Emirates, three arrested for killing Rabbi Kogan. Israel blamesTehran

Today's news: Seoul and Kuala Lumpur signed a cooperation agreement in minerals and defence; Dozens of arrests in Islamabad among supporters of former PM Khan, who protest in defiance of bans; Buddhist monastery in Thailand under investigation for using corpses in meditation practices; Beijing tightens controls after series of mass killings.

EAU - ISRAEL - IRAN

Three people were arrested in the United Arab Emirates in connection with the alleged murder of 28-year-old Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Moldovan-Israeli citizen who disappeared on 21 November. The authorities did not provide details on the identity of the detainees, who are reportedly Uzbek citizens, or the charges against them, while stating their aim to prosecute any acts that threaten ‘social stability’. The Netanyahu government spoke of an ‘anti-Semitic terrorist act’ and accused Iran, which denies any involvement.

SOUTH KOREA - MALAYSIA

Seoul and Kuala Lumpur today signed an agreement to cooperate in the supply of critical minerals from Malaysia's reserves and to increase cooperation in the defence industry, particularly the south-eastern country's military fighter fleet. Finally, Yoon Suk Yeol and Anwar Ibrahim agreed on a plan for free trade to be finalised by next year with additional areas including services, investment and green energy.

PAKISTAN

Pakistani authorities arrested dozens of supporters of former (imprisoned) premier Imran Khan and blocked highways to prevent a protest called by the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) today. The government suspended mobile communications, banned gatherings of more than five people and imposed a lockdown in the capital. They also negotiated a seven-day ceasefire after more than 80 people were killed and 156 injured in sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias in the northwest.

THAILAND

A Buddhist monastery is under investigation after authorities discovered more than 40 bodies allegedly used for meditation practices. Phra Ajarn Saifon Phandito, leader of the place of worship in Phichit Province, explained that the use of corpses was part of a ‘meditation technique’ and practitioners meditate ‘in pavilions containing coffins with human remains’.

CHINA

Local authorities are stepping up police and controls following several mass murders. In the eastern city of Wuxi, where the latest stabbing of a 21-year-old student left eight dead and 17 injured, officials gathered to discuss social stability. On 23 November, the Supreme Court held a meeting on security and stability. The previous day, a similar meeting was held at the Ministry of Justice.

RUSSIA

A surprise came in recent days in the Duma, where MPs from two parties, the Communists of the Kprf and the National Socialists of ‘Just Russia - for the truth’, did not vote on the federal budget, which increases military spending at the expense of social spending. The MPs abstained from the vote; one independent MP, Oksana Dmitrieva, had the audacity to vote against.

TAJIKISTAN - AZERBAIJAN

According to UN data discussed at Cop29 in Baku, about 30 per cent of the land used for agriculture in Tajikistan is in a deteriorated state, with a 95 per cent degradation rate. It is one of the most acute ecological problems of our time, which increasingly pushes the local population to emigrate, especially young people who have been left without a job.