Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Albania to oppose a controversial $1.6 billion coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner. Demonstrators are raising concerns over environmental impact, transparency, and foreign investment influence in national assets. The rally marks a significant escalation in public opposition as political leaders face mounting pressure over the proposed luxury tourism project along the Albanian coastline.


Albania Protests: Albania Witnesses Huge Rally Against $1.6B Kushner Coastal Project

Albania Protests: Thousands Rally Against Kushner-Linked $1.6 Billion Coastal Project 

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Albania against a controversial luxury development project reportedly backed by Jared Kushner. Demonstrators accused the government of prioritising elite tourism and foreign investment over environmental protection and public interest. The proposed coastal project has sparked political backlash, with activists demanding transparency and accountability.


Albania Protest: Thousands Protest Kushner-Backed Luxury Project Plan in Albania 

Turkish riot police ​fired tear gas and forced their way into the main opposition party's headquarters to evict its ousted leadership on ‌Sunday, fuelling a crisis at the heart of Turkey's democracy.
Clouds of tear gas billowed within the Republican People's Party (CHP) building while those inside shouted and threw objects at the entrance as police broke through a makeshift barricade. There were no reports of injuries during the intervention.

Turkey Protests: Police Force Ousted Opp'n Out Of Headquarters As Crisis Deepens

Anti-government protests erupted in Serbia as demonstrators clashed with police over political and economic grievances. 

Serbia anti-govt protests: Tensions soar | Police fire tear gas shells 

Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans.

Heidar Ghorbani was executed despite international pressure for his life to be spared. He was convicted in connection with killing of three men linked to pro-government Basij militia. Heidar Ghorbani had been in jail since October 2016.

Heidar Ghorbani was executed on Sunday morning in Sanandaj prison in western Iran's Kurdistan province, the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said, adding that neither his family nor his lawyer had been given prior warning.

UN human rights experts had in September urged Iran to repeal his death sentence over "serious concerns" that he did not receive a fair trial and was tortured during pre-trial detention.

Amnesty International had also called for his life to be spared, saying that there had been "numerous violations" in his trial, which it said was "grossly unfair".

Campaign groups say that Ghorbani was convicted and sentenced to death in 2020 in connection with the killing in 2016 of three men linked to the pro-government Basij militia. He had been jailed since October 2016.

He was convicted of providing transport and logistical support for the killings. But the court verdict acknowledged he had never been armed.

Videos posted on social media showed crowds gathering on Sunday for a memorial ceremony for him in his home town of Kamyaran in western Iran, chanting "martyrs don't die".

"Heidar Ghorbani was subjected to torture and sentenced to death without due process and any evidence against him," said Iran Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.&nbsp;

"Heidar's death penalty is unlawful even under the Islamic Republic's own laws."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans.

Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans. Heidar Ghorbani was executed despite international pressure for his life to be spared. He was convicted in connection with killing of three men linked to pro-government Basij militia. Heidar Ghorbani had been in jail since October 2016. Heidar Ghorbani was executed on Sunday morning in Sanandaj prison in western Iran's Kurdistan province, the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said, adding that neither his family nor his lawyer had been given prior warning. UN human rights experts had in September urged Iran to repeal his death sentence over "serious concerns" that he did not receive a fair trial and was tortured during pre-trial detention. Amnesty International had also called for his life to be spared, saying that there had been "numerous violations" in his trial, which it said was "grossly unfair". Campaign groups say that Ghorbani was convicted and sentenced to death in 2020 in connection with the killing in 2016 of three men linked to the pro-government Basij militia. He had been jailed since October 2016. He was convicted of providing transport and logistical support for the killings. But the court verdict acknowledged he had never been armed. Videos posted on social media showed crowds gathering on Sunday for a memorial ceremony for him in his home town of Kamyaran in western Iran, chanting "martyrs don't die". "Heidar Ghorbani was subjected to torture and sentenced to death without due process and any evidence against him," said Iran Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam. "Heidar's death penalty is unlawful even under the Islamic Republic's own laws." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali.

"Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead.

He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters.

Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people.

"In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas.

After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately.&nbsp;

Militarised response

Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious"

Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms."

Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests.

For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression. Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali. "Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead. He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters. Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people. "In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas. After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately. Militarised response Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious" Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms." Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests. For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia: At least 10 dead in anti-government protest clashes

Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month

Thai police on Monday vowed to arrest more people participating in anti-government protests after detaining nearly 100 at a demonstration a day earlier, citing a law restricting gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Another protest demanding the release of jailed activists is planned for late Monday afternoon, raising prospects for another confrontation, with activists calling for an end to military dominance of politics and reform of the powerful monarchy.&nbsp;

"We have prepared troops to maintain order," Piya Tavichai, deputy head of the Bangkok police, told reporters.&nbsp;

Piya said 99 people were arrested on Sunday in front of Government House, saying the arrests were necessary under a law forbidding large public gatherings to prevent coronavirus spread.&nbsp;

The mostly student-led movement has taken aim at the military for entrenching its role in civilian politics, especially since Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power in a 2014 coup when he was army chief.&nbsp;

