, Osperfey lay in the Isle of Yudrey, and the foundation upon which the Monastery now stands can be dated back to around 550 BCE, when the Yudreians used it likely as a tomb for their nobility.

The wider Erdàis district, until around 1500, was its own city, and the Monastery was then known in Sertian as the Ipiarnas yw Vaernaw lly Erdàis, or the Monastery of Verna of Erdàis. Until the town took the name of Osperfey, which was a village outside Erdàis, Verna was not associated with Osperfey.

The cityscape changed when, in 1564, the Brætha of Erdàis declared that only residents of Erdàis could scatter their ashes at Verna's tomb. The practice of bringing a deceased loved one's ashes to the tomb of Verna had been a longstanding tradition to pay respect to the saviour of the Kingdom of Sertia. Therefore this act by the Brætha of Erdàis enraged many people, and the Head Brætha had to intervene to allow this tradition to continue. To do this, he put the town of Erdàis under the jurisdiction of Osperfey, run directly by the Head Brætha.

Today, many pilgrims still come to see the tomb of Verna for many reasons. Visitors may find many urns of ashes stocked at the foot of Vernas effigy. To this day, pilgrimages are subsidised by the government to allow people to seek out peace. Join them and visit Osperfey!

Declaration of new powers under Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, to be applied to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

15 July 2023

Under Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, the Brætha, by majority vote, have decided that new powers to punish foreign nations may be utilised if there is sufficient concern for the national security of the Kingdom of Sertia, the community of the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, or the Caribbean community including the Republic of Nofoaga.

These new powers include the ability of the Brætha to prohibit nationals of hostile foreign nations to come to or reside in Sertia, and to expel foreign nationals of hostile countries from Sertia within 168 hours.

The Brætha, after receiving news that the UK considers the Republic of Aspern to be a legitimate state, expresses concern over the UK government's effect on Sertian national security, and under this pretence issues the new powers listed above to be applied to nationals of the United Kingdom with immediate effect.

Therefore, as of 15 July 2023, all nationals of the United Kingdom must leave the Kingdom of Sertia within 168 hours of this address, and no national of the United Kingdom will be permitted legally into the Kingdom of Sertia until the Brætha has decided that there is no longer a threat to national security.

BY ORDER OF THE BRÆTHA

*ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Our Brætha have made the decision to recognise the NSC as the government of Istkalen in the event of a change in authority. We are of the mind that while it is surely right to challenge these oppressive laws, which we certainly plan to do should they come into force, for Sertia engaging in violence or covert manipulation will only serve to make the issue worse.

In addition, we have determined that sanctions are not an appropriate Sertian response. We want to be able to help the people of Istkalen through this difficult time by providing what aid we can, if possible, and this takes precedence over making an international statement of condemnation.

We currently have an active Civilian Maritime Force stationed in the Kingdom of Reitzmag, which we plan to continue to support. The CMF will provide help to refugees from Istkalen to apply for asylum in Sertia.

Any assistance in these efforts already ongoing would be much appreciated.

To the British Councillor, it's rather silly that you'd sacrifice the wellbeing of EU citizens because you've been emotionally abused. We have had countries knocking down our door in an attempt to pervert our course of government, including you, but we stand tall and do what we can do with what we've got. Your idleness will be remembered.

Cllr. Dína
ERE BACH'AIR DÙN

What is 'Statutory banishment?

The Brætha have released guidance raising the minimum age of statutory banishment to 21. But what exactly is statutory banishment?

You may recall that, only a few months ago, the Brætha released a statement concerning Mr. Wond's punishment for treason. He was convicted of this unacceptable offence without recourse to a trial due to overwhelming public favour and a unanimous vote by the Brætha.

As in the case of Mr. Wond, successful conviction of an unacceptable offence warrants statutory banishment. In its original form,conceived in the 1500s, it stripped convicts of their status as Sertian citizens, and they were unable to return to Sertia. Many sought refuge in nearby Rowsperch or the West Olves, both of which were independent at that time, but mostly were refused entry because they recognised convictions of unacceptable offences decided in Sertia.

Now, statutory banishment takes a less severe form. You can only be banished from Sertia completely if you have claim to nationality of another EU nation. This was the case with Erab Danulch, who was convicted of treason due to his position I the Aspernian paramilitary during the Schism. He was permanently banished from Sertia because he possessed dual nationality with Istkalen. His banishment was a subject of national concern because he had never been to Istkalen in his life.

However, most are banished from the major cities in Sertia if they are successfully convicted of statutory banishment.They receive government support to find a home and manage their finances, and are confined to their property except for special circumstances, for example to go to hospital.

The recent guidance sets out a more lenient scheme for the rehabilitation of under-21s, who cannot be found guilty of statutory banishment and the age at which statutory banishment applies is expected to continue to rise in future.

