Pro-EU protests in Georgia enter the third week. The country's tourism industry has taken a hit due to political unrest. Watch this report for more details!

Georgie: Pro-EU Protests Outside Parliament Enter Third Week

Demonstrations in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, have continued for the 11th day, with thousands gathering to express their anger at the government's decision to hold European Union accession talks. Protesters, waving EU flags and chanting pro-European slogans hit the streets outside the Georgian Parliament. Watch for more details!

Georgia Protesters Defiant as Thousands Rally for 11th Day

Mass protests in Georgia fueled by the governing party’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union entered a second week on Thursday, with police cracking down on the protesters. Watch for more details!

Georgia: Violence Erupts in Tbilisi as Protests Enter Tenth Night

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

<h2> 
Key highway blocked</h2>

On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The protestsers called&nbsp;for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister</a>

Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group&nbsp;and Hamas, also took part in the protest.

The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 13 protesters arrested</h2>

One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police&nbsp;

According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic.

Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road.&nbsp;

The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence.&nbsp; “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group.&nbsp;

It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament.&nbsp;

March to Netanyahu’s house

There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war. Key highway blocked On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon. The protestsers called for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7. Also Read | Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, also took part in the protest. The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military. At least 13 protesters arrested One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic. Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road. The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence. “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group. It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.” Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament. March to Netanyahu’s house There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’

The Southern Caucasus nation of Georgia has been rocked by anti-government protests since 9th of April. The protests erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced plans to reintroduce a legislation, which critics say mirrors the authoritarian law Kremlin uses to crush dissent. The Georgian government has rejected the comparison to the Russian legislation, insisting that the law would boost financial transparency of NGOs funded by western institutions. Crucially, on Mayday, the Georgian parliament voted to approve the second reading of the controversial bill. A third and final vote in the parliament, expected on 17th of May, is now needed for the bill to become law. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Georgia: Brutal crackdown, arrests fail to deter protesters

In pics | Thousands protest in Tel Aviv calling for return of Israeli hostages, against Netanyahu govt

Two people were killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and police of Bangladesh. Dozens have been injured on the first day of the three day protest.

Bangladesh: Anti-government protesters clash with police

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia. The protesters who marked the one-month anniversary of the first mass shooting in a school have also called for the resignation of the country’s president, interior minister, and the head of the country's secret service.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened at the protest on Saturday?</h2>

The Serbian capital city witnessed its fifth anti-government protest in a month and the people marched through Belgrade while some even broke off to President Aleksandar Vucic’s official residence.

According to opposition groups and media reports, right-wing groups were trying to infiltrate the march to promote their nationalist agenda. This also prompted the rally organised by several pro-European opposition parties on Friday to be rescheduled to Saturday, after the far-right groups reportedly said they would join the march.

On Saturday, protesters raised slogans like “Vucic go away,” and held up banners with the slogan “Serbia against violence.” Meanwhile, some demonstrators also left hundreds of pieces of paper by Vucic’s official residence with messages calling for him to step down.

“Serbia against violence” protesters&nbsp;have blamed Vucic for not tackling the culture of violence and its promotion in the media which they say has now become a part of the society.

As per a report by Reuters, recent Serbian reality TV shows have allowed the participation of convicted criminals, including murderers as well as shown men beating up women. However, TV stations have vowed to stop airing the show after backlash.&nbsp;

<h2>What have the protesters demanded?</h2>

The protesters have called for the resignation of the Serbian president, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic, and Secret Service Chief Aleksandar Vulin as well as an immediate suspension of TV programmes that promote violence and called for their broadcasting licences to be revoked.&nbsp;

“I’m here for all of us, especially my children. So they don’t need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should,” a 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally.&nbsp;

Last month, Serbia witnessed the country’s first school shooting when a 13-year-old killed nine students at a Belgrade elementary school. In a separate incident, a day later, a 21-year-old man killed eight people in a town outside Belgrade.

<h2>‘Political’ stunt: Serbian president about the protests</h2>

Previously, Vucic has dismissed the protests as a “political” stunt and denied accusations of fueling intolerance and violence. The Serbian president also went on to reportedly peddle theories about foreign nations and the opposition&nbsp;conspiring to topple his government which has been in power for more than a decade.&nbsp;

“They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence,” said Vucic, in a recent interview.&nbsp;