The activists say elections held in 2019 were under rules designed to cement Prayuth's hold on power. Prayuth and his coalition government allies say the vote was free and fair.&nbsp;

Prayuth on Monday told reporters the weekend arrests were justified.&nbsp;

"You have to look at the law. If I don't take action, there will be disruption in traffic. We are just taking back space. There have been many warnings," said Prayuth.&nbsp;

Dozens of people have been detained at protests in recent months under disease control and public order laws, but Sunday's protest represented one of the largest number of arrests at a single rally.&nbsp;

Additionally, at least nine leaders of the movement are jailed pending trial under a law against insulting the Thai monarchy, which carries a maximum 15-year penalty.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thai police on Monday vowed to arrest more people participating in anti-government protests after detaining nearly 100 at a demonstration a day earlier, citing a law restricting gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Thai police on Monday vowed to arrest more people participating in anti-government protests after detaining nearly 100 at a demonstration a day earlier, citing a law restricting gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Another protest demanding the release of jailed activists is planned for late Monday afternoon, raising prospects for another confrontation, with activists calling for an end to military dominance of politics and reform of the powerful monarchy. "We have prepared troops to maintain order," Piya Tavichai, deputy head of the Bangkok police, told reporters. Piya said 99 people were arrested on Sunday in front of Government House, saying the arrests were necessary under a law forbidding large public gatherings to prevent coronavirus spread. The mostly student-led movement has taken aim at the military for entrenching its role in civilian politics, especially since Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power in a 2014 coup when he was army chief. The activists say elections held in 2019 were under rules designed to cement Prayuth's hold on power. Prayuth and his coalition government allies say the vote was free and fair. Prayuth on Monday told reporters the weekend arrests were justified. "You have to look at the law. If I don't take action, there will be disruption in traffic. We are just taking back space. There have been many warnings," said Prayuth. Dozens of people have been detained at protests in recent months under disease control and public order laws, but Sunday's protest represented one of the largest number of arrests at a single rally. Additionally, at least nine leaders of the movement are jailed pending trial under a law against insulting the Thai monarchy, which carries a maximum 15-year penalty. (With inputs from agencies)

After detaining nearly 100, Thai police vow more protest arrests  

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place.

Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw.

"Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP.

"Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today."

Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them.&nbsp;

Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks.

Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests.

The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.&nbsp;

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections.

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place. Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw. "Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP. "Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today." Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them. Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks. Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests. The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.

Dutch police clear anti-government protest on election eve

Over 900 protestors were arrested in a fresh anti-government protest, Belarus police also fired tear gas and rubber bullet on the protestors

Belarus: Over 900 protestors arrested by  police during Anti-Government protest

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered again in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Thursday in mass defiance of the government which had issued a decree banning demonstrations.

Thailand protest: 1000 protesters defy sweeping crackdown

Hundreds of Thai LGBT activists and allies raised rainbow flags on Saturday evening as they called for democracy and equal rights, the latest in a series of youth protests calling for the government to step down.

Several youth-led demonstrations have sprung up across the country since last week, when thousands of Thai activists defied a coronavirus ban on gatherings and staged one of the largest street rallies since a 2014 military coup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-stages-lgbt-pride-parade-for-the-world-309339">Also watch:&nbsp;Taiwan stages LGBT pride parade for the world</a>

The activists on Saturday danced and sang and performed stand-up comedy sketches making jabs at the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief who ousted an elected government six years ago. Pride flags were waved against the backdrop of Bangkok`s Democracy Monument.

"We`re here today mainly to call for democracy. Once we achieve democracy, equal rights will follow," said a 21-year-old activist who went by a made-up name, Viktorious Nighttime.

"The LGBT group do not yet have equal rights in society, so we`re calling for both democracy and equality," added Viktorious, who was wearing a glittery tiara and a face mask.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbtq-pride-month-events-go-online-to-mark-50th-anniversary-taiwan-holds-march-309170">Also read:&nbsp;LGBTQ Pride Month events go online to mark 50th anniversary; Taiwan holds march</a>

The calls came after Thailand`s cabinet backed a civil partnership bill earlier this month that would recognise same-sex unions with almost the same rights as married couples.

Saturday`s gathering was the latest in a series of protests under the Free Youth movement, which has issued three demands: the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of government critics, and amendments to the military-written constitution.

"Even if they don`t step down from power today, we want to let them know that we won`t go anywhere, we will be here," said a 21-year-old protestor who gave her name as Yaya. "Even if they get rid of us, our ideology will never die, we will pass this on to the next generation."

Hundreds of Thai LGBT activists and allies raised rainbow flags on Saturday evening as they called for democracy and equal rights, the latest in a series of youth protests calling for the government to step down.

