IRAN ARREST - The Foreign Ministry has announced that a Luxembourger of Iranian descent has been arrested in Iran and sentenced to death. Minister Jean Asselborn has spoken to his Iranian counterpart to discuss the case. According to the letter from the Foreign Office, Minister Asselborn supports the efforts of the EU and member countries to stand up for the demonstrators. Luxembourg opposes the death penalty without exception, stating it as cruel and inhuman punishment.Since September, there have been protests in Iran for more freedom and women’s rights. Following a crackdown, many demonstrators have been arrested and two people have been executed so far.
BONNEVOIE ATTACK - Police have found a body in apartment building in Bonnevoie. According to the public prosecutor’s office, a second person was injured and the perpetrator was arrested. The second person was injured in a knife attack during the afternoon, in the same apartment building where the body of a woman was found. The homicide squad is currently investigating.
LUXEMBOURG CONSTITUTION - After a decade of negotiations, Luxembourg’s constitutional revisions have been approved by the Chamber of Deputies, meaning Luxembourg will receive a new constitution. The government praised the revisions, saying the reforms would finally pull Luxembourg into the 21st century. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Justice Sam Tanson added that the next parliament could go even further in terms of modernisation.
OSCARS LUXEMBOURG - Two films with links to Luxembourg have made the shortlist for the 2023 Oscars in the categories of ‘International Feature Film’ and ‘Live Action Short’. The film Corsage featuring Luxembourgish actress Vicky Krieps as well as La Valise Rouge (The Red Suitcase), set and produced in Luxembourg.
US WEATHER - More than 2000 flights have been cancelled across the United States as a fierce arctic winter storm sweeps through the country and parts of Canada. Forecasters say the cold snap could bring the coldest Christmas in decades, with temperatures in some areas dropping to -40 degrees Celsius as well as icy winds are heavy snow. More than 100 million people are under winter weather alerts.
UKRAINE WAR - In Ukraine, heavy fighting has continued in the city of Bakhmut in the east of the country. According to their own statements, Ukrainians continue to resist Russian attacks. At the same time, the German government is considering further arms deliveries to Ukraine to help protect the country against Russian airstrikes.
EU CORRUPTION - The deposed Vice-President of the European Parliament, Eva Kaili, remains under investigation, due to the corruption charges against her. A court in Brussels decided yesterday evening to extend the pre-trial detention against the Greek politician by one month. Eva Kaili is accused of corruption and money laundering together with her partner. She protests her innocence.
FOOTBALL ENGLAND - In English football, yesterday evening was the last round of 16 in the League Cup. Manchester City won 3-2 at home against Liverpool, and will now face Southampton in the next round. There is no winter break in England, even after a football World Cup. The championship continues on Monday - “Boxing Day”.
OLYMPICS AI - And French authorities plan to use an AI-assisted (Artificial Intelligence) crowd control system to monitor people during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The system is intended to allow the security services to detect disturbances and potential problems more easily, but will not use facial recognition technology. French police and sports authorities faced severe criticism in May after shambolic scenes during the Champions League final in Paris when football fans were caught in a crowd crush and teargassed.
We should expect nothing other than rain today. Most rain will fall during the afternoon, and while there might be some dry patches during the morning and evening, rain will dominate today’s weather. Morning temperatures will start off at 7° to 10°C, rising to double-digit highs of 13°C in the afternoon.
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