The Khmer Rouge tribunal's trial chamber has adjourned Case 002/02 until January 8 due to a boycott by Khieu Samphan's defence team, who were ordered to attend court but failed to appear. The defence team criticized the trial chamber for not respecting their work and argued they lack resources to work on the appeal and attend hearings simultaneously. Trial Chamber President Nil Nonn suggested the defence's lack of diligence, noting that Samphan's lawyers were in Paris. The chamber considered replacing the lawyers and referring their conduct to bar associations. Samphan's national lawyer Kong Sam Onn viewed the adjournment as a victory and expected the Cambodian Bar Association to condemn the chamber's warnings. The chamber's decision leaves no excuse for future boycotts, according to Long Panhavuth of the Cambodia Justice Initiative. Nuon Chea's defence co-lawyer Victor Koppe was not disappointed with the adjournment, citing a lack of faith in the tribunal's impartiality.

The Cambodian government's recent arrest of seven opposition lawmakers-elect on insurrection charges is reminiscent of similar tactics used nearly a decade ago to suppress dissent. Political observers compare the current situation to the 2005 crackdown when Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Cheam Channy was arrested, and others faced charges. The Cambodian Center for Human Rights Chairman Ou Virak and author Sebastian Strangio note the repetitive nature of these tactics and suggest that foreign pressure has historically moderated the government's actions. The opposition's increased unity and popular support make the outcome uncertain, though it is expected to follow previous patterns of international condemnation followed by a negotiated settlement.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) will chair five of ten parliamentary commissions and take the first vice presidency of the assembly as part of an agreement revealed by CNRP whip Son Chhay. Despite this, disagreements on reform technicalities continue to block a full resolution. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) will maintain control of the parliamentary presidency and second vice presidency, ensuring a majority on the assembly’s permanent standing committee. Governance experts suggest that without changes to internal assembly rules, the opposition's increased parliamentary presence will not translate into significant power. The parties also disagree on the selection process for the National Election Committee's members. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy accuses the CPP of backtracking on agreements, while the CPP claims it is ahead with drafted constitutional amendments. Further negotiations are expected, but no timeline has been set.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy are engaged in backroom negotiations that could potentially resolve the country's political deadlock before the Khmer New Year. The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has been boycotting its 55 seats in the National Assembly since the July election, citing election irregularities, and has called for early elections, which the ruling party CPP claims would be unconstitutional. The CNRP withdrew from election reform talks after the CPP refused to prioritize its demand for National Election Committee members to be approved by two-thirds of parliament. Hun Sen hinted that only one issue remains unresolved in the draft agreement, while Rainsy, communicating with Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng, remained hopeful for a resolution but did not disclose details to avoid jeopardizing the process.

A grenade attack during a family gathering in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district killed an 11-year-old boy, Sin Dara, and left four others hospitalized with serious injuries. The presumed target, Sin Sorn, a land broker with multiple wives, survived the attack, which is believed to be a revenge act. The grenade was thrown by two men on a motorbike and deflected off a truck, amplifying the impact on the child. The Child Protection Unit is assisting with the investigation, while police are interviewing victims and witnesses and searching for the suspects.

Deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha has urged Prime Minister Hun Sen to demonstrate greater flexibility in negotiations to resolve Cambodia's political deadlock, which has now surpassed the previous record length set after the 2003 election. The current impasse has persisted for 341 days since the July 2013 election, with the Cambodian People's Party able to form a government but nearly half of parliament seats remaining vacant due to the CNRP's boycott. The CPP favors a 50-percent-plus-one formula for selecting National Election Committee members, while the CNRP seeks a two-thirds parliamentary approval requirement. Ou Virak of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights views the deadlock as a potential opportunity for democratic reform.

Dozens of civil society organizations worldwide have supported an International Criminal Court complaint against Cambodia's ruling elite for alleged crimes against humanity through land grabbing. They called on the ICC prosecutor to consider a preliminary examination that could lead to a full investigation. The complaint, filed by UK lawyer Richard Rogers on October 7, aims to highlight the severity of land grabbing when it becomes widespread or systematic. The Cambodian government views the case as politically motivated.

A metal monolith discovered in Utah's Red Rock desert has attracted adventurers and internet sleuths, despite officials' initial attempts to keep its location secret. The structure was first spotted by state wildlife officials on November 18, and its coordinates were later revealed online. While some speculate extraterrestrial involvement, the prevailing theory is that it's an unclaimed conceptual artwork, possibly linked to artists like the late John McCracken or Petecia Le Fawnhawk. The monolith's creator remains unknown, and the Utah Department of Public Safety has stated they cannot prevent the public from visiting the site on public land.

