SICKENING footage of a Ukrainian prisoner being dragged across a road to his death by evil Russian invaders has been released.

The defenceless prisoner of war (PoW) can be seen hogtied and strapped up to the back of a motorbike by a rope.

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Sickening footage shows a Ukrainian PoW being hogtied by the side of the road and strapped to a motorbike by the Russians[/caption]

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The PoW was dragged across an empty road to his death[/caption]

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Two of Vladimir Putin’s men can be seen taking part in the fatal act as one sits on the bike and the other drags the PoW into position[/caption]

Disturbing video shows the fiend callously driving his military motorbike down an empty road in Russian occupied Ukraine.

The Sun is choosing not to show the footage due to its barbarity.

Two of Vladimir Putin’s men can be seen taking part in the fatal act as one sits on the bike and the other drags the PoW into position.

Moments later, aerial video captures the men driving away as the prisoner is taken along with them.

It is unclear exactly where the footage is filmed from.

It has now been blasted by Ukraine’s human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets who blamed it on Putin’s brainwashed invaders.

Lubinets said: “A video is being circulated on social media: it shows a man tied to a motorcycle and dragged along the road.

“This is demonstrative cruelty and another war crime by the Russian Federation.”

He has contacted the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross over the alleged atrocity which – if confirmed – amounts to a heinous war crime. 

It would be a “gross violation” of the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law. 

“Russia is acting like a terrorist state,” Lubinets continued.  

“And it must bear fair responsibility for every crime.

“The Prosecutor General’s Office reported on May 23 that 75 criminal cases involving the killing of 268 prisoners by Russian troops are being investigated in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.”

Throughout the conflict, Putin’s men have been accused of carrying out brutal war crimes.

In January, Russian soldiers filmed themselves shooting dead six Ukrainian PoWs in cold blood.

Kyiv launched a criminal investigation into the murders and reported the sickening killings to the UN and Red Cross – insisting Russia cannot be allowed to so brazenly flout the laws of war.

The PoWs are seen lying face down on the ground in a wooded area next to a temporary hut.

“This one’s mine,” says one of the executioners after demanding: “Give me two machine guns.”

And last October, a squad of Ukrainian drone pilots were executed by the Russians.

Nine of the unmanned vehicle aces were filmed being shot dead after being stripped to their underwear.

Russia’s dictator is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) after tens of thousand of Ukrainian children have been snatched by Russia in recent years.

It comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine has continued to escalate – over three and a half years into the conflict.

One of Putin’s top commanders was wiped out this week following the first Brit-made Storm Shadow blitz in months.

The deadly strike hit “the headquarters of the 8th combined arms army of the Russian Armed Forces” in occupied Donetsk – killing Colonel Ruslan Goryachkin.

Russia has unleashed deadly strikes almost every night in recent weeks as they look to steal away more land from Ukraine before agreeing to a peace deal.

The strikes came as Donald Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg hit back at Putin over delays in the peace process.

Kellogg targeted the dictator’s mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov as he slammed him, saying: “Peskov’s recent comments on the state of negotiations are Orwellian.

“Russian claims that it is the US and Ukraine stalling peace talks are unfounded – President Trump has been consistent and adamant about making progress to end the war.

“We urge an immediate ceasefire and a move to trilateral talks to end the war. Russia cannot continue to stall for time while it bombs civilian targets in Ukraine.”

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Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court over war crimes[/caption]

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In January, Russian soldiers filmed themselves shooting dead six Ukrainian PoWs in cold blood[/caption]

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Ukraine ‘used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles’ to strike military targets in Russian-occupied Donetsk[/caption]

THE Greek islands are a dream for holidaymakers looking for sun, sea and whitewashed backdrops.

But this Instagram-perfect mix has also made Mykonos and Santorini some of the most popular destinations in Europe.

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The Greek islands are some of the most stunning places in Europe – but they come with a hefty price tag[/caption]

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Kim Kardashian poses on Mykonos, which has become a magnet for celebrities[/caption]

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Freelance travel writer Laura Millar has visited Mykonos every year since she was a teenager[/caption]

Every summer, paparazzi pics of A-listers living it up in Mykonos make it into the news, with the tiny island hosting the likes of Beyonce, Lewis Hamilton, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian.

So it’s no surprise that holidays here come at a premium with prices (and crowds) higher than ever. 

