Surinamese ex-president Bouterse will not receive a state funeral and no national mourning period will be declared, as announced by the foreign minister. Bouterse's controversial past, including his democratic election and subsequent conviction for the 1982 December murders, influenced the decision.
Experts warn of the rise of electoral autocracies, where elections are not designed to choose the next head of government and democratic institutions are pressured by leaders with authoritarian tendencies. Despite elections en masse, some countries are moving toward autocracy, and now is the time to strengthen our democracies to reverse this trend.
Israeli army invades Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, forces evacuation of patients and staff, and sets parts of the hospital on fire. Humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza worsens as international aid is scarce and Israeli blockades prevent aid from entering.
World Cup skier Cyprien Sarrazin was seriously injured in a training accident on the treacherous Stelvio slope, raising concerns about the safety of the course, which is slated to host the Olympic races in 2026. Despite the severity of his injuries, Sarrazin is conscious and will undergo surgery, and some teammates are calling for the games to be moved to a different location.
38 people were killed and 29 survived after an Azerbaijan Airlines plane made an emergency landing in Kazachstan due to what the airline describes as external physical and technical interference. Survivors describe hearing explosions and feeling a sudden drop in oxygen levels aboard the aircraft.
Emergency workers are taking measures to work safely during New Year's Eve, but police are concerned about recurring violence against officers and other emergency workers, with more than 200 of them injured last time. Fire departments are equipping their employees with bodycams this year in an effort to prevent aggression.