Friday News Roundup: Latest Updates
- Venice is seeing protests over Jeff Bezos' upcoming wedding to journalist Laura Sanchez.
- Meanwhile, in Rome, French actor Gerard Depardieu appeared in court June 17 after allegedly assaulting photographer Rino Barillari last year.
- In other news, NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed confidence Thursday in reaching a deal to increase defense spending among the 32 member states.
Uncover the latest headlines from Italy and beyond in this friday News Roundup. Protests erupt in Venice as residents voice opposition to Jeff Bezos’ wedding plans. Meanwhile, actor Gerard Depardieu faces assault charges in Rome, adding fuel to the already-blazing news cycles. NATO’s role in defense spending takes center stage, with discussions on increased contributions from member states, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supports the initiative, though italy’s defense spending role lags. Explore major developments with News Directory 3 for comprehensive updates. Delve into the specifics of these unfolding stories and witness the immediate impact on global affairs. Discover what’s next as NATO convenes in The hague and depardieu’s case continues.
Italy News: Bezos Wedding Faces Protests, Depardieu in Court, NATO Discusses Role
updated June 14, 2025
Venice is seeing protests over Jeff Bezos’ upcoming wedding to journalist Laura Sanchez. A banner with a red ‘X’ over bezos’ name was displayed from the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore. The “No Space for Bezos” group claims Venice is “not for sale” and planned a protest near the Rialto Bridge. Councillor Simone Venturini called the bell tower stunt a “narcissistic exploitation” of Venice.
Meanwhile, in Rome, French actor Gerard Depardieu appeared in court June 17 after allegedly assaulting photographer Rino Barillari last year. Barillari claims Depardieu punched him after he attempted to take photos at Harry’s Bar. Depardieu claims he slipped and fell on Barillari while defending his partner, Magda Vavrusova. Depardieu was recently handed an 18-month suspended sentence in Paris for sexual assault.
In other news, NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed confidence Thursday in reaching a deal to increase defense spending among the 32 member states. Speaking in Rome, Rutte said he expects a ”joint position” at the upcoming meeting in The Hague. he has urged members to commit 3.5% of GDP to military spending by 2032,plus 1.5% for security measures. Foreign ministers from several European countries stated that “European countries must play an even greater role in ensuring our own security.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supports Rutte’s plan but noted Italy may need 10 years to reach the new spending target, as Italy’s current defense spending role is 1.5% of GDP.
What’s next
NATO members will meet in The Hague on June 24-25 to finalize the defense spending agreement, while Depardieu’s legal proceedings in Rome continue.