However, for those in the know, a budget break to these must-see Mediterranean beauty spots is possible.

We spoke to two Greek experts who spend every summer on the islands and their tips could save you hundreds on your holiday.

Money saving in Mykonos

Freelance travel writer Laura Millar has been going to Mykonos every year since she was a teenager and reveals how she gets her fix without breaking the bank…

Mykonos has gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive places in Greece, as well as the prettiest.

Think narrow, maze-like winding streets, walls draped in bright pink bougainvillea and cute chalk-white churches.

But it doesn’t have to be extortionate. I speak from experience, as someone who came here for the first time as a student, and has been returning almost every year since.

Swerve the summer

Firstly, if possible, avoid visiting in high season, which is July and August.

Not only will you avoid the crowds, but coming in May, June, September or October means that flights and accommodation are likely to be cheaper – even in the May and September school holidays.

Book as far in advance as you can, or set price alerts for the month you want to travel on sites like Skyscanner.

If you time it right, British Airways offers flights from around £72 one way from London in October, while Easyjet flies from Manchester from £32.99 one way in the same month.

When it comes to accommodation, I like to stay in pretty Mykonos Town, home to plenty of affordable bars and tavernas within walking distance.

As hotels can be pricey, I usually book an Airbnb, and when you share with two or three others you can usually find places that don’t cost more than £50 per person per night.

You may be tempted to stay somewhere further away, but bear in mind that while you might find a cheaper hotel in a quieter area, such as family-friendly Ornos or Platis Gialos (a ten to fifteen minute drive from town), you’ll have to factor in the cost of paying for a taxi to Mykonos Town, which can get expensive.

Some places are served by a bus route, but not all, so it can be inconvenient.

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When it comes to accommodation, Laura likes to stay in pretty Mykonos Town, home to plenty of affordable bars and tavernas[/caption]

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Mykonos has plenty of stunning beaches to choose from, whether you want peace and quiet or prefer thumping tunes[/caption]

When it comes to beaches, Mykonos has plenty to choose from, whether you want peace and quiet or prefer thumping tunes played by an on-site DJ.

Being based in Mykonos Town means you can take advantage of the network of public buses which serve most of the best beaches, costing two euros for a single journey. Check the timetables in advance mykonosbus.com. 

Head to Paraga, a slightly quieter beach with plenty of cheap and cheerful tavernas right on the sand.

My favouite is Tasos, which offers simple but tasty dishes from Greek salads for £8 to grilled sardines and moussaka for under £10.

Be aware, however, that all beaches charge visitors for the privilege of using a sun lounger with a parasol.

Prices can vary from around £20 per day to an eye-watering £100 or even more, at glitzy beach clubs like Scorpios, Nammos and Jackie O’s.

If you don’t fancy shelling out, buy a cheap beach umbrella when you get there and lay your towel on the sand.

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Cafe tables and chairs right near the sea with waves overlooking famous Mykonos windmills.[/caption]

Med-priced meals

Eating out can be incredibly reasonable if you know where to go.

As there’s plenty of competition in Mykonos Town and you’ll find loads of places where main courses cost around £15 or less, plus a variety of casual cafes and bakeries.

You can’t beat Niko’s, by the Old Port, serving classics like stuffed vine leaves (£8), grilled feta (£7) and lamb souvlaki (£14) and where a litre of house wine costs around £5. 

For a quick daytime or late night snack, Leonidas, in the town centre, serves up delicious pork or chicken gyros for under £5.

Fancy a fun night out with cheap drinks?

Head to the popular Skandinavian Bar which has been a staple in Mykonos since the 70s.

Like many bars here, there’s even a dancefloor, which you will be more than happy to join after the £10 cocktails.

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Sunset on the island of Santorini, Greece[/caption]

Beers cost £8 and you’ll be pushed to get one for cheaper than that in Mykonos.

If you want to be boujee on a budget, do what we do and buy a bottle of Prosecco and some paper cups from one of the supermarkets and take it to the square by the five windmills for a sunset aperitif and the most perfect view of the sun down. 

Save money in Santorini

Local expert Heidi Fuller-Love – a travel writer based in Greece – shares her ways to save and see a more authentic side to Santorini, despite its reputation as one of Greece’s least affordable destinations.

