The Aberdeen community is preparing to bid farewell to Calum McCombie, a 36-year-old local who tragically lost his life in a surfing accident off the coast of Frankston, Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred on October 22 during severe weather conditions, when McCombie’s surfboard snapped approximately 33 miles (54km) from Melbourne. Despite the swift response of rescue teams, who managed to retrieve both McCombie and his 43-year-old friend from the water, their lives could not be saved. McCombie’s funeral is set to take place on November 24, as announced by his family in a heartfelt social media tribute. ‘Calum will be sorely missed and be forever in our hearts,’ the statement read, reflecting the profound loss felt by those who knew him. The tragedy has left the Aberdeen community in mourning, as they remember a life cut short far from home.
分类： society
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UK: Six Palestine Action activists stand trial over Elbit Systems attack
Six members of the activist group Palestine Action appeared in London’s Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, facing charges related to a protest at a factory operated by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in August 2024. The defendants—Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31—are accused of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. Corner faces an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard that the group, dressed in red jumpsuits and armed with sledgehammers, allegedly broke into the Filton-based facility near Bristol in the early hours of August 6. Prosecutors claimed they used a prison van to crash through the site’s fencing and caused significant damage to machinery inside the factory, including spraying red paint and smashing equipment. The activists were arrested on-site and have been held in custody beyond the UK’s standard pre-trial limit of 182 days. Justice Johnson emphasized to jurors that their personal views on Israel’s actions in Gaza should not influence the case, and the trial is expected to last 10 weeks.
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Sharjah Police seize 73 vehicles, 25 bikes for causing noise, reckless driving
In a decisive move to enhance road safety and curb noise pollution, Sharjah Police have confiscated 73 vehicles and 25 motorcycles following a series of traffic violations. The crackdown, announced on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, targeted offenses such as excessive noise, reckless driving, and operating vehicles without valid licenses. Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure public safety and avoid severe penalties. Under Article 20 of the Federal Traffic Law, vehicles exceeding the 95-decibel noise limit face a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and confiscation for up to six months. This initiative follows a surge in complaints from residents about disruptive driving behaviors and modified vehicles. Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, highlighted the growing concerns over road stunts, noise, and pollution in residential areas. Meanwhile, Dubai Police are also intensifying efforts to combat vehicle noise through advanced noise-detection radars, part of their smart traffic technology platform. These measures aim to identify and penalize violations such as loud engines, modified exhausts, and excessive honking. The coordinated efforts across the UAE underscore a commitment to creating safer and quieter urban environments.
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‘I won’t be silenced’ says French anti-drugs activist after murders of two brothers
Amine Kessaci, a prominent French anti-drugs campaigner, has vowed to continue his fight against drug-related violence after the tragic murder of his younger brother, Mehdi Kessaci, last week. This marks the second time Amine has lost a sibling to drug criminals, following the death of his elder brother, Brahim, in 2020. Mehdi, 20, was shot dead in central Marseille in what authorities believe was a targeted attack aimed at intimidating Amine, who has been a vocal critic of the city’s drug gangs. In an emotional op-ed published in *Le Monde*, Amine declared, ‘Yesterday I lost my brother. Today I speak out,’ emphasizing his refusal to be silenced by fear. The French government has described Mehdi’s murder as a turning point in the nation’s escalating drug wars. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez labeled the killing as a ‘crime of intimidation,’ signaling a new level of violence in the ongoing conflict. Amine, who founded the association Conscience to expose the impact of drug gangs on working-class communities, has faced direct threats to his life, prompting police to advise him to leave Marseille. Despite the dangers, he attended Mehdi’s funeral wearing a bulletproof vest and under heavy police protection. The murder has reignited national debate on France’s drug crisis, with experts warning that the problem is reaching unmanageable proportions. According to a recent study, the drug trade in France generates €7 billion annually, surpassing 70% of the justice ministry’s budget. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a crackdown on drug consumers, accusing the ‘city-centre bourgeoisie’ of funding traffickers. In response to the crisis, France has implemented new anti-drug laws, including the establishment of a specialized prosecutor’s office for organized crime. While progress has been made, with homicides in Marseille dropping from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, officials acknowledge that the war against drugs is far from over.
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Some UAE schools withholding results from parents over unsigned agreement
Government schools in the UAE have implemented a new policy requiring parents to sign the Parent-School Partnership Charter before releasing term exam results. This mandatory agreement, applicable to both citizens and residents, aims to foster collaboration between schools and families in addressing academic and behavioral matters. School administrations have confirmed that exam grades will not be accessible on online platforms until the charter is signed and approved through the designated system. The Ministry of Education, which issues and updates the charter annually, emphasizes its role in defining responsibilities that support student well-being and create a positive learning environment. Key provisions of the charter include ensuring a safe and inclusive school atmosphere, maintaining regular communication with parents, enforcing attendance policies, and promoting positive citizenship. Additionally, it outlines parental responsibilities such as supporting academic progress, monitoring health and behavior, and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities. Parents can sign the charter using their digital ID, review the terms, and receive an official copy via email. Schools have reiterated that results will remain withheld until the process is completed, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the partnership between schools and families for the benefit of students.
