The bail hearing for Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested on sedition charges in Bangladesh, was delayed after no lawyer appeared for him in court. The ISKCON-affiliated monk’s defense attorney had been attacked by Islamists, leaving him in ICU. The Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote alleged that around 70 Hindu lawyers were falsely sued to block their participation in the case. The Chattogram court rescheduled the next hearing for January 2, 2025. Protests by Hindus in Rangpur and subsequent clashes led to the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam last month.

President Joe Biden has issued a full pardon for his son, Hunter, on gun and tax charges, despite previously ruling out clemency. In a White House statement, Biden defended his decision, arguing Hunter was "singled out" for prosecution due to his family ties, citing unfair treatment compared to others in similar circumstances. Hunter faced charges for lying on a gun purchase form and failing to pay taxes. Critics, including Donald Trump, decried the decision as politically motivated, while Hunter, in recovery from addiction, vowed to use his second chance to help others.

Ukrainian forces in Kursk face severe hardships, ordered to hold territory until January, awaiting potential policy changes under Donald Trump. Soldiers report exhaustion, continuous bombardment, and diminishing morale, with one describing the situation as worsening daily.   Despite losing 40% of gains since August, analysts say the operation diverts Russian resources from key fronts. Commanders maintain it’s strategically and politically crucial, citing significant Russian losses. "The longer we hold Kursk, the better," said Serhiy Kuzan, a military analyst. Veterans worry about parallels with failed past campaigns, as Ukrainian troops brace for worsening winter conditions.

Ramen Roy, a lawyer defending arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, was brutally attacked at his home in Bangladesh, ISKCON India claimed. Das, arrested on November 25 for sedition over alleged disrespect of the national flag, was expelled from ISKCON and served as a spokesperson for a Hindu rights body. ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das condemned the attack, highlighting the dangers for defenders of religious minorities. The monk’s arrest sparked protests in Dhaka and Chittagong, with violent clashes and over 200 attacks reported on Hindus since the political unrest began. Roy remains in ICU.

ISKCON Kolkata has advised its followers in Bangladesh to avoid visible religious symbols following attacks on Hindus. Spokesperson Radharamn Das said, “In this hour of crisis, they must protect themselves. I’ve suggested they avoid wearing saffron clothes and vermilion on their foreheads.” He also urged monks to hide tulsi beads and cover their heads to avoid standing out. This guidance comes after advocate Ramen Roy, who defended Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, was attacked and critically injured. ISKCON called it a reflection of the growing dangers faced by those defending religious minorities in Bangladesh.

US President-elect Donald Trump has warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages in Gaza are not released before he takes office on January 20, 2025. He declared that those responsible would face unprecedented retaliation from the United States. Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasising his strong support for Israel. Hostages were taken during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,208 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliation has since caused over 44,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the UN. Efforts to negotiate a resolution by the Biden administration have not yet succeeded.

Russia has used over 60 North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles during the war in Ukraine, says Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Ukrainian military spokesperson Andrii Chernyak noted these missiles’ outdated technology and poor accuracy, yet acknowledged their threat. North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia, with Kim Jong Un pledging military cooperation. Meanwhile, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern about Ukraine's ability to turn the tide, warning, “Things look bad on the battlefield.” He emphasized that the conflict's resolution depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s terms.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding hostages held in Gaza, vowing “hell to pay” if they are not released before his January 20 inauguration. Trump declared that those responsible would face unprecedented retaliation, describing it as the harshest action in U.S. history. His statement, shared on social media, underscores rising tensions in the Middle East as efforts to secure the hostages' freedom continue. Trump's comments mark one of his first foreign policy stances ahead of his presidency, signaling a tough approach toward the ongoing crisis in the region.

Advocate Ramen Roy, representing Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, was brutally attacked, ISKCON stated. Roy, now in ICU, was targeted by alleged Islamists for defending the priest accused of sedition. ISKCON’s Radharaman Das called for prayers and highlighted escalating violence against minorities. Protests in West Bengal and Tripura condemned the attack. In Tripura, over 50 protesters breached the Bangladeshi mission, prompting India to term the incident "deeply regrettable." Meanwhile, Bangladesh denies claims of escalating violence, amid heightened tensions following the arrests of Hindu monks and activists. Indian authorities urged Bangladesh to protect minorities effectively.

A tragic crush at a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, left at least 56 dead, though some claim the toll nears 100. The incident reportedly began after a controversial referee decision incited violence, with fans invading the pitch and police deploying tear gas. Thousands scrambled to exit through a single small gate, causing the deadly crush. The government has launched an inquiry, with Prime Minister Oury Bah offering condolences and promising medical support. The Confederation of African Football called the event a “tragedy.” Local reports highlighted poor stadium infrastructure and heightened tensions surrounding Guinea's ongoing football challenges.