Mykonos is not the only island with a reputation for being overpriced and overcrowded – Santorini is a magnet for honeymooners and a honeypot for A-listers ranging from Angelina Jolie to Beyoncé.

Rumour has it that now that Santorini has picked up a premium price tag, it’s putting people off, with hotels reporting bookings down by as much as 20–30% this year.

However it’s absolutely possible to explore this sizzling Cyclades island in the sun without breaking the bank if you know how, so now’s the time to take advantage.

Heidi Fuller-love

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Santorini island and its famous blue-domed skyline[/caption]

Stay away from the caldera

Santorini might be known for its picturesque volcanic caldera sprinkled with white villages and blue-domed churches, but if you want to save the pennies, head inland.

Away from tourist-heavy hotspots like Oia and Fira, you’ll find picture-postcard villages like Megalochori, Pyrgos, or Emborio with cobbled streets, homely tavernas, and competitively priced accommodation where your money will go much further — and you’ll also get a big bite of authentic island life.

A lot of people are surprised when I recommend simple but lovely hotels like Hotel L&S Lignos, in Fira and Villa Livadaros, Karterados which both have rooms from £35 a night.

Something with few more facilities like Depalmya Suites costs a bit more, but you can still get a deal for £350 for four nights, which is far less than the package prices suggest.

Beach by bus

Car hire is expensive on the island and quads are downright dangerous on Santorini’s narrow, crowded roads, so I would avoid this option.

Luckily, there are plenty of buses in summer leaving from Oia’s central bus station (generally every half hour), and tickets cost less than £2. 

For the same price, there’s also a Santorini Airport Express bus that leaves from Fira every hour, so you don’t even need a taxi when you arrive.

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Oia Ia village on Santorini is a sweet spot[/caption]

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Kamari beach has reasonably-priced sun loungers[/caption]

Santorini has plenty of free attractions, if you know where to look.

The beaches, for starters, are so stunning, you wont want to leave. Red Beach’s sheer orange cliffs swoop to pristine turquoise waters.

It’s a bit of a trek to get onto it, but you are rewarded with an uncrowded spot in a secluded lagoon.

Perissa and Kamari both boast sweeping lengths of black volcanic sand – but, like Mykonos, sun loungers are expensive, so take your own towel and grab a shady spot by the sea wall.

The thing everyone wants to do is a catamaran tour at sunset, but for £100 per person, it’s very expensive, especially for families.

Instead, enjoy the highlights on a Volcanic Islands cruise for £21— you even get a swim in the hot springs — for a third of the price.

At sun down, if you’re feeling energetic, hike up the cobbled cliff-edge path from Fira to Oia at sunset.

The views are as good as any you’d get from those pricey cliff-edge hotels.

Eat like a local

Expect to pay top-notch prices for a table with a caldera view in Oia or Fira.

But in the warren of streets behind the volcano’s rim, you’ll find simple tavernas and cafés serving gyros pita, or tomato-and-sauce-stuffed falafel wraps, for around £4.

If you fancy a picnic, pick up a bag of cheese-stuffed tiropita pies or spanakopita spinach pies from family-run Grigoris Bakery in Fira for as little as £3 and take them with you to the beach.

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Local food tastes better and costs less[/caption]

For keenly priced Santorini-themed meals, follow locals to family-run tavernas like Lava near Perissa or Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia.

Both have sea views and fresh seafood, like a huge bowl of steamed mussels for £10 and grilled chicken skewers with rice for £12. Beers here are just £4.50 too.

Starry nights out in Santorini can be expensive, but clubs like Town Club Fira or Two Brothers Bar , have great happy hours and two-for-one promotions.

At Two Brothers, you can get a cocktail for £5, which is half the price of Marinera Bar down the road

Alternatively, grab a hammock and enjoy great value drinks and snacks as you lounge or dance in the sand at Tranquilo Café on Perissa Beach. Cocktails here are £12 but they pack a punch, so you won’t need many.

Opting for local Greek drinks like Santorini house wine, ouzo, or Metaxa brandy generally cost less than their branded booze counterparts, but be sure to ask for them specifically, or you will get a bill with the European prices.

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Santorini habour at sunset is stunning[/caption]

Go out of season

In summer months in Santorini, when cruise ships dock at Fira and honeymooners head for Oia, you can expect crowds, sizzling heat, and bling-bling prices. 

