Brazilian Priest Júlio Lancellotti Ordered Offline by Sao Paulo Cardinal Amid Right-Wing Criticism
Renowned Brazilian Catholic priest Júlio Lancellotti, 76, has been ordered by Cardinal Odilo Scherer, Archbishop of Sao Paulo, to cease online broadcasts of his services and social media activity. The decision follows criticism from right-wing figures regarding his advocacy for the homeless and progressive views. Lancellotti, with 2.3 million Instagram followers, accepted the order 'in a spirit of obedience'.
US H-1B Visa Interviews in India Face Significant Delays Amid Expanded Social Media Reviews
US consular posts in India have unilaterally rescheduled numerous H-1B and H-4 visa interviews, pushing appointments to mid-2026, due to new expanded social media vetting requirements. This policy, effective December 15, 2025, has also led to 'prudential revocations' of some visas, impacting thousands of Indian professionals.
Denmark's government has officially scrapped a legislative proposal that would have restricted the use of VPNs to access geo-blocked content. The decision, announced by Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt on December 15, 2025, follows significant public and expert criticism regarding digital rights and online privacy.
Brigitte Macron Faces Backlash for 'Sexist Slur' Against Feminist Activists in Paris
French First Lady Brigitte Macron is under fire after a video emerged of her using a 'sexist insult' to describe feminist activists. The activists had disrupted a performance by actor-comedian Ary Abittan, who was previously accused of rape, at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris. Macron's office stated her comments were intended to calm the actor and criticized the 'radical methods' of protest.
Slovakia's parliament has approved a government plan to abolish the independent Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers. The move, backed by Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition, passed on December 9, 2025, despite strong objections from the EU, legal experts, and civil society, who warn it will weaken anti-corruption efforts and protection for those reporting wrongdoing.
União Brasil Expels Tourism Minister Celso Sabino Over 'Party Disloyalty'
Brazil's União Brasil party officially expelled Tourism Minister Celso Sabino on December 8, 2025, citing 'party disloyalty.' The decision followed Sabino's refusal to resign from President Lula's government, defying a party directive for members to leave federal executive positions as the party shifted to opposition.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski Rebukes Elon Musk Over EU 'Liquidation' Call
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has sharply criticized Elon Musk, advising him to 'fly to Mars' after the billionaire called for the 'liquidation' of the European Union. Musk's comments followed a €120 million fine imposed on his platform X by the European Commission for Digital Services Act violations.
Vatican Returns 62 Indigenous Artifacts to Canada in Historic Reconciliation Effort
Sixty-two Indigenous artifacts from the Vatican's Anima Mundi collection have been returned to Canada, arriving in Montreal on December 6, 2025. This act of reconciliation, initiated by Pope Francis and fulfilled by Pope Leo XIV, includes items from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, marking a significant step in addressing historical injustices.
Germany Grapples with Potential Ban of Far-Right AfD Party Amid Extremism Concerns
A heated debate continues in Germany over whether to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The party was classified as a 'confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor' by the domestic intelligence agency in May 2025, intensifying calls for a ban, though legal hurdles are significant and opinions on the effectiveness of such a measure remain divided.
Kick Out Black Pete Movement Declares Victory After 15-Year Campaign in the Netherlands
The 'Kick Out Black Pete' (KOZP) movement has declared victory in its 15-year campaign against the blackface tradition of Zwarte Piet in the Netherlands. The group, led by Jerry Afriyie, announced it would cease operations, citing a significant shift towards 'Sooty Petes' and a decline in traditional blackface portrayals across the country.
Turkish Singer Aydin Aydin Under Investigation for Breaking Instrument on UNESCO World Heritage Site in AI Protest
Turkish singer Aydin Aydin is under official investigation after he filmed himself breaking his traditional instrument, a saz, on the 2,100-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Nemrut. The act was a protest against artificial intelligence's impact on the music industry, sparking widespread criticism and a probe into potential damage to ancient monuments.
Australia Implements 'World-Leading' Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia is set to enforce a landmark ban on social media access for children under 16 from December 10, 2025. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 mandates platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to prevent underage accounts, with fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, aiming to protect youth from online harm.
Limburg Officials Decry Surge in Threats Amid Refugee Center Debates
Over 900 local officials in Limburg, Netherlands, have published a full-page advertisement appealing for respect and an end to threats and intimidation. The appeal comes amidst a surge in hostility, particularly concerning plans for new refugee centers, which officials say is hindering democratic processes and forcing some politicians into protection.
Australia Cracks Down on AI 'Nudify' Sites, Forcing Withdrawal of Services
Australian authorities, led by the eSafety Commissioner, have successfully blocked access to several AI 'nudify' websites, with three major services withdrawing from the country. This action follows enforcement measures taken in September 2025 against platforms used to create child sexual exploitation material, which had garnered 100,000 monthly Australian visits.
Iceland's RÚV Calls for Israel's Exclusion from Eurovision 2026
Iceland's national broadcaster, RÚV, has formally requested the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to bar Israel from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The decision, made by a majority vote on November 26, 2025, cites concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza and draws parallels to past exclusions.
Denmark Extends Ministerial Accountability Prosecution Limit to Six Years
The Danish government and the Socialist People's Party (SF) have agreed to extend the statute of limitations for ministerial accountability from five to six years. This change, effective November 25, 2025, aims to provide more time for thorough investigations into ministerial misconduct, following challenges in high-profile cases such as the 'Instrukskommission' and the Danish mink scandal.
Israel Investigates Pro-Palestinian Website Offering Bounties on Academics
Israeli security agencies have launched an investigation into 'The Punishment for Justice Movement,' an anonymous pro-Palestinian website. The site published personal details and offered cash bounties, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, for attacks, including murder, on hundreds of Israeli academics worldwide, labeling them 'criminals' and 'collaborators.'
Pauline Hanson Ejected from Senate After Repeating Burqa Stunt
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was ejected from the Australian Senate on Monday after entering the chamber wearing a burqa, repeating a controversial stunt from 2017. The act, aimed at advocating for a burqa ban, drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum and led to the suspension of parliamentary proceedings.
Polish Tennis Player Maja Chwalinska Reveals Barrage of Online Hate After 2024 Colina Challenger Loss
Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska has recently disclosed a wave of hurtful and offensive social media comments she received following her quarterfinal defeat at the Challenger in Colina, Chile, in November 2024. Her revelation highlights the ongoing issue of online abuse targeting athletes.
Anti-Tourism Protests and Unrest Prompt Travelers to Reconsider Mexico Winter Plans
Growing anti-tourism protests and social unrest across Mexico, particularly in major urban and resort areas, are causing 'snowbirds' and other international travelers to rethink their winter vacation plans. Concerns over gentrification, rising costs, and safety have led to demonstrations and travel advisories.