Hundreds of Thai LGBT activists and allies raised rainbow flags on Saturday evening as they called for democracy and equal rights, the latest in a series of youth protests calling for the government to step down. Several youth-led demonstrations have sprung up across the country since last week, when thousands of Thai activists defied a coronavirus ban on gatherings and staged one of the largest street rallies since a 2014 military coup. Also watch: Taiwan stages LGBT pride parade for the world The activists on Saturday danced and sang and performed stand-up comedy sketches making jabs at the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief who ousted an elected government six years ago. Pride flags were waved against the backdrop of Bangkok`s Democracy Monument. "We`re here today mainly to call for democracy. Once we achieve democracy, equal rights will follow," said a 21-year-old activist who went by a made-up name, Viktorious Nighttime. "The LGBT group do not yet have equal rights in society, so we`re calling for both democracy and equality," added Viktorious, who was wearing a glittery tiara and a face mask. Also read: LGBTQ Pride Month events go online to mark 50th anniversary; Taiwan holds march The calls came after Thailand`s cabinet backed a civil partnership bill earlier this month that would recognise same-sex unions with almost the same rights as married couples. Saturday`s gathering was the latest in a series of protests under the Free Youth movement, which has issued three demands: the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of government critics, and amendments to the military-written constitution. "Even if they don`t step down from power today, we want to let them know that we won`t go anywhere, we will be here," said a 21-year-old protestor who gave her name as Yaya. "Even if they get rid of us, our ideology will never die, we will pass this on to the next generation."

Thai LGBT activists raise pride flag in anti-government rally

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day &nbsp;on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. 
 
Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. 
 
The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/bulgarias-borissov-demands-resignation-of-mafia-type-government-amid-anti-corruption-protests-312608" hreflang="en">Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests</a> 
 
President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched&nbsp;as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. 
 
Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. 
 
The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. 
 
The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". 
 
Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. 
 
The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. 
 
Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. 
 
Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. 
 
Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. 
 
A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday. Also read: Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms -&nbsp;including democratic freedoms.

"There is time for China to reconsider," UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said while referring to the new security laws, which have spurred protests across the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-considering-offering-citizenship-to-hong-kongers-amid-crisis-with-china-302621" hreflang="en">United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China</a>

“There is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations”, Raab added,

China’s parliament recently approved the new security law. This makes disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

<h6><img alt="A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a &quot;Lunch With You&quot; rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8302af4-3158-4775-a3e4-e220ad473381" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_14.jpg" /> 
A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a "Lunch With You" rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure.

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 as part of the “Two Systems, One Country” vision which guaranteed privileges to Hong Kongers not available elsewhere in mainland China.

Raab also urged Hong Kong and Chinese governments to collectively work "to end the recent violence and resolve the underlying tensions based on political dialogue".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-cant-be-silent-hong-kong-people-aim-to-mark-tiananmen-despite-ban-302645" hreflang="en">'I can't be silent': Hong Kong people aim to mark Tiananmen despite ban</a>

On Tuesday, the United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory.

He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.”

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms - including democratic freedoms.

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms - including democratic freedoms. "There is time for China to reconsider," UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said while referring to the new security laws, which have spurred protests across the city. Also read: United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China “There is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations”, Raab added, China’s parliament recently approved the new security law. This makes disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers. A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a "Lunch With You" rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020 | AFP Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure. Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 as part of the “Two Systems, One Country” vision which guaranteed privileges to Hong Kongers not available elsewhere in mainland China. Raab also urged Hong Kong and Chinese governments to collectively work "to end the recent violence and resolve the underlying tensions based on political dialogue". Also read: 'I can't be silent': Hong Kong people aim to mark Tiananmen despite ban On Tuesday, the United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.” (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

'Step back': United Kingdom hits out at China's attempts to assume control of Hong Kong

Hong Kong's strengths as a global financial hub have not been undermined by months of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese-ruled city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday.

Protests in Hong Kong escalated in June over a now-withdrawn bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party. They have since broadened to include demands such as universal suffrage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-fete-landslide-election-win-for-taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-273784">Also read: Hong Kong protesters fete landslide election win for Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen</a>

Speaking at the opening of a regional financial forum, Lam said the city's financial system remained stable thanks to lessons learnt since the Asian financial crisis. Lam cited the listing of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd as a boon for other listings by mainland companies.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-hong-kong-kicks-off-2020-fresh-protests-271450/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The city's "strengths and resilience, just like our financial systems, have not been undermined despite (the fact) that we experienced considerable social unrest and challenges," Lam said.

She added she was confident the city will bridge divisions, and realise its goals of a reunited community and "flourishing" economy.

Many protests involved violent clashes between protesters and the police on central streets lined by the city's tallest towers hosting top finance companies.

Some financial firms have been caught in the middle, with branches of mainland banks repeatedly vandalised as protesters vented their anger at what they perceive as Beijing meddling in the city's affairs, an accusation denied by Beijing which blames the West for fomenting unrest.

HSBC has also drawn the ire of some protesters who accuse it of being complicit in action by the authorities against activists trying to raise money to support their campaign. HSBC strongly denies any connection.

Hurt by a tariff war between Washington and Beijing, and with protests hurting tourism and retail sales, Hong Kong's economy has fallen into recession and relies on its finance industry to prevent a deeper downturn.

Hong Kong's strengths as a global financial hub have not been undermined by months of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese-ruled city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday.