30 December 2022

Government ends war declaration, retains humanitarian protections

Today the Order of the Braetha has voted to rescind the declaration of war against Svarna Surya. This follows reports that Svarnan leaders have agreed to participate in peace talks with the United Duchies.

This comes after the Order passed a declaration of war to enable certain international humanitarian powers, such as rescue vessels being allowed to foreign shores for a maximum of 45 days.

However, alongside their gutting of the war declaration, the Order also passed the same humanitarian provision which can now be enacted in peacetime, to recognise that, as HB Fornithias Cranst put it, 'not all conflicts deserve a declaration of war'.

The declaration of war passed by the government was 'largely ceremonial', HB Fornithias Cranst said today. 'We simply wanted to provide the humanitarian protection which we wouldn't have been able to during peacetime'.

Now that the Order has passed the Peacetime Amendment, as it is unofficially referred to, a vote by the Order can send the Civilian Maritime Force on humanitarian missions across the EU, during times of war and peace alike.

What happens if I can't pay my taxes?

Gadalland and Aspern is known widely for its astonishingly high income tax rates. It seems only natural that you may ask: what happens if I can't pay?

In Sertian law, it is technically a crime not to pay your taxes, with the highest penalty for this being a fine of 500,000 SCD. In case you're unfamiliar with the concept of money, that's quite a bit!

So will you be penalised even more if you can't pay your taxes?

Technically, you should be. Sertian law clearly states that not paying your taxes is a crime. But that's no reason to be scared.

See, when you do not have enough money to pay your taxes, you are technically considered to be in debt. And being in debt in Gadalland and Aspern is not a crime under any circumstances. In fact, it makes you entitled to financial assistance from the government.

This clever little trick by the government creates a distinction between those who cannot pay their taxes because they haven't got the ressources, and those who are actively avoiding paying their taxes even though they could reasonably contribute.

Anyone receiving certain types of financial assistance from the government are exempt from paying their taxes. Were you to pay taxes whilst receiving government support, this would achieve nothing. The government would give you money, only to get it all back, and you'd be left with nothing.

So, to put it briefly, the government only considers not paying taxes a crime in order to catch tax evaders. And since the government collects income data on many Sertian residents, tax evaders don't get very far.

26 December 2022

Emotions run high as civilian maritime workers leave for continent

Across Gadalland and Aspern this afternoon, members of the Civilian Maritime Force have been departing from harbours across the country, in a widespread and coordinated effort to give humanitarian relief to the war effort in Svarna Surya. This comes only hours after the government joined Yosai, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Reitzmag in declaring war against the Svarnan state.

The Civilian Maritime Force workers registered voluntarily and under full knowledge of the risks. This morning, the ports and marinas across the country had queues out the gates as seafarers bound for the war effort obtained their Humanitarian Licences.

Members of this humanitarian effort include all citizens of Gadalland and Aspern, over the age of 18 who either own a boat or have joined the owner of a boat. They must also have received CMF training. Many members of the force are those who are already fishermen, or spend much of their time at sea.

The first vessels left only hours after the announcement from the government today. Families have been seen saying goodbye to their loved ones, who have quite the journey ahead of them.

We spoke with a family from just outside Rowynnith. Daran Chlay is leaving his wife, Irinna, and their two children Meresy and Balbric. Daran said it was "a difficult decision to make," but he and his family ultimately feel it is "the right thing to do".

"We have a humble home here in Sertia, but at least we're safe. Irinna and I spoke and we believe that the best thing we can do is offer our safety to others. We could use the extra money as well".

Daran and Irinna, like many CMF members, will be compensated for his efforts, and family members back home will be offered living support while the CMF are away.

It is expected that the first CMF sailors will arrive to the continent in 10-20 days' time. What happens next will be determined by whether, and how much, the war escalates.

Today in pictures

Members of the CMF stood in queues this morning to obtain their licences.

Daran says goodbye to his wife, Irinna, before he leaves to the continent.
Three boats leave Rowynnith Harbour, bound for the continent

26 December 2022

Declaration of war on the state of Svarna Surya

We, the Order of the Braetha, recognising the hostile and aggressive nature of the state of Svarna Surya, and highlighting the need for humanitarian relief, join the Kingdom of Reitzmag in a declaration of war against the state of Svarna Surya.

This document, here signed by all present company of the Order, evidences the provisions of the war in which our good country engages. Here are those provisions.

The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, in this time of war:

• will NOT engage in any direct wartime hostilities, alongside our allies, against the state of Svarna Surya

• will NOT impose any mandatory military service of the residents of any domestic premises

• will NOT manufacture or deliver weaponry to our allies for the purpose of wartime conflict

• enacts the Wartime Refugee Scheme, and allows exceptions to any sanctions upon Svarna Surya for this reason

• mobilises the Sertian Civilian Maritime Force and the Caribbean Maritime Authority for the purpose of humanitarian aid, and the rescue of civilians displaced by the war.