Notably, after the mass shootings the government declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to surrender unregistered weapons where residents had turned over about 13,500 items including guns, cartons of hand grenades, and anti-tank rocket launchers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia. The protesters who marked the one-month anniversary of the first mass shooting in a school have also called for the resignation of the country’s president, interior minister, and the head of the country's secret service. What happened at the protest on Saturday? The Serbian capital city witnessed its fifth anti-government protest in a month and the people marched through Belgrade while some even broke off to President Aleksandar Vucic’s official residence. According to opposition groups and media reports, right-wing groups were trying to infiltrate the march to promote their nationalist agenda. This also prompted the rally organised by several pro-European opposition parties on Friday to be rescheduled to Saturday, after the far-right groups reportedly said they would join the march. On Saturday, protesters raised slogans like “Vucic go away,” and held up banners with the slogan “Serbia against violence.” Meanwhile, some demonstrators also left hundreds of pieces of paper by Vucic’s official residence with messages calling for him to step down. “Serbia against violence” protesters have blamed Vucic for not tackling the culture of violence and its promotion in the media which they say has now become a part of the society. As per a report by Reuters, recent Serbian reality TV shows have allowed the participation of convicted criminals, including murderers as well as shown men beating up women. However, TV stations have vowed to stop airing the show after backlash. What have the protesters demanded? The protesters have called for the resignation of the Serbian president, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic, and Secret Service Chief Aleksandar Vulin as well as an immediate suspension of TV programmes that promote violence and called for their broadcasting licences to be revoked. “I’m here for all of us, especially my children. So they don’t need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should,” a 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally. Last month, Serbia witnessed the country’s first school shooting when a 13-year-old killed nine students at a Belgrade elementary school. In a separate incident, a day later, a 21-year-old man killed eight people in a town outside Belgrade. ‘Political’ stunt: Serbian president about the protests Previously, Vucic has dismissed the protests as a “political” stunt and denied accusations of fueling intolerance and violence. The Serbian president also went on to reportedly peddle theories about foreign nations and the opposition conspiring to topple his government which has been in power for more than a decade. “They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence,” said Vucic, in a recent interview. Notably, after the mass shootings the government declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to surrender unregistered weapons where residents had turned over about 13,500 items including guns, cartons of hand grenades, and anti-tank rocket launchers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thousands of Serbians participate in 5th anti-government protest since mass shootings

In Pics | Thousands take to the streets in Prague for anti-government protest

Massive protests rage across Peru amid political battle in the state. Protesters have erected roadblocks causing shortages of food, fuel and other basic commodities in several regions. Watch further to know more.

Deadly protests rage across Peru amid political turmoil

Anti-government protests in Peru have escalated. What are the protesters demanding? How did things reach this point? Molly Gambhir gets you the latest.

Gravitas: Anti-government Protests In Peru

Anti-government protests continue for the third week in Colombia in Colombia. Residents struggle under weight of protests & blockades.

Colombia Protest: Residents struggle under weight of protests & blockades

Anti-government protests continue for the third week in Colombia in Colombia. At least 42 people have been killed in protests so far.

Colombia: Anti-Govt Protests continue for the third week

People of France have taken over the streets to protest against the&nbsp;planned security law being brought in by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

A series of protests broke out throughout the country where people took to streets to carry out massive demonstrations and rallies to voice their concern against the proposed security law. The protests started as peaceful demonstrations, but as the crowd grew thicker, the local police departments imposed stricter rules and the protests soon turned into a warn zone-like situation.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clash-with-police-in-paris-over-security-law-347788">Protesters clash with police in Paris over security law</a>

After day-long protest, the French police arrested 95 people across the country. While the protestors accused the police of extreme violence, the French police reported 67 of their officers have suffered injuries while trying to control the demonstrations,&nbsp;Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin told reporters on Sunday.

In Paris alone, 48 police officers were injured. In addition to this, a firefighter, too, was injured after he was hit by a projectile while serving his duty at the site of the demonstrations. The Paris Police Department arrested 25 people, out which two were identified as minors.

This was the second weekend of such protests, however, the intensity of these demonstrations was higher this weekend. When people took to streets with boards in hands and anti-government slogans, nobody was expecting such a violent clash between the locals and the police officers.&nbsp;

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However, as the day progressed, vehicles were lit on fire, several disputes broke off and windows of local shops and showrooms were smashed. The French police, in return,&nbsp;fired tear gas shells on the demonstrators.

The numbers demonstrating on Saturday were significantly down, with the nationwide figure at 52,350 against 133,000 a week earlier, the interior ministry said. Around 5,000 people demonstrated in Paris against 46,000 last week, it added. A police source on Saturday blamed the violence on 400 to 500 radical elements.

Meanwhile, Macron and his administration have decided to rewrite the draft.&nbsp;According to the controversial article 24, the plan deemed sharing of images of police with "obvious intention to harm" punishable by a year in prison and $54,000 fine. The protestors argue this will be a major breach of human rights.

