Stories for December 20th 2021

Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:59 UTC
“Malvinas Argentinas,” Chile's President-elect once told UK Ambassador

Argentina's ruling Frente de Todos (FdT) was quick to celebrate Gabriel Boric's win in Sunday's presidential runoff in Chile.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:50 UTC
Chilean presidency Sunday runoff manages a record turnout of voters, 56,6%

The Chilean presidency runoff this Sunday attracted more voters than the first round, November 21, when only 47,34% of the registered electorate turned out. In effect with 99% of votes counted, 56,59% of Chileans went to the polls, a total of 8,252.420 which compares with the 7.115.790 of November.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:45 UTC
Fake health passes spread fast across France

French authorities are investigating the alleged existence of over 110,000 fake certificates of vaccination against COVID-19, which are required to enter restaurants, cultural venues or ride long-distance public transport.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 23:30 UTC
23 South African teenagers killed in initiation rite this year

A traditional rite practiced in South Africa has left 23 male teenagers dead following the Xhosa Ulwaluko ceremony, which consists of circumcision plus an initiation into manhood.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 22:20 UTC
UK Supreme Court rules Guaidó is Venezuela's president, but the case is not over

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Monday maintained opposition leader Juan Guaidó should be recognized as the truthful President of Venezuela, which would grant him access to his country's gold in custody at the Bank of England. But instead of making a decision on that issue, the case was sent back to a lower court for further judicial proceedings.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 20:00 UTC
Scotland considering posthumous pardon for executed witches

The Scottish Government of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is considering the possibility of granting a posthumous pardon to some 300 people – mostly women – who were executed under the Witchcraft Act between 1563 and 1736.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 12:55 UTC
Boric wins runoff to become Chile's youngest ever President

Leftwing Deputy Gabriel Boric (35) beat first-round frontrunner Conservative José Antonio Kast in Sunday's presidential runoff to become Chile's youngest-ever head of state. After more than 90% of the votes were counted, Boric led by 56% against Kast's 44%.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 11:45 UTC
UK Court ruling to decide on Venezuelan gold's fate

The UK's Supreme Court is expected to rule Monday on the fate of 31 tons of Venezuelan gold which is currently in the hands of the Bank of England. The Venezuelan central bank turned to the British justice system in 2020 to resolve the issue.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 09:48 UTC
Mexico tightens travel requirements on South American visitors

Mexican migration authorities have decided over the past few days to reinstate a visa requirement for travelers from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil after it was detected large numbers of those alleged tourists were seeking to go on by land and try to cross into the United States.
Monday, December 20th 2021 - 09:31 UTC
NASA keeping track of two British explorers in Antarctica collecting info on survival on Mars

The US space agency NASA is tracking two British explorers on a 3,650 kilometers journey across Antarctica to learn more about humanity's ability to survive on Mars. Explorers Justin Packshaw,57, and Jamie Facer Childs, 37 are on an 80-day trek across the southernmost continent as part of the Chasing the Light mission — a grueling expedition that could give a better understanding of the psychological and physical impact of other worlds on the human body and mind.