内容摘要：about repeated beatings and torture while ransoms were demanded of their families. Their bodies showed traces of old and recent injuries, and signs of bullet and knife wounds on their backs, legs, arms and faces.

about repeated beatings and torture while ransoms were demanded of their families. Their bodies showed traces of old and recent injuries, and signs of bullet and knife wounds on their backs, legs, arms and faces.

At its simplest, Eurovision is an international pop music competition in which acts representing countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete on live television for the title of champion, and a crystal microphone trophy.Launched in 1956 to foster unity after World War II and test new live-broadcast technology, Eurovision has grown into a feel-good celebration of pop music and international unity. It has grown from seven countries to 37, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia. The number has been

through two semifinals this week.Eurovision is known for electro-pop anthems and disco dancefloor-fillers — often paired with elaborate costumes and spectacular staging — and for a steady smattering of kooky novelty acts.Past winners include ABBA, who won in 1974 with “Waterloo"; Canadian chanteuse

, for Switzerland in 1988; and the Italian rock bandThis year’s favorites include

, representing Sweden with their ode to sauna culture “Bara Bada Bastu”; Dutch singer Claude with soulful ballad “C’est La Vie”; Austrian singer JJ’s pop-opera song “Wasted Love”; French singer Louane with “maman”; and

, with her anthemic “New Day Will Rise.”The British government welcomed the latest ruling, saying it would provide clarity and confidence for women.

“Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government,” it said.Scotland’s semi-autonomous government said it accepted the judgment.

“We will now engage on the implications of the ruling,” First Minister John Swinney posted on X. “Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”Women’s rights activists hold placards outside the Supreme Court to challenge gender recognition laws, in London, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)