People of France have taken over the streets to protest against the planned security law being brought in by the French President Emmanuel Macron. A series of protests broke out throughout the country where people took to streets to carry out massive demonstrations and rallies to voice their concern against the proposed security law.

People of France have taken over the streets to protest against the planned security law being brought in by the French President Emmanuel Macron. A series of protests broke out throughout the country where people took to streets to carry out massive demonstrations and rallies to voice their concern against the proposed security law. The protests started as peaceful demonstrations, but as the crowd grew thicker, the local police departments imposed stricter rules and the protests soon turned into a warn zone-like situation. Also read| Protesters clash with police in Paris over security law After day-long protest, the French police arrested 95 people across the country. While the protestors accused the police of extreme violence, the French police reported 67 of their officers have suffered injuries while trying to control the demonstrations, Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin told reporters on Sunday. In Paris alone, 48 police officers were injured. In addition to this, a firefighter, too, was injured after he was hit by a projectile while serving his duty at the site of the demonstrations. The Paris Police Department arrested 25 people, out which two were identified as minors. This was the second weekend of such protests, however, the intensity of these demonstrations was higher this weekend. When people took to streets with boards in hands and anti-government slogans, nobody was expecting such a violent clash between the locals and the police officers. WATCH| × However, as the day progressed, vehicles were lit on fire, several disputes broke off and windows of local shops and showrooms were smashed. The French police, in return, fired tear gas shells on the demonstrators. The numbers demonstrating on Saturday were significantly down, with the nationwide figure at 52,350 against 133,000 a week earlier, the interior ministry said. Around 5,000 people demonstrated in Paris against 46,000 last week, it added. A police source on Saturday blamed the violence on 400 to 500 radical elements. Meanwhile, Macron and his administration have decided to rewrite the draft. According to the controversial article 24, the plan deemed sharing of images of police with "obvious intention to harm" punishable by a year in prison and $54,000 fine. The protestors argue this will be a major breach of human rights.

France: Police arrest 95 demonstrators amid protests against national security law

Turbulent times continue to surge in Iraq, five people have been killed and around 52 were injured in violent clashes.

WION Dispatch: Anti-government protest continues in Iraq

Iraq's top cleric warns foreign actors over taking part in an anti-government protest. Watch this video to know more.

Iraq's top cleric warns foreign actors over inciting anti-government protest

The anti-government protest in Hong Kong has entered 22nd week. The Hong Kong protesters extended support for immigrant groups

Hong Kong: Immigrants hold back on Protests

The death toll from week-long <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-resume-in-iraqs-sadr-city-as-uprising-enters-second-week-254618">anti-government protests</a> that erupted in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calm-returns-after-iraq-protests-but-political-crisis-remains-254513">Baghdad</a> and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday.

The capital accounted for 111 of the dead, nearly all of whom were protesters, the inquiry found.

Around 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by bullet wounds "to the head or chest", according to the findings, published as Iraq braces for fresh protests on Friday.

Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south.

The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year.

&nbsp;

The death toll from week-long anti-government protests that erupted in Baghdad and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday.

The death toll from week-long anti-government protests that erupted in Baghdad and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday. The capital accounted for 111 of the dead, nearly all of whom were protesters, the inquiry found. Around 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by bullet wounds "to the head or chest", according to the findings, published as Iraq braces for fresh protests on Friday. Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south. The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year.

157 dead in anti-government protests in Iraq

The U.S.' War On Terror Has Left Iraq Is A Deadly Chaos 16 years after the U.S. invasion, Iraq is in a shambles. The war has killed over 2 lakh civilians, it has crippled Iraq's politics & economy. The U.S. hasn't yet proved the allegations that Iraq possessed 'Weapons of Mass Destruction'. This report charts Iraq's slide into anarchy

Gravitas: 16 Years After The U.S. Invasion, Iraq Is In a Shambles

Macron offers tax cut to French workers to quell anger and protests. Watch full video to know more.

French President Emmanuel Macron offers tax cuts to workers

In fresh Nicaragua violence over the weekend, One person was killed and three got injured amid the political unrest in the country.

According to reports, One person that died was a government employee -- Jorge Gaston -- he died in the hospital after being shot.

Meanwhile, the opposition was reported by the news agency, Reuters, saying that he was a victim of the government forces that had attacked protestors the same day.

Since the protests against the government have begun in the Central American nation, 84 people have been killed while more than 860 were injured.

The Nicaraguans are protesting against President Ortega -- who is in power since 2007 -- led government from April.

On April 18, Nicaraguans staged a massive protest against the government which was then triggered by the new social security system reforms.&nbsp

From demanding to scrap the new social security reforms to now the demonstrators are demanding re-election in the country and changes in electoral laws to strengthen democracy.