Just like in Mykonos, in May or October, evenings are cooler but days are generally still really hot.

Flights cost half the price, on my last trip I paid £28 one way.

Accommodation will be less per night and tavernas tend to offer more value for money too, to draw in business.

If flights are coming up expensive for your dates, there is a way to travel to Santorini much cheaper.

Book a flight to Athens. Ryaniar have bargain flights to the capital for as little as £19 each way.

From here, take a ferry over to Santorini for £40. It’s just like a cruise – you can sit out on deck and get a tan during the six-hour journey — and nothing tops the wow factor of arriving inside that jawdropping volcanic caldera by boat.

An attack occurred when armed assailants opened fire on the Pha Lado Forest Protection Unit office in Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak province. The natural resources and environment minister, Chalermchai Sri-on, has instructed police to apprehend the suspects, believed to be illegal loggers of rosewood. This incident is seen as a direct challenge to law …

The story Attack on Mae Tuen wildlife sanctuary sparks urgent police hunt as seen on Thaiger News.

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang will reveal on Friday the findings of the investigation of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) on the controversies surrounding the Villar-owned water service provider PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., following mounting complaints from its customers across the country. According to Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently

KIA JOORABCHIAN has snapped up a ‘fantastic’ young trainer to head up Amo Racing’s historic yard.

The football superagent says Kevin Philippart de Foy is the ‘perfect fit’ for the multi-million pound operation’s base at the famous Freemason Lodge in Newmarket.

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Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy will lead the Amo Racing operation out of its historic Freemason Lodge[/caption]

The former home of the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute, Philippart de Foy, 33, will now run the stables as retained trainer for Amo.

He will take over from Raphael Freire, who will become Amo’s private trainer.

Philippart de Foy was selected following a ‘detailed selection process’ and will be tasked with turning big-money purchases into winners on the track.

Joorabchian said: “”First, I’d like to welcome Kevin Philippart de Foy as our new trainer at Freemason Lodge.

“evin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition.

“Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother.

“We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly.

“We believe he’s the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we’re excited about what’s ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard.

“At the same time, I want to say a big thank you to Raphael for stepping up and doing such a brilliant job getting Freemason up and running.

“His work over the past few months has been crucial, and he’s laid a solid foundation for the future.

“Raphael has been a big part of Amo Racing’s journey so far, and he continues to be an integral part of our team moving forward.”

While Belgian-born Philippart de Foy added: “I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing.

“This is a major milestone in my career, and I’m incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity.

“Amo Racing’s investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together.”

Joorabchian is making big moves to lay the groundwork for what should be a huge few years for Amo.

No1 jockey David Egan – who just the other day landed a 10,373-1 Wolverhampton four-timer – recently signed a contract extension.

And he should have some exceptional talent to get to grips with over the coming months.

Amo are famed for spending huge sums at the sales, taking on the established order such as Godolphin and Coolmore.

Joorabchian recently landed the Clive Cox-trained Ghostwriter for £2million and saw him finish a very encouraging third to Rebel’s Romance in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

LOVE Island fans have issued an urgent warning and begged for a contestant on the show to get checked after spotting a rather worrying health issue.

Viewers watching the show this week picked up on something odd about Love Island hunk Harry’s appearance.

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Love Island fans have issued an urgent plea for Harry’s peck to get checked[/caption]

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Eroteme

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The 30-year-old Islander was seen chatting in the Beach Hut when fans spotted what appeared to be a lump underneath his peck.

One concerned fan took to a Facebook group to raise an alert about the supposed lump, calling for it to get checked out.

“Not body shaming. Me and my mum were concerned about this lump on his peck,” the Facebook user penned.

They then asked: “Did anyone else notice?”

Fellow Love Island fans and viewers were quick to flock to the comments section.

“I noticed that hope he is ok,” said one.

“Yes I spotted it, let’s hope it’s just just the way his muscles are shaped,” penned a second.

A third person then wrote: “Just looks like the shape of his muscle to me. But it’s always safe than sorry.”

“Could be a lipoma, my partner has loads and they’re harmless but always worth checking,” offered a fourth.

“This has happened in the past with other islanders and the public noticing things they should get checked out.

“Hopefully the love island medical team will be alerted and can take a look,” said a fifth.

