Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Law enforcers give assessment of 2011
The Hong Kong Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption each present assessments of 2011. Police Commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hung (left) will brief the Legislative Council on the latest crime situation and answer questions in the afternoon, and will address a media conference at police headquarters in the evening. Four advisory committees overseeing ICAC operations will give a briefing in the afternoon.
'Troika' holds court in Athens over reform progress
Officials from the so-called 'troika' of auditors are due to visit Athens to assess its efforts in cutting its deficit and launching structural reforms. The troika - the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - has been critical of Greece for failing to implement the draconian reforms to make its economy competitive. A positive report from the troika is as important as a deal on the debt writedown if Greece is to get another Euro130 billion (HK$1.28 trillion) in loans.
Pinochet's pursuer goes on trial
Baltasar Garzon (left), the Spanish judge who indicted late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on genocide charges, goes on trial for allegedly ordering illegal prison wiretaps. He will appear in court again next week, charged with overstepping his authority in ordering a probe of atrocities by the right-wing victors of Spain's 1936-39 civil war. Garzon does not face jail if convicted in either trial, but he could be removed from the bench for up to 20 years. At his age, 56, that would effectively end his career as a National Court investigating magistrate.