Georgian lawmakers elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, a far-right former soccer star, as president, intensifying tensions between the pro-Russian government and pro-Western opposition. Kavelashvili, a former MP for the ruling Georgian Dream party, was the sole candidate, elected by a 300-member electoral college amid an opposition boycott. His presidency, largely ceremonial, is expected to deepen divisions, as protests continue over halted EU accession talks. Outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili criticized the election process, calling it a “mockery of democracy,” and vowed to remain in office. Penelope Kingsley 14/12/2024 3:30 pm
A businessman accused of being a Chinese spy, known as H6, was invited to royal residences by the Duke of York, despite being banned from the UK on national security grounds. The Duke claims he ceased contact when concerns arose. H6 allegedly facilitated connections between UK figures and Chinese officials for potential political influence. The situation highlights China’s strategy of building long-term relationships with influential individuals. The royal family has distanced itself from the Duke, with King Charles reportedly cutting his financial support. This incident raises concerns about the monarchy’s future and transparency. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 3:30 pm
South Korean lawmakers will vote again on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol amid allegations of rebellion over his brief martial law decree. Yoon survived a previous vote after a boycott by ruling party lawmakers, but public protests have intensified, with tens of thousands demanding his ouster. Despite the turmoil, rallies have remained largely peaceful. Yoon’s martial law, the first in over 40 years, lasted six hours, causing political and financial disruption before being overturned by parliament. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 3:30 pm
South Korea’s parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after his ruling party turned against him following a failed martial law attempt. This marks the second impeachment of a South Korean leader in a decade. Yoon is suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will act as president. The impeachment followed Yoon’s martial law declaration and defiant speech, which backfired, leading to widespread protests. The vote passed with 204 lawmakers in favor, sparking celebrations among demonstrators. Ava Sinclair 14/12/2024 12:00 pm
Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) named Mohammad al Bashir as interim prime minister until March 2025, amid unresolved constitutional issues. HTS, an Islamist militia, led a shock offensive that toppled President Bashar al-Assad, leaving Syria divided with humanitarian and economic crises. HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization complicates international diplomacy and financial aid, crucial for rebuilding Syria. The international community faces a dilemma: act quickly and risk empowering malign actors, or proceed cautiously and risk instability, as noted by analyst Jasmine El-Gamal. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 8:30 am
A suspected Chinese spy with ties to Prince Andrew has been barred from the U.K. due to national security concerns. The Chinese national, linked to the United Front Work Department, developed a close relationship with Andrew, even attending his birthday party. Authorities feared he could leverage relationships for political interference. Andrew ceased contact upon government advice, stating no sensitive discussions occurred. The prince, criticized for links to wealthy foreigners, has faced financial strain after stepping back from royal duties due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. British intelligence is wary of China’s influence efforts. Ava Sinclair 14/12/2024 8:30 am
Russia launched a major aerial attack on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, targeting the energy sector. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 81 missiles, aided by F-16s from Western allies. President Zelenskyy condemned the assault, urging global unity against Russia. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMs on a Russian base. Uncertainty looms over future U.S. support as President-elect Trump has pledged to end the war. Russia claims the strikes targeted critical Ukrainian military infrastructure. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 8:30 am
Four men recount their release from Syria’s notorious prison, describing years of torture and the moment rebels freed them. Initially too afraid to respond to voices outside their cell, they realized it was their liberation when they saw rebels instead of guards. Overwhelmed with fear and disbelief, they ran out barefoot, not daring to look back, unaware that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime had fallen. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 8:30 am
Mr. Yoon’s presidency, marked by protests and political deadlock since 2022, faced turmoil when he declared martial law on Dec. 3, accusing the opposition of government paralysis. Soldiers attempted to prevent lawmakers from overturning martial law, causing shock and outrage. The opposition successfully voted down the declaration, leading Yoon to rescind it and apologize. This incident intensified calls for his impeachment, with widespread public protests demanding his removal. Ava Sinclair 14/12/2024 8:30 am
Prince Andrew ended contact with a businessman, H6, accused of being a Chinese spy, following government advice. H6, described as a “close confidant” of Andrew, was banned from the UK by a national security court. His appeal against the ban was rejected. Andrew’s office stated no sensitive topics were discussed with H6, and he can’t comment on national security matters. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. China’s UK embassy denied the espionage claims, calling them baseless. H6 was previously invited to Andrew’s birthday and allegedly leveraged his influence. Noah Prescott 14/12/2024 5:00 am