While a sixth added: “I think this is really crucial as sometime we don’t see what other people do and this post might just save his life….

“Everyone saying it could be this it could be that but reality is this post is just another person being concerned of another’s wellbeing.

“And because he is in the public eye it might just save his life.”

There are on site medical and welfare teams on the Love Island set, and the Islanders are all closely monitored.

This comes after fans were calling for Harry’s axe from the show.

Earlier this week, viewers of the ITV2 reality show weren’t impressed by Harry’s conversation with his villa partner Shakira.

During the steamy Heart Rate challenge, it turned out fellow Islander Helena’s routine got Harry’s heart racing more than any other girl.

In the saucy challenge Helena made her desire for him clear when she whispered in Harry’s ear: “I want to f*** you.”

He immediately told Tommy to pass it on to the boys afterwards, and Dejon was left open-mouthed.

During his go, Harry whispered “do you still want to f*** me?” in Helena’s ear.

However, when discussing the results with Shakira afterwards, Harry neglected to tell her what had happened.

Fans were left unimpressed, as one wrote: “Shakira deserves so much better than Harry, casa amor please save her asap.”

While someone else penned: “Shakira now we can dump harry you’ve given him enough chances.”

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Eroteme

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — Around 136 learners from two schools in Sibalom municipality in Antique were rushed to hospitals in Antique due to dizziness and vomiting after the inhalation of an alleged toxic chemical on Wednesday. Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Information Officer Irene Duldoco said in an interview that 107 learners

CHLOE KELLY has given Arsenal a summer boost by sealing a permanent switch to the club after her trophy-winning loan spell. 

The Gunners’ signing of the forward, who is currently in Switzerland with England at the Euros, follows her exit from Manchester City.

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The Arsenal forward will wear the team’s number 18 shirt from next season[/caption]

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Chloe Kelly is one of five Arsenal players who are part of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad competing in this year’s Euros in Switzerland[/caption]

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The length of the contract with Kelly , 27, who notched two goals and three assists in 13 Arsenal appearances last term, has not been publicly disclosed by the club.

The move comes two months after she helped the club win this year’s Women’s Champions League.  

Her eight appearances in the contest include her starting in Renee Slegers’ side’s 1-0 triumph over Barcelona in the final. 

The result led to Arsenal winning the biggest football club prize in Europe for the second time in their history. 

Of her permanent move, Kelly said: “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me

“Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I’m looking forward to continuing. 

“I’m excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to North London to celebrate with our supporters. 

“I’ve always said that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.”

Kelly, whose career started in the Gunners’ academy at 12, made 19 first team appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine times, between 2015 and 2018.  

A two-year stint with Everton from 2018 was followed by the forward joining Man City.

During her time there the 53-capped Lioness won FA and League Cups in 2020 and 2022. 

Last term Kelly faced a battle for minutes at City after dropping down their pecking order making just one start in six WSL matches last season. 

Her struggle for game time led to the England star issuing an exit plea before joining Arsenal on loan. 

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Arsenal won the Champions League for the first time since 2007 when they defeated Barcelona in this year’s final[/caption]

Under head coach Slegers Kelly impressed for the club helping them finish second in the WSL after playing in eight top-flight games. 

Slegers added: “Chloe had a great impact for us and played an important role in what we achieved here last season.

“I know she shares our ambition to compete for more.”

BRITISH drug mule suspect Bella Culley was shown a horrifying video of a beheading by evil drug traffickers – and warned she faced the same fate, her lawyer claimed yesterday.

Backpacker Bella, 18, told her legal team that she fell into the clutches of a British-led gang of drug runners while on holiday in Thailand.

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Bella was seen in court this week as her devastated family watched on[/caption]

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Cannabis was found wrapped in air-tight bags in Bella’s luggage, police said[/caption]

And she will deny knowingly importing drugs worth £200,000 into the former Soviet state of Georgia claiming she was in fear of life when she was put on the flight from Bangkok in May.

Trainee nurse Bella – who got pregnant on her Far East trip – claimed the gang also threatened to harm her parents and 16-year-old brother claiming they knew where they lived.

And she texted a desperate two word plea “HELP ME” to her family after being “branded” on the arm with an iron as a warning.

Bella from Billingham, County Durham, claimed she never saw a bag containing £200,000-worth of cannabis which was checked in under her name by a gang member.

