 "Gisele Pelicot at the courthouse in Avignon, France, December 16, 2024. Reuters")
Thursday, December 19, is packed with several events across the globe.
In France, a verdict is expected in the case of Dominique Pelicot, who is accused of drugging his wife and inviting strangers to rape her over several years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold his annual press conference, coming a month before US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, will face a court hearing to determine his extradition to New York.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead a high-level security meeting in New Delhi, addressing critical issues.
The Paris correctional court will deliver a verdict on the extortion case involving Paul Pogba’s brother and five others.
Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is also likely to visit New Delhi.
Let’s take a look at these events:
French mass rape trial verdict today
France awaits a landmark verdict in the Dominique Pelicot case, where the 72-year-old has confessed to drugging his wife, Gisele Pelicot, for nearly a decade, allowing himself and dozens of strangers to rape her.
ALSO READ | ‘Won’t be ashamed’: How France’s Gisele Pelicot, who was raped by 50 men, has become a feminist hero
Campaigners against sexual violence are hopeful that this trial will set a precedent for harsher penalties and strengthen the fight against rape culture.
Gisele Pelicot, now 71, has become a powerful symbol in the battle against such crimes. She recalled her traumatic experiences during the trial, which has drawn national and global attention.
‘Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin’
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host his annual press conference today.
ALSO READ | Inside Vladimir Putin’s secret family: A daughter in Paris, ‘two sons’ hiding in Russia
The event, called “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” comes amid Russia’s ongoing military advances in Ukraine and one month before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
Notably, the event took more than four hours last year.
Brian Thompson murder case: Luigi Mangione’s extradition hearing today
Luigi Mangione, charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, is set to appear in court today for a hearing to determine whether he will be extradited to New York.
ALSO READ | Why is manufacturer of backpack worn by UnitedHealthcare CEO killer facing backlash?
However, New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg said earlier that Mangione may not contest the extradition, stating, “We have indications the defendant may waive that hearing.”
Amit Shah to chair security meeting on Jammu & Kashmir
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to chair a crucial security meeting in the national capital today, ANI reported citing official sources.
The meeting, which will focus on urgent security matters, is particularly concerned with the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, will also participate in the discussions.
Verdict in extortion case against French football star’s brother
The Paris correctional court is set to deliver its verdict today in the extortion case involving Paul Pogba’s brother and five other individuals.
The group allegedly targeted the World Cup-winning footballer two years ago, demanding €13 million ($13.6 million). The accused are said to have intimidated Pogba, claiming he should have supported them after his rise to international fame.
The charges against them include extortion, attempted extortion using violence, abduction, confinement, and criminal conspiracy.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister to visit New Delhi
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is expected to visit New Delhi today to attend the Indo-Nepal Economic Conference, ANI reported citing sources.
The sources further told the news agency that her visit will be brief, taking place during her return journey from Germany. She is also likely to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss bilateral matters.
With inputs from agencies