Hong Kong's strengths as a global financial hub have not been undermined by months of pro-democracy protests, the Chinese-ruled city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday. Protests in Hong Kong escalated in June over a now-withdrawn bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party. They have since broadened to include demands such as universal suffrage. Also read: Hong Kong protesters fete landslide election win for Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen Speaking at the opening of a regional financial forum, Lam said the city's financial system remained stable thanks to lessons learnt since the Asian financial crisis. Lam cited the listing of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd as a boon for other listings by mainland companies. The city's "strengths and resilience, just like our financial systems, have not been undermined despite (the fact) that we experienced considerable social unrest and challenges," Lam said. She added she was confident the city will bridge divisions, and realise its goals of a reunited community and "flourishing" economy. Many protests involved violent clashes between protesters and the police on central streets lined by the city's tallest towers hosting top finance companies. Some financial firms have been caught in the middle, with branches of mainland banks repeatedly vandalised as protesters vented their anger at what they perceive as Beijing meddling in the city's affairs, an accusation denied by Beijing which blames the West for fomenting unrest. HSBC has also drawn the ire of some protesters who accuse it of being complicit in action by the authorities against activists trying to raise money to support their campaign. HSBC strongly denies any connection. Hurt by a tariff war between Washington and Beijing, and with protests hurting tourism and retail sales, Hong Kong's economy has fallen into recession and relies on its finance industry to prevent a deeper downturn.

Hong Kong's strengths as global financial hub intact despite protests: Carrie Lam

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam today affirmed her wish to work closely with Beijing's top official to get back on ''the right path''. The protests are now running into their sixth month.

China appointed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-luo-huining-replaced-wang-zhimin-as-hong-kongs-top-envoy-272120">new envoy</a> to Hong Kong, Luo Huining unexpectedly. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) reports to China's State Council or the&nbsp;cabinet. It is the main platform for Beijing to retain its influence on the city.

"I would work closely with director Luo in the coming future, committing to 'one country, two systems', and the Basic Law, for Hong Kong to ... return to the right path," Lam said at a press conference, her first this year.

Huining echoed similar sentiments, hoping the city would return to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-chief-of-chinas-hong-kong-liaison-office-hopes-city-returns-to-right-path-272407">''right path'</a>'.

Watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong riot police detain protesters

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-riot-police-detain-protesters-271719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in November, Reuters had reported that China was intent on replacing the former liaison office chief, Wang Zhimin, who was facing criticism over the unrest.

Even though Lam did not refer to the protests in her remarks, she alluded to the outbreak of a respiratory virus in China's Wuhan city. Such cases in Hong Kong have increased to 21, out of which seven have been released from the hospital.

The clashes between the police and protests have intensified over the last week. Earlier, the district council elections were swept by pro-democracy candidates. No concessions have been given by the government yet.

The protests began against the controversial Extradition Bill, which is now scrapped. Later on, the demonstrations evolved into a full-fledged movement demanding democracy. The protesters have also demanded an independent inquiry into instances of police brutality, even though the police say that they exercised restraint.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-chief-of-chinas-hong-kong-liaison-office-hopes-city-returns-to-right-path-272407">Hope Hong Kong can return to right path, says new chief of China's liaison office</a>

Hong Kong currently follows the ''one country, two systems'' model of governance which gives the city more autonomy than Chinese mainland. The British colony came under Chinese rule in 1996.

China has repeatedly asserted claims of the West triggering the unrest to stir instability in the region.

According to a Reuters poll, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-around-400-arrested-in-new-years-day-unrest-271484">the pro-democracy movement</a> has the support of 59% city residents, with 57% of them demanding Lam's resignation.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam today affirmed her wish to work closely with Beijing's top official to get back on ''the right path''. The protests are now running into their sixth month.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam today affirmed her wish to work closely with Beijing's top official to get back on ''the right path''. The protests are now running into their sixth month. China appointed a new envoy to Hong Kong, Luo Huining unexpectedly. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) reports to China's State Council or the cabinet. It is the main platform for Beijing to retain its influence on the city. "I would work closely with director Luo in the coming future, committing to 'one country, two systems', and the Basic Law, for Hong Kong to ... return to the right path," Lam said at a press conference, her first this year. Huining echoed similar sentiments, hoping the city would return to ''right path''. Watch: Hong Kong riot police detain protesters Earlier in November, Reuters had reported that China was intent on replacing the former liaison office chief, Wang Zhimin, who was facing criticism over the unrest. Even though Lam did not refer to the protests in her remarks, she alluded to the outbreak of a respiratory virus in China's Wuhan city. Such cases in Hong Kong have increased to 21, out of which seven have been released from the hospital. The clashes between the police and protests have intensified over the last week. Earlier, the district council elections were swept by pro-democracy candidates. No concessions have been given by the government yet. The protests began against the controversial Extradition Bill, which is now scrapped. Later on, the demonstrations evolved into a full-fledged movement demanding democracy. The protesters have also demanded an independent inquiry into instances of police brutality, even though the police say that they exercised restraint. Also read: Hope Hong Kong can return to right path, says new chief of China's liaison office Hong Kong currently follows the ''one country, two systems'' model of governance which gives the city more autonomy than Chinese mainland. The British colony came under Chinese rule in 1996. China has repeatedly asserted claims of the West triggering the unrest to stir instability in the region. According to a Reuters poll, the pro-democracy movement has the support of 59% city residents, with 57% of them demanding Lam's resignation. (With inputs from Reuters)

