Summary: 

• The Supreme Court of Russia has called for the closure of the famed human rights organization, Memorial.
• Memorial Human Rights Centre works out of Moscow, documenting human rights violations and media infringements.
• The organization is a leading voice in calling out political repression in Russia.
• Memorial was founded over 30 years ago in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and with the intention to usher in a new era of democracy.
• The Supreme Court of Russia has accused Memorial of misrepresenting the USSR as an oppressive regime.
• Activists have referred to the Court’s actions as an extension of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s ongoing efforts to silence dissidence. 
• Memorial has indicated that they will appeal the Court’s decision, both in Russia and the European Union.

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Pharaoh Amenhotep I Comes To Life With New Digital Techniques

• Computed tomography scans have been used to reveal information about Pharaoh Amenhotep I.
• The Pharoah’s mummified body had not been disturbed since its recovery in 1881.
• Advancements in 3D imagery have revealed new mummification techniques used on Amenhotep I.
• One of the most exciting uses of the imagery has revealed the face of the King, which has been covered for more than 3,000 years.

Heavy Flooding In Brazil Leaves At Least 18 Dead

• More than 35,000 people have been displaced and at least 18 have died after the Duas Ilhas dam in Jussiape, Brazil ruptured raising already swollen rivers and causing extensive flooding in over 40 cities in the Bahia state. 
• This was the 2nd dam to rapture in the state of Bahia after a dam in Itambé also raptured over the weekend leaving a total of over 280 injured and causing extensive devastation that many have not seen in the region’s recent history. 
• With rain expected to continue until at least Tuesday, many experts warn that the risk of more flooding and mudslides is still high but have hopes that conditions will improve as rainfall is expected to wane later in the week.  

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New COVID Cases Hit Record Highs As Omicron Surges Throughout Europe

• With COVID-19 variant – Omicron surging, France reported 179,807 new COVID cases in a 24 hour period, the highest daily number of cases ever recorded for the country since the start of the pandemic. 
• Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Britain also reported new record highs this week with Britain reporting 129,471 new daily COVID cases. 
• Many countries have canceled New Year’s Eve events and sporting events scheduled for this upcoming week with new cases surging. 
• Although experts state Omicron is milder than previous variants, it is far more contagious.

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At Least 38 Killed In Sudanese Gold Mine Collapse

• At least 38 have died after a closed, non-functioning, gold mine in the West Kordofan region of Sudan collapsed on Tuesday. 
• The Darsaya mine was left unguarded after being shut down allowing local workers to continue mining when multiple shafts of the mine collapsed in on them. 
• Sudan’s state-run mining company stated they have enlisted the help of two dredges to find additional survivors. 
• Mine collapses in Sudan are common as safety protocols are not widely enforced. 

Two ‘Save the Children’ Staff Members Confirmed Killed in Christmas Eve Massacre in Mynamar

• The humanitarian group, “Save The Children,” confirmed that two of their staff members, both of whom were new fathers, were among the 35 killed on the Christmas Eve massacre by the Myanmar military. 
• ‘Save The Children’ confirmed that the military forced people from their cars on the Kayah highway, arrested them, and then killed and burnt their bodies. 
• The victims, many of whom included women and children, were discovered by Anti-military fighters. 
• The atrocities against civilians and humanitarian groups by the Myanmar military are at an all-time high with at least 1,300 people killed since February although experts believe the number could be much higher.  

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