Her frantic family launched a missing person hunt in Thailand after she vanished on holiday but she turned up under arrest 4,000 miles away in the former Soviet state.

Her Georgian lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia claimed the gang terrorised the teenager into becoming a mule.

He told The Sun: “They told her: ‘We know the addresses of your parents, we know where your 16-year-old brother is.’ 

“They made her watch a video of a man being decapitated and told her: ‘If you don’t do as you are told, this is what is going to happen to you and your family.’ 

“She felt queasy and almost fainted but they still forced her to watch it”

Bella – who wept in court on Monday as she appeared with her baby bump visible for the first time – has stressed the British father of her child was not a gang member

And she went on to describe the horror of her “branding” to Mr Salakaia.

He told The Sun: “On the inside of her right arm there is a mark from this coercion. 

“She was, so to say, branded – a hot iron was pressed on her arm. 

“She was forced to do this – there was both psychological and physical pressure, the trace of which is still visible.

“As to her connection with this group, she knew several of them – they are British. 

“At first she knew one, and then through him met the others. However, we have grounds to assume that this group also had local accomplices, including in Thailand.”

Mr Salakaia said by the time Bella managed to send a desperate text to her family, it was too late for them to stop her disastrous journey to Georgia.

Mr Salakaia said: “Bella sent an SMS to her family asking for help, saying: HELP ME, but by the time the family reacted it was too late.

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Bella has now been locked up for six weeks in Georgia[/caption]

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Bella has said she never touched the drugs found in her suitcase[/caption]

NCJ Media

“The instruction, or rather threat, she was given consisted of the following: ‘You will take this luggage and carry it from point A to point B, to this or that country, or we will kill you. 

“There is no talk of any potential reward or deal — Bella was simply forced to do this.

“The speculation that one of them is the father of Bella’s child does not correspond to the truth – I categorically deny this. There is no connection. 

“I cannot say whether the father of the child knows about Bella’s situation.”

Mr Salakaia told how Bella tried in vain to raise the alarm – but discovered to her horror that Thai cops she tried to tip off were linked to the gang.

He said: “There was a very alarming episode while she was still in Bangkok. Bella seized a moment to go to some policemen – there were three of them, standing on the street.

“She told them: ‘I have a problem, this is happening, there is pressure on me, help me.’ 

“They spoke with her for 20 minutes and then returned her exactly to the same people she had run away from. 

“This allows the simplest conclusion – that this group had things arranged with the local police.”

Mr Salakaia said Bella did not see the suitcase containing 31lb of cannabis in vacuum-sealed bags until a customs officer in Georgian capital Tbilisi showed it to her.

The teenager had no idea where Tbilisi was and no idea why she was there, he said.

Mr Salakaia told The Sun: “They marked this luggage, approached Bella and asked her: ‘Is this your luggage?’

“She said: ‘This was sent, it is not mine, I do not know what this is, but I was told I would be met, but who, I don’t know.’

“When she was leaving they told her that the person who should meet her would have her photo and her mission would be complete. 

“It would have been better for Bella to come out and then be detained – after all, she was already under surveillance anyway. 

“They would have seen who was to meet her. In this case the operation stopped with Bella – the full stop was put prematurely.

“The luggage was not checked in by her – her luggage was checked in by someone else. The luggage was simply registered to her.”

Bella, in a pink t-shirt with her hair in a bun, burst into tears at a court appearance on Monday where she was supported by her father Niel, 39, aunt Kerrie and grandad William Culley.  

Mr Salakaia said Bella – who was refused bail on Monday – will deny drug trafficking charges which carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in jail.

The high profile lawyer – a former investigator who worked on the assassination attempts on former Georgian President Shevardnadze – said he would push for a fine and deportation.

Bella – who says she is happy with conditions at tough No5 Women’s Penitentiary on the outskirts of Tbilisi – is next due in court on July 10.

A tragic incident unfolded in Koh Samui early this morning, leaving a 45 year old Austrian tourist dead after falling down stairs in a hotel. The fatal accident occurred today, July 2, when Bo Phut Police Station, Surat Thani province, received an urgent report from the 191 centre at around 5am. The foreigner was found …

The story Austrian tourist dies after falling down stairs in Koh Samui hotel as seen on Thaiger News.