Will work with new Chinese envoy to get back on 'right path': Hong Kong's Carrie Lam

Anti-government Iraqi protesters demonstrated in Baghdad on Friday to reiterate demands for an 'independent' Prime Minister without links to any of the major political parties. #IraqProtests #Baghdad #WION

Iraqis reject nominee of Iran-backed bloc for Prime Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-threatens-one-country-two-systems-xi-jinping-262146">The Hong Kong government</a> condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful".

A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng.

"The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement.

The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations.

A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family.

Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-arm-themselves-for-showdown-amid-talk-of-curfew-262065">The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill</a> that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands.

Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests.

The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll.

Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful". A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground. Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng. "The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement. The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations. A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family. Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence. The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands. Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests. The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll. Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

Hong Kong condemns London 'attack' on justice secretary as protests continue

In Hong Kong Protests, 228 days of protests and still counting, Anti-Government turns violent. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: 228 days of protests and still counting, Anti-Government turns violent

Some major highways in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">Lebanon</a> reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Tuesday's resignation toppled the coalition government of Saad al-Hariri, who said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite.

Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed.

The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on but did not block the whole road.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". 
 
Watch: Lebanon protests - People form a human chain

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-protests-people-form-a-human-chain-258542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri's resignation speech on Tuesday came after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

The strife was the most serious on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">streets of Beirut since 2008</a> when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory.

The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Some major highways in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Some major highways in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign. Tuesday's resignation toppled the coalition government of Saad al-Hariri, who said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite. Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed. The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on but did not block the whole road. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". Watch: Lebanon protests - People form a human chain The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri's resignation speech on Tuesday came after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008 when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory. The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Major roads reopen in Lebanon after prime minister resigns

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-in-lebanon-for-fresh-protests-256895">Tens of thousands of Lebanese took to the streets</a>&nbsp;for a fourth day Sunday to protest political stasis and corruption, as the government was rocked by the resignation of a coalition partner.

Demonstrations began spontaneously on Thursday in response to a proposed tax on calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services.

While the government quickly dropped the plans, the protests morphed into demands for a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon's political system, with grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure.

More than a quarter of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, while the country's political class has remained relatively unchanged since the end of a devastating 15-year civil war in 1990.

Sunday saw street rallies swell again, with thousands streaming into central Beirut and other locations throughout the country, many chanting "revolution" or "the people demand the fall of the regime",&nbsp;a common refrain of demonstrations in other parts of the Arab world.

"I am demonstrating here to bring down the president's men and his corrupt government," Sanaa Mallah, 40, said in downtown Beirut. "I have a lot of hope in this movement."

Beleaguered Prime Minister Saad Hariri set a Monday night deadline for coalition partners to back reforms, but the four ministers of the Maronite Christian Lebanese Forces party resigned Saturday evening.

Lebanon ranked 138 out of 180 in Transparency International's 2018 corruption index, while citizens suffer chronic electricity and water shortages.

Deadline under fire

Lebanon's political system was set up to balance power between the country's religious sects, including Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and Druze.

What some have dubbed the "WhatsApp revolution" has support from wide swathes of Lebanese society.

The protests have been mostly good-natured, with people singing or launching into traditional dabke dances, while others play cards and smoke shisha.

In Tripoli, Lebanon's traditionally conservative second city, the protests at points looked like a music festival Saturday evening, with a DJ pumping out dance music from loudspeakers.

But while the demonstrators are largely united on what they oppose -- with many condemning the entire political class as thieves and criminals -- they so far lack a clear set of demands.

Speaking on Friday, Hariri did not say what would happen if the government did not back key reforms by Monday night, with the 72-hour deadline widely mocked among protestors and on social media.&nbsp;

Scuppering Hariri's unity call, Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea, announced late Saturday that the party's four ministers were quitting the government.

"We are now convinced that the government is unable to take the necessary steps to save the situation," Geagea said.

Other members of the government, including Shiite movement Hezbollah, oppose the government's resignation.

'Thieves'

Demonstrators hailed Geagea's announcement but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-sweep-lebanon-as-fury-at-ruling-elite-grows-over-economic-corruption-256839">demanded more wholesale change</a>.&nbsp;

Zalfa Aboukais, 27, was hanging signs bearing the names of lawmakers and ministers on a barbed wire near parliament and the seat of government, saying they were all "thieves".

Originally from south Lebanon, she said she was protesting "against the hooligans who have been in power for 30 years".

Dani Mourtada said the country was waking up to reject entrenched sectarian divisions.

"We no longer want people to beg for legitimate rights and services that the state is supposed to provide," the 26-year-old protester said.

Lebanon is one of the world's most indebted countries, with a deficit of around $86 billion, more than 150 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the finance ministry.