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China’s premier ice-and-snow destinations poised for winter tourism frenzy
China’s premier ice-and-snow destinations are preparing for a surge in winter tourism, with Harbin leading the charge. The Harbin Ice-Snow World, the largest ice-and-snow theme park globally, is expanding its offerings for the upcoming season. Spanning 1.2 million square meters, the park will feature new attractions such as hot spring camps, cross-country skiing tracks, and themed parades. Enhanced smart tourism services and accessibility facilities aim to attract global visitors. Last season, the park welcomed over 3.56 million visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy. The city of Harbin, known as China’s ‘ice city,’ recorded 90.35 million visitors last winter, generating 137.22 billion yuan in tourist spending. Beyond Harbin, other regions like Mudanjiang, Jilin, and Altay are also capitalizing on their unique ice-and-snow resources. Mudanjiang’s China Snow Town opened with over 30 cultural and tourism activities, while Jilin plans to issue 100 million yuan in vouchers to boost winter tourism. Altay, leveraging its rich skiing heritage, will offer a nine-day ‘snow break’ for students, promoting nature connection and cultural inheritance. These initiatives align with China’s broader strategy to develop the ice-and-snow economy, targeting a 1.2 trillion yuan economic scale by 2027.
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Dubai announces Eid Al Etihad holiday for public sector
Dubai has declared a two-day holiday for public sector employees in celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, observed nationwide on December 2, 2025. Government workers in Dubai will enjoy a four-day break, combining the holiday with the weekend on December 1 and 2. However, entities providing essential public services or operating on rotating shifts are exempt from this holiday. These organizations are authorized to adjust working hours to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during the festive period. The decision, outlined in a circular by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, emphasizes maintaining operational efficiency while allowing most employees to partake in the celebrations. Earlier this week, the UAE announced a four-day break for government employees to mark the National Day, now referred to as Eid Al Etihad. In Sharjah, public sector employees will benefit from a five-day holiday due to their standard three-day weekend. Similarly, private and public school students in Sharjah will enjoy an extended break, while those in other emirates will have a four-day holiday. Official working hours across the UAE will resume on Wednesday, December 3.
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Kenyan authorities paid trolls to threaten Gen Z protesters, Amnesty says
Amnesty International has revealed that Kenyan authorities allegedly funded a network of trolls to threaten and intimidate young protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations. The human rights organization’s report highlights the use of surveillance, disinformation, and digital abuse to target organizers of mass protests that swept Kenya in 2024 and 2025. These demonstrations, largely driven by Gen Z activists, utilized social media platforms for mobilization. The report also disclosed that young women and LGBT+ activists faced disproportionate targeting, including misogynistic and homophobic comments, as well as AI-generated pornographic images. One activist shared harrowing experiences of receiving death threats and being forced to relocate their child due to targeted intimidation. Additionally, a man claimed he was part of a team paid between 25,000 and 50,000 Kenyan shillings daily to amplify government messaging and suppress protest hashtags on social media platform X. Beyond digital abuse, authorities were accused of a brutal crackdown on protests, resulting in over 100 deaths, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the use of lethal force. While the government acknowledged some cases of excessive police force, it defended its security forces in other instances. Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasized the report’s findings as evidence of state-sponsored efforts to silence dissent. Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen denied government involvement in harassment or violence, stating that any implicated officers would face investigation. Amnesty also raised concerns about unlawful state surveillance, including allegations of mobile data misuse, which Kenya’s largest telecom provider, Safaricom, has denied.
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Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board after Epstein emails made public
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his resignation from the board of OpenAI, following the release of a series of emails between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who also served as president of Harvard University, stated that he would be stepping back from public commitments due to his association with Epstein. The emails, disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, revealed that Summers maintained communication with Epstein until just before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for alleged sex trafficking of minors. In a statement to the BBC, Summers expressed gratitude for his tenure at OpenAI and optimism about the company’s future, while acknowledging his ‘misguided decision’ to continue communicating with Epstein. OpenAI respected Summers’ decision to resign, appreciating his contributions to the board. The controversy has also led to broader political implications, with Congress agreeing to pass a measure requiring the US Justice Department to release its files on Epstein, which will now head to President Donald Trump for approval. Summers, who held senior roles under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, will continue his teaching commitments at Harvard despite stepping back from public life. The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, confirmed that Summers is no longer affiliated with the organization. Summers joined OpenAI’s board in 2023 after a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman.
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Ferry carrying 267 people runs aground in South Korea
A South Korean passenger ferry, the Queen Jenuvia 2, carrying 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks near Jogdo Island off the country’s south-east coast on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred near Jangsan Island in Sinan County, according to the Coast Guard. Despite the grounding, the vessel remains stable with no immediate risk of sinking or capsizing. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to evacuate all passengers and crew to patrol boats, ensuring their safety. Five individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident, but no serious casualties were reported. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has directed all available resources to assist in the rescue operation. ‘We have confirmed that there is no flooding, and we are transferring passengers to patrol boats to move them to a safe location,’ a Coast Guard official stated. The Coast Guard plans to refloat the ferry during high tide. The Queen Jenuvia 2 was en route to Mokpo from Jeju Island when the accident occurred. The area is notably close to the site of the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, which claimed over 300 lives, predominantly schoolchildren on a field trip. This incident has reignited concerns about maritime safety in South Korea, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enhanced emergency preparedness.