Belchite Named a Global Heritage Priority Amid Deterioration Concerns

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has named Belchite, a town in Zaragoza, Spain, among 25 global sites in need of urgent conservation due to severe deterioration, particularly linked to its history as a symbol of the Spanish Civil War. Belchite's ruins, remnants of the devastating 1937 battle that caused approximately 5,000 casualties, have recently caught international attention. Marta Beltrán, head of the Belchite Tourist Office, noted that more than 38,000 visitors explored the site in 2024. The WMF aims to raise funds to conserve these historical remains and establish a visitor center after receiving over 250 applications for its latest list. Pablo Longoria, executive director of the Spain branch of WMF, highlighted the critical risk of collapse faced by the town. Despite being declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002, negligence has accelerated Belchite's decline, prompting advocates like Joan Sastre, who compiled a report that drew WMF's attention, to seek urgent aid before the ruins potentially disappear in two decades.

A rising trend among Gen Z and millennials involves using platforms like Instagram and TikTok for self-diagnosing psychological issues, a phenomenon often termed "Instagram therapy." Users, often not relying on mental health professionals, turn to social media for insights on emotional and behavioral patterns. According to clinical psychologist Silvia Sanz, this trend has enabled discussions around previously taboo topics, fostering increased awareness of mental health. However, psychologist María Arias warns that while destigmatizing therapy is beneficial, it risks trivializing serious mental health problems, causing self-diagnoses without proper professional assistance. Many young people, such as Carmen and Bea, report identifying their issues through social media terminologies like "anxious attachment." This can lead to normalizing unhealthy behaviors rather than addressing underlying problems. A recent study published in Nature revealed that stigmas surrounding severe mental disorders persist, often discouraging individuals from seeking help. Experts emphasize the importance of professional guidance in navigating complex psychological issues, indicating that social media should not replace genuine therapeutic intervention.

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, is facing trial in Madrid over accusations of sexual assault against player Jenni Hermoso. The incident occurred during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup on August 20, 2023. Hermoso, Spain's all-time leading goalscorer, testified that Rubiales "grabbed me by the ears and kissed me on the mouth" without her consent, according to reports from the Madrid High Court. In addition to Rubiales, former women's national team coach Jorge Vilda and two other federation officials are indicted for pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. The fallout from the incident triggered a significant backlash, leading to boycotts by both the women's and men's national teams and widespread protests against sexism in sports. Rubiales lost his position following the event and was subsequently banned from football for three years by FIFA. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of over two years for Rubiales. The trial, which commenced recently, is expected to feature testimonies from both Rubiales' daughters and Hermoso's teammates.