Public anger surged after parliament passed an austerity budget in July as part of efforts to make reforms that are essential if Lebanon is to unlock over $11 billion in economic assistance pledged by international donors&nbsp;last year.

Growth has plummeted in recent years, with political deadlock compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria.

Tens of thousands of Lebanese took to the streets for a fourth day Sunday to protest political stasis and corruption, as the government was rocked by the resignation of a coalition partner.

Tens of thousands of Lebanese took to the streets for a fourth day Sunday to protest political stasis and corruption, as the government was rocked by the resignation of a coalition partner. Demonstrations began spontaneously on Thursday in response to a proposed tax on calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services. While the government quickly dropped the plans, the protests morphed into demands for a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon's political system, with grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure. More than a quarter of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, while the country's political class has remained relatively unchanged since the end of a devastating 15-year civil war in 1990. Sunday saw street rallies swell again, with thousands streaming into central Beirut and other locations throughout the country, many chanting "revolution" or "the people demand the fall of the regime", a common refrain of demonstrations in other parts of the Arab world. "I am demonstrating here to bring down the president's men and his corrupt government," Sanaa Mallah, 40, said in downtown Beirut. "I have a lot of hope in this movement." Beleaguered Prime Minister Saad Hariri set a Monday night deadline for coalition partners to back reforms, but the four ministers of the Maronite Christian Lebanese Forces party resigned Saturday evening. Lebanon ranked 138 out of 180 in Transparency International's 2018 corruption index, while citizens suffer chronic electricity and water shortages. Deadline under fire Lebanon's political system was set up to balance power between the country's religious sects, including Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and Druze. What some have dubbed the "WhatsApp revolution" has support from wide swathes of Lebanese society. The protests have been mostly good-natured, with people singing or launching into traditional dabke dances, while others play cards and smoke shisha. In Tripoli, Lebanon's traditionally conservative second city, the protests at points looked like a music festival Saturday evening, with a DJ pumping out dance music from loudspeakers. But while the demonstrators are largely united on what they oppose -- with many condemning the entire political class as thieves and criminals -- they so far lack a clear set of demands. Speaking on Friday, Hariri did not say what would happen if the government did not back key reforms by Monday night, with the 72-hour deadline widely mocked among protestors and on social media. Scuppering Hariri's unity call, Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea, announced late Saturday that the party's four ministers were quitting the government. "We are now convinced that the government is unable to take the necessary steps to save the situation," Geagea said. Other members of the government, including Shiite movement Hezbollah, oppose the government's resignation. 'Thieves' Demonstrators hailed Geagea's announcement but demanded more wholesale change. Zalfa Aboukais, 27, was hanging signs bearing the names of lawmakers and ministers on a barbed wire near parliament and the seat of government, saying they were all "thieves". Originally from south Lebanon, she said she was protesting "against the hooligans who have been in power for 30 years". Dani Mourtada said the country was waking up to reject entrenched sectarian divisions. "We no longer want people to beg for legitimate rights and services that the state is supposed to provide," the 26-year-old protester said. Lebanon is one of the world's most indebted countries, with a deficit of around $86 billion, more than 150 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the finance ministry. Public anger surged after parliament passed an austerity budget in July as part of efforts to make reforms that are essential if Lebanon is to unlock over $11 billion in economic assistance pledged by international donors last year. Growth has plummeted in recent years, with political deadlock compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria.

Tens of thousands demonstrate again as Lebanon's government frays

Iraqi security forces opened fire on thousands of demonstrators who defied a curfew in Baghdad on Thursday (October 3) and exchanged fire with gunmen in a southern city, killing two people on the third day of nationwide anti-government protests. Watch this video to know more.

Protests in Iraq enters 3rd day: Death toll climbs to at least 34

Death toll climbs to at least 34 in Iraq on third day of protests

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week. At least one petrol bomb was thrown by protesters, some of whom took off down narrow side streets where the water cannon, which had not been used in years of anti-government protests, could not follow. The Chinese-ruled city's MTR rail operator had suspended some services to try to prevent people gathering but the protesters, calling for democracy for the former British colony, made it to a sports stadium in the vast container port of Kwai Chung, from where they marched to nearby Tsuen Wan. Some dug up bricks from the pavement and wheeled them away to use as ammunition, others sprayed detergent on the road to make it slippery for the lines of police. Clashes spread in many directions. The vast majority marched peacefully. Police had warned earlier they would launch a "dispersal operation" and told people to leave. Hundreds remained long after dusk fell, discussing what to do next. "Some radical protesters have removed railings ... and set up barricades with water-filled barriers, bamboo sticks, traffic cones, and other objects," they said in a statement. "Such acts neglect the safety of citizens and road users, paralysing traffic in the vicinity," the statement said. Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial district of Kwun Tong, on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Last chance M. Sung, a 53-year-old software engineer in a black mask emblematic of the many older, middle-class citizens at the march, said he had been at almost every protest and would keep coming. "We know this is the last chance to fight for 'one country, two systems', otherwise the Chinese Communist Party will penetrate our home city and control everything," he said. "If we keep a strong mind, we can sustain this movement for justice and democracy. It won’t die," Sung said. Protesters say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 with the promise of continued freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland for 50 years. The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since the handover. They also pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Beijing has sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible, with paramilitary forces holding drills just over the border. Transport to the airport appeared normal on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub. Police said they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested after Saturday's violence. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June. The neighbouring gambling territory of Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1999, elected former legislature head Ho Iat Seng as its leader on Sunday - the sole approved candidate. Ho, who has deep ties to China, is expected to cement Beijing's control over the "special administrative region", the same status is given to Hong Kong, and distance it from the unrest there.

