Hong Kong election: Turnout near record low amid anger over deadly fire

Kenya has dispatched a new contingent of police officers to Haiti to bolster a multinational mission aimed at combating the escalating violence from powerful armed gangs that have taken control of large areas of the capital. This deployment highlights the ongoing security crisis in Haiti, where the government struggles to maintain order amidst rampant gang activity.

French first lady Brigitte Macron faced backlash after a viral video showed her using a derogatory term against feminist activists who interrupted a performance by an actor-comedian previously accused of rape. In the video, she referred to the activists as 'sales connes', which translates to 'stupid bitches'.

One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is grappling with significant challenges in rebuilding its war-torn society. The political landscape has shifted, but the nation remains deeply divided, with ongoing violence and unresolved grievances complicating recovery efforts. Celebrations in cities like Hama reflect a mix of hope and frustration among citizens as they mark this pivotal anniversary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European allies in London to discuss ongoing support and strategies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows significant criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine's handling of peace negotiations.

Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris have voted to strike next week, citing inadequate working conditions and security vulnerabilities highlighted by a recent jewel heist that resulted in the theft of items valued at $102 million. The strike reflects growing concerns among staff regarding their safety and the museum's ability to protect its valuable collections.

A significant water leak in the Louvre's Egyptian department has caused damage to hundreds of works, primarily affecting artifacts and scientific documentation. This incident occurred in late November, shortly after a high-profile jewel heist raised concerns about the museum's security infrastructure.

Hong Kong's recent legislative elections saw a voter turnout of only 31.9%, a figure significantly lower than pre-2021 levels, following a devastating fire in the Tai Po district that resulted in at least 159 fatalities. The elections were conducted under a 'patriots only' mandate, limiting candidates to those vetted by Beijing.

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has resulted in at least 159 confirmed fatalities, with many individuals still unaccounted for. The tragedy has evoked a visceral response from the community, reminiscent of solidarity seen during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, yet civil society struggles to express its grief under the constraints imposed by Beijing's national security laws.