Portal:Current events/2011 December 25

Current events of December 25, 2011 (2011-12-25) (Sunday)

Armed conflicts and attacks The Sudanese People's Armed Forces claim that the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur, Khalil Ibrahim, has been killed. (Xinhua) At least 39 people are killed and many injured in a series of attacks against churches in Nigeria during Christmas prayers. The Islamic group Boko Haram claims responsibility. (USA Today) The Syrian opposition urge the Arab League to visit the city of Homs before the government reportedly uses force to end dissent in the area. (Al Jazeera) Arts and culture Pope Benedict XVI delivers the annual Christmas message at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. (CNN) Disasters and accidents At least 38 migrants from Haiti are found dead after their boat sank off the east coast of Cuba. (Al Jazeera) State Emergency Service volunteers respond to more than 3000 calls for help after Melbourne, Australia is hit by a series of storms bringing rainstorms, hail and a tornado. (The Australian) Law and crime Faezeh Hashemi, the daughter of former President of Iran Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, stands trial on charges of making anti-regime propaganda. (Yahoo Maktoob) Science The warmest temperature ever recorded at the South Pole is set with a top of -12.3°C set at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. (Weather Underground)