Hong Kong police briefly turn water cannon on protesters, fire tear gas

France's parliament on Tuesday passed a bill aimed at curbing violent protests in response to three months of anti-government demonstrations by the grassroots "yellow vests" movement.

Despite criticism that the law could curb civil liberties, it passed the lower house, the national assembly, by 387 votes to 92 thanks to the comfortable majority enjoyed by President Emmanuel Macron's centrist LREM party. It will now be discussed in the upper house, but the assembly has the last word.

The "anti-casseurs" (anti-hooligan) law bans protesters from hiding their faces, gives police greater powers to extract potential trouble-makers from demonstrations, and grants local authorities the right to ban individual protesters.

The "yellow vest" movement erupted in November as a protest against fuel taxes but has morphed into a broader revolt against inequality and Macron's presidency. It takes its name from the fluorescent vests that motorists in France carry in their cars.

Rioters ran amok in Paris during the early street protests, torching cars, smashing luxury boutiques and defacing the Arc de Triomphe. It was among the worst violence the capital has experienced since a 1968 student uprising.

France's parliament on Tuesday passed a bill aimed at curbing violent protests in response to three months of anti-government demonstrations by the grassroots "yellow vests" movement.

France's parliament on Tuesday passed a bill aimed at curbing violent protests in response to three months of anti-government demonstrations by the grassroots "yellow vests" movement. Despite criticism that the law could curb civil liberties, it passed the lower house, the national assembly, by 387 votes to 92 thanks to the comfortable majority enjoyed by President Emmanuel Macron's centrist LREM party. It will now be discussed in the upper house, but the assembly has the last word. The "anti-casseurs" (anti-hooligan) law bans protesters from hiding their faces, gives police greater powers to extract potential trouble-makers from demonstrations, and grants local authorities the right to ban individual protesters. The "yellow vest" movement erupted in November as a protest against fuel taxes but has morphed into a broader revolt against inequality and Macron's presidency. It takes its name from the fluorescent vests that motorists in France carry in their cars. Rioters ran amok in Paris during the early street protests, torching cars, smashing luxury boutiques and defacing the Arc de Triomphe. It was among the worst violence the capital has experienced since a 1968 student uprising.

French parliament passes law to curb violent protests

The Nepali Congress (NC), on Monday, took to the roads here to protest against the government, claiming that the activities of the government are going against the public interest.

“The Constitutional Council appoints ambassadors and head of other constitutional bodies.&nbsp;

While making the decisions from the council, the government has been making decisions on its own.

The provisions regarding the attorney of the appointments to be made by the cabinet and the constitutional council are mentioned on the constitution itself.&nbsp;

The President of the opposition party is must during the meeting and upon bearing the post. Sher Bahadur Deuba (NC President) should be present there," Bimalendra Nidhi, a senior leader from the opposition party said while addressing the protest in Janakpur.

"Without inviting or informing Sher Bahadur Deuba over the meeting you have heard that the ambassadors were appointed. The Nepali Congress then denounced the meeting. This is proof of the incumbent Communist Party’s Prime Minister and the Oli Government not following the democratic process, not as per the Constitution but going against it and defying it which works against the public will,” Nidhi further said.

The NC, which is also the largest opposition party, claim that the anti-government protest rallies were organized in all the 77 districts of the country against the “tyranny of the State”.

Along with this, the opposition has also blamed the government of marching against the will of the Constitution - Defying it, playing role in consolidating corruption, rape and crime, hefty hike in the market price, tax burden and bad governance.

The Central Committee meeting of the opposition Nepali Congress last month decided to organize demonstrations against the government.&nbsp;

The opposition previously has shown its solidarity over the demands of so-called `social activist` Dr Govinda KC when it staged protests in the Parliament, throwing the procession off the track.

The NC has also protested against the government’s step of endorsing the National Medical Education Bill, despite the protests and the objections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Nepali Congress (NC), on Monday, took to the roads here to protest against the government, claiming that the activities of the government are going against the public interest.

