Charlottesville, Virginia In Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., the prosecution and defense both make their opening statements in the trial of former University of Virginia men's lacrosse player George Huguely on murder charges in the 2010 death of former UVA women's lacrosse player Yeardley Love.
Cour de Justice de la République Three investigating judges from the Cour de Justice de la République file preliminary charges against former French Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Public service Éric Woerth over "passive influence peddling" in relation to the affairs of L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt.
Wang Lijun Wang Lijun, former police chief of the central Chinese city of Chongqing, unexpectedly leaves his position and goes to the Chongqing U.S. Consulate, sparking rumours of his political downfall.
Washington State Legislature The Washington State Legislature in the United States approves a bill that will allow same-sex marriage in the state.
Bharatiya Janata Party Three Bharatiya Janata Party Ministers in the Indian state of Karnataka – Laxman Savadi, C C Patil and J. Krishna Palemar – are forced to resign after footage is shown of them watching a pornographic video in the Legislative Assembly.
President The new President of the Maldives Mohammed Waheed Hassan calls for the formation of a national unity government while supporters of former President Mohamed Nasheed riot.
Early 2012 European cold wave Early 2012 European cold wave: The death toll throughout Europe rises to over 400 with the Danube River freezing over for 170 km.
New Zealand The New Zealand Royal Commission on the Pike River Mine disaster hears that a collapse in the coal extraction area was the most likely cause of the fatal blast in the mine on November 19, 2010 that claimed 29 lives.
Zsa Zsa Gabor Zsa Zsa Gabor, suffering from life-threatening health problems, has a party for her 95th birthday.
Vincent van Gogh Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro artworks, from the personal collection of Elizabeth Taylor, sell for £13.7 million at Christie's in London.
Government A meeting of the leaders of the parties comprising the Greek Government breaks up without agreeing to cuts prescribed by the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Histadrut Histadrut, Israel's trade union organisation, calls a nationwide strike with Ben Gurion Airport to be closed until midday.
Islamist The Islamist group Al-Shabab claims responsibility for a car bombing in the Somalian capital Mogadishu which claims at least ten people and injures at least 20.
Government The Syrian government launches an offensive in Homs, with tanks reported in neighbourhoods and dozens of people reported as dying over the past few hours.
Pakistan Pakistani officials claim that US drone missiles have killed ten people in Spalga village in North Waziristan.