Translated material
Morning briefing: December 31
In Kazan, an Islamic scholar was arrested for publishing an IS flag; in Moscow, the Moscow City tower burned at night - and other news discussed in the last morning briefing of this year.
On the cover: Jay the sea lion in a Japanese water park using calligraphy to congratulate the New Year (Toru Yamanaka, AFP, Getty Images).
Arrest for reposting
for seven days was arrested In Kazan , famous Islamic scholar and expert at the Institute of National Strategy, Rais Suleymanov, . He was accused of publicly displaying prohibited symbols - Suleymanov published on his VKontakte page photographs of the flags of the terrorist organizations Islamic State and Hizb ut-Tahrir.
Brussels without New Year
Brussels authorities have canceled a number of city events dedicated to the New Year due to the existing threat of terrorist attacks. For example, there will be no traditional New Year's fireworks.
Air Canada and severe turbulence
About 20 people were injured due to turbulence on board an Air Canada plane flying from Shanghai to Toronto. According to media reports, at least eight people were already taken out of the airport on stretchers at the point of arrival. The injuries they received are not life-threatening.
Mexicans and legal marijuana
Drug farmers who grow marijuana for illegal sale in the United States told reporters that the legalization of the drug in a number of states has led to a significant reduction in its purchase price - in four years, the profit from the sale of one kilogram of marijuana has decreased from $100 to $30.
Fire in Moscow City
on the ground floor of the 360-meter Vostok tower in Moscow City A fire broke out , and about 100 firefighters were involved in extinguishing it. More than 30 people were evacuated.
By 00:45 Moscow time, the fire was completely extinguished, its causes are being established.