The Nepali Congress (NC), on Monday, took to the roads here to protest against the government, claiming that the activities of the government are going against the public interest. “The Constitutional Council appoints ambassadors and head of other constitutional bodies. While making the decisions from the council, the government has been making decisions on its own. The provisions regarding the attorney of the appointments to be made by the cabinet and the constitutional council are mentioned on the constitution itself. The President of the opposition party is must during the meeting and upon bearing the post. Sher Bahadur Deuba (NC President) should be present there," Bimalendra Nidhi, a senior leader from the opposition party said while addressing the protest in Janakpur. "Without inviting or informing Sher Bahadur Deuba over the meeting you have heard that the ambassadors were appointed. The Nepali Congress then denounced the meeting. This is proof of the incumbent Communist Party’s Prime Minister and the Oli Government not following the democratic process, not as per the Constitution but going against it and defying it which works against the public will,” Nidhi further said. The NC, which is also the largest opposition party, claim that the anti-government protest rallies were organized in all the 77 districts of the country against the “tyranny of the State”. Along with this, the opposition has also blamed the government of marching against the will of the Constitution - Defying it, playing role in consolidating corruption, rape and crime, hefty hike in the market price, tax burden and bad governance. The Central Committee meeting of the opposition Nepali Congress last month decided to organize demonstrations against the government. The opposition previously has shown its solidarity over the demands of so-called `social activist` Dr Govinda KC when it staged protests in the Parliament, throwing the procession off the track. The NC has also protested against the government’s step of endorsing the National Medical Education Bill, despite the protests and the objections.

Nepal Opposition stages nationwide anti-government protests

Businesses were closed and stone-wielding men blocked roads near <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ethiopia" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ethiopia-protests-block-roads-shut-businesses/articleshow/62905021.cms~Ethiopia-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ethiopia">Ethiopia</a>&#39;s capital on Tuesday in the latest anti-government protest by the Oromo people, the country&#39;s largest ethnicity.

It is the second day of a three-day strike called by the Oromo people and follows a nationwide state of emergency last year after protests turned deadly. 
 
&quot;Without any mistakes or any wrongdoing, our people are being chained. In our own country, we are considered as second-class citizens,&quot; said Dina Abdela. 
 
He and other young men had blocked one of the major roads heading northwest from the capital Addis Ababa. 
 
On the city&#39;s outskirts, businesses were shut and most cars stayed off the road, with a protester striking a vehicle carrying AFP journalists with a rock at a makeshift roadblock near the town of Burayu to the west of Addis Ababa. 
 
No deaths were reported but a protester in Burayu told AFP that one man was injured during clashes when police tried to clear the demonstration.

Dina said the strike, which ends on Wednesday, spread by word of mouth and was intended to pressure the government to release prisoners, including opposition politician Bekele Gerba. 
 
Ethiopia&#39;s attorney general said on Monday the government would drop charges against Bekele, the deputy leader of the opposition <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Oromo-Federalist-Congress" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ethiopia-protests-block-roads-shut-businesses/articleshow/62905021.cms~Oromo Federalist Congress-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Oromo-Federalist-Congress">Oromo Federalist Congress</a> who was arrested in late 2015. 
 
But protesters said they didn&#39;t trust the authorities to keep their word.

&quot;It&#39;s not only Bekele Gerba,&quot; said protester Gemechu Tefa. &quot;All of our people need to be released.&quot; 
 
There was no immediate reaction from the government.

Unrest first broke out among the Oromo people in late 2015 when the government proposed expanding the capital&#39;s boundaries into their federal region, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Oromia" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/ethiopia-protests-block-roads-shut-businesses/articleshow/62905021.cms~Oromia-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Oromia">Oromia</a>. 
 
The protests later spread across the country, leading to hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands of arrests and the declaration of a 10-month state of emergency in October 2016.

It is the second day of a three-day strike called by the Oromo people and follows a nationwide state of emergency last year after protests turned deadly

Businesses were closed and stone-wielding men blocked roads near Ethiopia's capital on Tuesday in the latest anti-government protest by the Oromo people, the country's largest ethnicity. It is the second day of a three-day strike called by the Oromo people and follows a nationwide state of emergency last year after protests turned deadly. "Without any mistakes or any wrongdoing, our people are being chained. In our own country, we are considered as second-class citizens," said Dina Abdela. He and other young men had blocked one of the major roads heading northwest from the capital Addis Ababa. On the city's outskirts, businesses were shut and most cars stayed off the road, with a protester striking a vehicle carrying AFP journalists with a rock at a makeshift roadblock near the town of Burayu to the west of Addis Ababa. No deaths were reported but a protester in Burayu told AFP that one man was injured during clashes when police tried to clear the demonstration. Dina said the strike, which ends on Wednesday, spread by word of mouth and was intended to pressure the government to release prisoners, including opposition politician Bekele Gerba. Ethiopia's attorney general said on Monday the government would drop charges against Bekele, the deputy leader of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress who was arrested in late 2015. But protesters said they didn't trust the authorities to keep their word. "It's not only Bekele Gerba," said protester Gemechu Tefa. "All of our people need to be released." There was no immediate reaction from the government. Unrest first broke out among the Oromo people in late 2015 when the government proposed expanding the capital's boundaries into their federal region, Oromia. The protests later spread across the country, leading to hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands of arrests and the declaration of a 10-month state of emergency in October 2016.

Ethiopia protests block roads, shut businesses

anti-government

Anti Government, News on Anti Government, stories on Anti Government, articles on Anti Government, Anti Government stories at Wion, Anti Government news, Anti Government latest news

anti government