Global leaders are urging citizens to adhere to guidelines and stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Italy reported nearly 800 deaths in one day, while UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of the NHS being overwhelmed. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez indicated the worst is yet to come. In Italy, Lombardy imposed stricter measures to combat the virus. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died from the virus. US President Donald Trump offered help to North Korea in fighting the outbreak. Rihanna's foundation donated $5m to the pandemic fight. The UK confirmed over 5,000 cases, and Bolivia ordered a 14-day stay-at-home mandate. France reported 112 more deaths, and Trump discussed the impact of the virus on hotels and the possibility of sanitizing masks.

On March 16, 2020, the coronavirus pandemic saw rapid developments globally. France announced a nationwide lockdown, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring the country 'at war' against the virus. The UK, Germany, and other European countries implemented stringent measures to curb the spread. The US, led by President Donald Trump, advised against gatherings of more than 10 people. The global economy faced recession fears as markets plunged. The World Health Organization emphasized testing, tracing, and isolating as key strategies. Airlines canceled flights, and borders closed worldwide. Public Health England issued social distancing advice, particularly for vulnerable groups. The EU planned to shut its borders to non-EU visitors, while Switzerland declared a national emergency. In the UK, the Labour Party called for extended support for affected workers, and the Grand National was canceled. The Philippines set a 72-hour deadline for foreign tourists to leave, and Russia banned entry to foreigners until May.

The 1MDB scandal, involving billions of dollars from a Malaysian state fund, has led to global investigations and the downfall of political figures. Money was used for luxury purchases and financing the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, central to the scandal, faces multiple charges. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, is also charged with money-laundering and tax evasion. Goldman Sachs faces charges in Malaysia, while financier Jho Low remains a fugitive. The scandal has been exposed through the work of persistent journalists and is part of a larger narrative of corruption and power abuse in Malaysia.

Ukraine is emerging as a popular destination for surrogacy as couples from around the world seek affordable options following the closure of surrogacy industries in Asia. Young Ukrainian women, like 18-year-old Ana, are attracted to the lucrative opportunity, with the potential to earn up to $20,000, compared to local salaries. However, concerns over exploitation and inadequate regulation are prevalent. Surrogacy laws in Ukraine are liberal, recognizing the intending parents as the biological parents from conception and allowing open market compensation for surrogates. Despite the increase in demand and the potential for high earnings, surrogates and industry experts report issues with clinic care and agency treatment. The process can be complex and emotionally challenging for surrogates, who often have to navigate health risks, legal hurdles, and the emotional toll of carrying and giving up a child for others.

The article discusses firefighting strategies in high-rise buildings, referencing the Grenfell Tower fire in London as a case study. Firefighters typically establish a base two floors below the fire to manage entry and breathing apparatus. The Grenfell Tower incident posed exceptional challenges due to rapid fire spread, potentially influenced by the building's cladding. Fire safety experts emphasize the importance of building design and construction in preventing fatalities, as demonstrated by the absence of deaths in similar fires in Dubai. The article also touches on the 'stay put' advice given to Grenfell Tower residents and the limitations of firefighting equipment in reaching high floors.

Australia has enacted legislation to deny passports to approximately 20,000 individuals on the national child sex offenders register, aiming to prevent child abuse by Australians abroad, particularly in South East Asia. The law has received bipartisan support and praise from groups like APLE, but also faces criticism for potentially overreaching and affecting individuals who may not re-offend, such as young people convicted for sexting. Critics argue for a more individualized, judicial approach to travel restrictions. The UK has implemented measures to restrict offender travel but has not pursued a law similar to Australia's.

Bars across the US, including Clooney's Pub in San Francisco and Union Pub in Washington, are preparing for a busy morning as Americans anticipate former FBI director James Comey's testimony before Congress regarding his interactions with President Donald Trump. The testimony has generated significant public interest, with some bars offering themed drinks and promotions tied to the event. The hearing is being compared to other significant Congressional hearings in American history, and there is heightened anticipation for potential live tweets from President Trump during the proceedings.

Norway's Hunter Troop, the world's first all-female special forces training program, has been deemed a major success since its inception in 2014. The program was established to meet an operational need for highly-trained female soldiers who could interact with women and children in conservative societies, as seen in the Afghanistan war. Despite the physical and mental challenges, including a rigorous 'hell week', the recruits, who are often elite athletes, bring unique strengths to the military. The Norwegian military, which has allowed women in all combat roles since the mid-1980s, has seen slow progress in increasing female participation, currently at 11%. The article also touches on the resistance to gender integration in special forces, particularly in the US, and addresses concerns such as physical strength and team cohesion. The Hunter Troop's training includes a variety of combat and survival skills, with an emphasis on realistic preparation.

A group of refugees from Nauru is expected to be flown to Cambodia as part of a $40 million resettlement deal, with up to 10 people believed to have volunteered. The Australian government has not confirmed the flight, but a letter to refugees describes Cambodia as a safe country, offering various forms of support upon arrival. Refugee advocates are skeptical, citing Cambodia's poor human rights record and high crime rates. The International Organisation for Migration is preparing for possible movements, while Cambodia requires that refugees come voluntarily.