Netanyahu request for a pardon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the country’s president to grant him a pardon from his corruption charges on Sunday, Nov. 30, according to AP News. The long-running trial has divided the nation, and he argues that the pardon would help to unify the country at a time of momentous changes. This request immediately triggered criticisms from his opponents, arguing that by granting the pardon, it would weaken Israel’s democratic institutions and send a dangerous message that he is above the rule of law. Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases, but has not yet been convicted of anything.
Devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades burned through the night in a housing complex in the Tai Po district in Hong Kong, leaving at least 44 people dead and 279 reported missing on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to AP News. As of Thursday, Nov. 27, the Police had arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire, which had begun on Wednesday afternoon. The fire continued to burn through Thursday, and rescue efforts continued to evacuate hundreds of residents as the fire spread across seven of the eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. As of Saturday, Nov. 29, at least 128 people had been reported dead, and officials began to suspect the fire was due to corruption and negligence during the high-rise renovations.
Hondurans vote to elect a new president
Hondurans began casting ballots to elect a new president on Sunday, Nov. 30. The election followed an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump just days earlier, as he endorsed one candidate and announced he would pardon a former president, according to AP News. At a voting site in the capital, the country’s major parties gathered with tables, banners, flags, and music. There are currently five presidential candidates on the ballot; however, polls indicate three have a chance to win and are finishing in close competition. In addition to a new president, voters will also elect a new Congress, along with hundreds of other local positions.