All EU nations are humbly requested to accept civilians who possess both a Sertian passport and a Humanitarian Licence, issued after 25 December, to their shores for a time no greater than 45 days for the purpose of wartime humanitarian relief.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BRAETHA

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern votes FOR this act.

Ms. Edutitalle Dina, European Councillor for Gadalland and Aspern on behalf of the Order of the Braetha

18 December 2022

Government votes to sanction Svarna Surya

The Braetha finds the recent actions of the government of the People's Democratic Republic of Svarna Surya to warrant an unacceptable violation of human rights.

This conclusion has been reached by applying the following standards:

a. Determining which actions by foreign states are condonable under international laws of human rights, and

b. Determining whether the actions of a foreign state would warrant significant criminal or Layeonic action in the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern.

It is on these premises that the government has voted to apply sanctions to the state of Svarna Surya.

The government has found that the actions of Svarna Surya have met the requirements of "harmful and unstable" as established by Article I(2) in Rolling Sanctions Act 2021.

On these grounds, the government is authorised to apply the appropriate provisions of relevant domestic law. Pursuant to Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, the government has found that the economic sanctions 1(a,b,c), diplomatic sanctions 2(a,b,c,d,e), and individual sanctions 3(a,b,c,d) can reasonably be applied to the People's Democratic Republic of Svarna Surya.

This mandate is to be applicable with immediate effect.

BY ORDER OF THE BRAETHA

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

14 December 2022

Statement on the banishment of Guthrun Wond from the Eremundarias Triumvirate of Holy Cities: Hemberdale, Osperfey, and Plariaras

The Braetha has unanimously voted to send Mr. Guthrun Wond into an indefinite period of exile from the city of Hemberdale, the city of Osperfey, and the city of Plariaras. The dates of his exile begin with immediate effect.

Punishment for violating the terms of banishment may result in exile from the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, or imprisonment upon entry into any of the aforementioned territories.

The Braetha recognises the severity of Mr. Wond's malpractice of government service, and hopes that this punishments serves to warn other leaders to protect the will of the people and strive to prevent chaos wherever it is sufficient and necessary to do so.

Held:

Mr. Guthrun Wond,
By the laws of humanity ensconced within the Sertian Domex 1224 and the unchanged rules of political administration, the Braetha hereby sentences you to indefinite political exile from the sacred cities of Hemberdale, Osperfey, and Plariaras.

BY ORDER OF THE BRAETHA

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

Statement by new head of Braetha Fornithias Cranst

Dear Sertia,

It is such a pleasure to be standing here in front of you, not just as the leader of the Braetha, but as a citizen of this growing nation. I am thankful to all of those who saw that Sertia is on this trajectory, and by electing me I can assure you all that you have supported that trajectory.

It has been a difficult year for Gadalland and Aspern. We've had the kidnapping of our long-time leader, and wonderful friend of mine, Mr. Henry Spiggen. We've had tumult and chaos with incompetent leadership. Now, I will do my very best to support the people of Gadalland and Aspern.

Today, the Braetha has just put forth a scheme to expand high-speed public transport across Gadalland and Aspern, replacing the inefficient and unsafe systems in place now.

And in just a few hours, we are scheduled to officially scrap any laws on the capacity of protests.

It has been an honour serving you, and I hope to be worthy to continue to serve this great nation in any way I can.

7 December 2022

Fornithias Cranst elected to lead Braetha

Fornithias Cranst has won the election for Head Braetha, the Braetha has announced. He held a 2% majority over Guthrun Wond by the time the polls closed, which grew as the votes were counted.

The votes have finished being counted just this afternoon, after which it was communicated to the Braetha, and to Mr. Cranst, the outcome.

Mr. Cranst has been favoured to win this election from the start after his short but powerful and resonant campaign centred around bringing wellbeing and happiness to the Sertian people.

Mr. Cranst did not begin in politics. For 25 years prior to his initial Braetha appointment, he was a teacher and an author of children's books. He has been popular in Gadalland and Aspern after his campaign to decrease criminal consequences for "crimes of necessity", such as shoplifting due to poverty.

Mr. Cranst is keen on bringing back policies eliminated by Guthrun Wond, such as increased effort to connect with the rest of the EU, accept more refugees, and increase general welfare and infrastructure.

1 December 2022

13:50 Caribbean Standard Time (CST)

We are still waiting on an update from the government as to the winner of the Head Braetha seat. Votes are currently being counted, with a total of 90% of all votes having been already counted. Cranst now has a lead of 49.1%.

