Couple’s ‘Game of Thrones’ photos create online buzz in Hungary

The couple prepares to imitate a scene from the TV series ‘Game of Thrones.’ (Reuters)
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Updated 28 April 2020
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Couple’s ‘Game of Thrones’ photos create online buzz in Hungary

Bored by the weeks-long coronavirus lockdown? Not Hungarian film buffs Fanni and Norbert who have recreated dozens of scenes in their flat from “Ghost,” the “Game of Thrones,” “Scarface” and other films using whatever household utensils they could find.
The couple’s photos quickly went viral on social media, and now they just can’t stop, coming up every day with new ideas.
“Inspiration struck when we were in the kitchen cooking,” said Norbert Hosszu, 30, as he prepared to put on a wig to act out a scene of “Game of Thrones.”
His partner, Fanni Kovacs, 26, said she had been making dough for potato scones when she remembered a scene from the film “Ghost” with Demi Moore kneading clay and Patrick Swayze embracing her from behind.

FASTFACTS

• The couple, who used to work as improvization actors before the coronavirus crisis hit, quickly recreated the scene in their kitchen using the scone dough.

• Viewers now write to them asking for more, and also ask for scenes from specific movies.

The couple, who used to work as improvization actors before the coronavirus crisis hit, quickly recreated the scene in their kitchen using the scone dough. Viewers now write to them asking for more, and also ask for scenes from specific movies.
“Fanni and I have always liked to dress up, and when we were at university we went to a lot of costume parties. And of course we both love movies and work with theater,” Norbert said. Which scenes they select depends on what they can find at home: Flour instead of cocaine, tinned tomatoes instead of blood, a vacuum cleaner instead of a gun.
“I just hope that these photos will bring a smile to people’s faces,” Fanni said.


Israel extends foreign media ban law until end of 2027

Updated 23 December 2025
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Israel extends foreign media ban law until end of 2027

  • Order replaces temporary emergency legislation that allowed authorization of so-called ‘Al Jazeera bill’
  • Extension of temporary order empowers Communications Ministry to restrict foreign channels deemed to cause ‘real harm to state security’

LONDON: Israel’s Knesset approved late Monday an extension of the temporary order empowering the Communications Ministry to shut down foreign media outlets, pushing the measure through until Dec. 31, 2027.

The bill, proposed by Likud lawmaker Ariel Kallner, passed its second and third readings by a 22-10 vote, replacing wartime emergency legislation known as the “Al Jazeera Law.”

Under the extended order, the communications minister — with prime ministerial approval and security cabinet or government ratification — can restrict foreign channels deemed to cause “real harm to state security,” even outside states of emergency.

Measures include suspending broadcasts, closing offices, seizing equipment, blocking websites, and directing the defense minister to block satellite signals, including in the West Bank, without disrupting other channels.

Administrative orders last 90 days, with possible extensions. Unlike the temporary measure, the new law does not require court approval to shut down a media outlet.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights and media groups, who warn it entrenches restrictions on Arab and foreign outlets amid a broader erosion of press freedoms.

“Israel is openly waging a battle against media outlets, both local and foreign, that criticize the government’s narrative; that is typical behavior of authoritarian regimes,” International Federation of Journalists General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said in November after the bill’s first reading.

“We are deeply concerned about the Israeli parliament passing this controversial bill, as it would be a serious blow to free speech and media freedom, and a direct attack on the public’s right to know.”

In a parallel development, the Israeli Cabinet unanimously approved on Monday the shutdown of Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) after 75 years, with operations ceasing on March 1, 2026.

In a statement, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned the decision “undermines public broadcasting in Israel and restricts freedom of expression,” lacking a legal basis.