30 November 2022

Polls to close in one hour as Cranst pulls ahead

Welcome to our coverage of the 2022 Head Braetha election.
As the two-week election comes to a close, Fornithias Cranst has a lead over Guthrun Wond.

This news comes as the polls are set to close in one hour across Gadalland and Aspern. The figures below are from earlier today, with many more votes predicted to have been cast.

87% of votes reported above

Cranst, who is currently a member of the Braetha, has a lead of more than 2% over Guthrun Wond, the current Head Braetha. More votes will be reported before the new leader is announced, and we will keep you updated.

New powers to deal with unacceptable and violent speech

25 November 2022

The Independent Leadership Authority (ILA) has granted permission for the government to enforce stricter consequences for instances of unacceptable speech and expression.

Please see Braetha 274 below:

(a) Unacceptable speech is here defined as any such self-expression which poses an evident threat to the right of citizens to engage in ordinary peace.

(b) It is therefore a criminal offence to disrupt any right to ordinary peace by use of speech which harasses, threatens, or violates, from the extent of the incitement or implication of violence, an ordinary citizen's right to ordinary peace.

(c) Any destruction of government property, as a consequence of the violation of ordinary peace by unacceptable speech, is a Significant Criminal Offence.

Any charge of (a) combined with (b) and/or (c) carries the following penalties:

• No minimum prison sentence, and a maximum prison sentence of 15 years

• A minimum fine of £350 and a maximum fine of £1000

Any rulings on the convictions under Braetha 274 will be mediated by the Judicial Union.

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

25 November 2022
International edition

New powers to deal with unacceptable speech -ILA

The Independent Leadership Authority (the ILA) has granted the government new powers to deal with hate speech and other unacceptable behaviour. This includes stiffer penalties for speech "which incites or implies violence".

The new rules come as there have been more acts of civil disobedience and protest concerning the leadership of Head Braetha Guthrun Wond. While such protesting and civil disobedience is protected, sometimes events can turn into street riots which cause destruction to businesses and property.

The rule change is a major overhaul to this area of the law, which in the past has had no such rules regarding hate speech.

The ILA, who is responsible for tiding over the government during transitions of power, has said that they will assess the new laws during the mandatory six-day pilot period.

What are the new rules?

The new rules define hate speech as:

any such expression which poses an evident threat to the right of citizens to engage in ordinary peace.

To secure a successful charge of conviction it must be proven that the normal life of one or more people was in jeopardy, but this can include threatening or harassing speech.

Further, any threatening or harassing speech which directly incites destruction or damage to government property can result in epic fines or time spent in prison.

The government has published specific guidelines for public viewership and more information on the updated penalties for misconduct.

Braetha votes to call general election

17 November, 2022

In their usual meeting date yesterday, the Braetha has formally approved a motion for a general election. As a result, the polls will open tomorrow, 18 November 2022 and close on Thursday, 1 December 2022.

Mr. Wond has faced an uphill struggle with his government since the very beginning of his tenure, when the Independent Leadership Authority investigated claims of malfeasance in office. Since then, the Braetha have blocked almost every piece of his legislation.

Most recently, the Braetha have asked the Sertian Police Service, including those officers serving in the Spanish military, not to enforce any capacity limits on peaceful protest.

The automatic candidates are all members of the Braetha, including Mr. Wond. Anyone who wishes to opt for election as Head Braetha may go to their local registration office.

How can I vote?

Sertia Horserail will be operating through the night to transport voters to cities.

Election trolleys will also be circulating in the next two weeks to every household in Gadalland and Aspern, including those in the West Olves.

The government has also scheduled Official Pilgrimages to the nearest election stations if you live in the countryside, the schedules for which can be found on Sertia.gov.ser.

The government has asked that if you have the means to host an Official Pilgrimage caravan, any and all help would be appreciated.

Please bring your National Identity Card or Gadalland and Aspern passport to prove your right to vote.

A bit about Gadalland and Aspern elections

In Gadalland and Aspern, elections for Head Braetha are generally called by the Braetha (formerly, the Customary Logistics Council). The Braetha consists of seven highly ranking officials who have been voted into office by government workers and officials. In other words, they are not directly elected by the people.

The Head Braetha, who is currently Mr. Guthrun Wond, is elected directly by Sertian voters. The Head Braetha is subject to the whims of the Braetha in general, but they do have powers to issue actions to be implemented immediately. An example of this was the protesting rule Mr. Wond issued, which severely limited capacity. After its grace period of six days lapsed, however, the Braetha immediately blocked it.

Under certain circumstances, the Braetha may call a general election for members of the Braetha, such as if one has committed a malfeasance of the law. Under most circumstances, however, Braetha members must resign if they are in breach of any conventional rules.