They also demanded justice for people who were killed in the April's protest violence.

Though Ortega has delivered steady growth to the country he has been criticised for corruption and his control over Congress, military and the electoral board and media.

He is also accused of turning Nicaragua into a family dictatorship as Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo as vice-president was elected in November 2016 for a term that ends in January.

Church-mediated talks between government and demonstrators aimed at quelling the violence have stalled since last week, but the Nicaraguan Bishops' Conference called on Sunday for both sides to attend a session on Monday aimed at reviving the dialogue.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nicaraguans-resume-their-anti-government-protests-8-people-killed-140072">Nicaraguans resume their anti-government protests 8 people killed</a>

According to reports, one person that died was a government employee -- Jorge Gaston -- he died in the hospital after being shot

In fresh Nicaragua violence over the weekend, One person was killed and three got injured amid the political unrest in the country. According to reports, One person that died was a government employee -- Jorge Gaston -- he died in the hospital after being shot. Meanwhile, the opposition was reported by the news agency, Reuters, saying that he was a victim of the government forces that had attacked protestors the same day. Since the protests against the government have begun in the Central American nation, 84 people have been killed while more than 860 were injured. The Nicaraguans are protesting against President Ortega -- who is in power since 2007 -- led government from April. On April 18, Nicaraguans staged a massive protest against the government which was then triggered by the new social security system reforms. From demanding to scrap the new social security reforms to now the demonstrators are demanding re-election in the country and changes in electoral laws to strengthen democracy. They also demanded justice for people who were killed in the April's protest violence. Though Ortega has delivered steady growth to the country he has been criticised for corruption and his control over Congress, military and the electoral board and media. He is also accused of turning Nicaragua into a family dictatorship as Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo as vice-president was elected in November 2016 for a term that ends in January. Church-mediated talks between government and demonstrators aimed at quelling the violence have stalled since last week, but the Nicaraguan Bishops' Conference called on Sunday for both sides to attend a session on Monday aimed at reviving the dialogue. Also read: Nicaraguans resume their anti-government protests 8 people killed

Nicaragua violence: 1 killed, 3 injured in protest violence

Nicaragua unrest resumed as thousands of protestors hit the streets and continued their protest against the government.

According to media reports, at least eight people lost their lives in violence, broke down during the protest. Roads and highways were also blocked by the protestors.

Four people were killed on Friday, and another four by mid-day Saturday, news agency AFP reported.

The Nicaraguans are protesting against President Ortega -- who is in power since 2007 -- led government from April.

On April 18, Nicaraguans staged a massive protest against the government&nbspwhich was then triggered by the new social security system reforms.&nbspDuring that protest, at least 83 people including a journalist were killed and more than 860 were injured.

From demanding to scrap new social security reforms to now the demonstrators are demanding re-election in the country and changes in electoral laws&nbspto strengthen democracy.

They also demanded justice for people who were killed in the April's protest violence.

Though Ortega has delivered steady growth to the country he has been criticised for corruption and his control over Congress, military and the electoral board and media.

He is also accused of turning Nicaragua into a family dictatorship as Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo as vice-president was elected in November 2016 for a term that ends in January.

In April the protests were put on hold after the week-long church mediated talks between the government and the opposition.

The Organization of American States has called for Ortega to call early elections, an issue which became the biggest stumbling block in dialogue.

Foreign Minister Denis Moncada said an early ballot would mean "dismantling constitutional order and the democratically elected government."

Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979.

He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right-wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990.

Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency.

Before protests broke out, an OAS team had been trying to mediate in a process aimed at bringing about new elections, as well as electoral reforms.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is currently in Nicaragua to investigate protest violence, already having condemned evidence of human rights abuses against demonstrators.

In April's protest violence demonstrators had alleged that national police was using live rounds and used excessive force to kill protestors during the clash between demonstrators and security forces.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Four people were killed on Friday, and another four by mid-day Saturday, news agency AFP reported

Nicaragua unrest resumed as thousands of protestors hit the streets and continued their protest against the government. According to media reports, at least eight people lost their lives in violence, broke down during the protest. Roads and highways were also blocked by the protestors. Four people were killed on Friday, and another four by mid-day Saturday, news agency AFP reported. The Nicaraguans are protesting against President Ortega -- who is in power since 2007 -- led government from April. On April 18, Nicaraguans staged a massive protest against the government&nbspwhich was then triggered by the new social security system reforms.&nbspDuring that protest, at least 83 people including a journalist were killed and more than 860 were injured. From demanding to scrap new social security reforms to now the demonstrators are demanding re-election in the country and changes in electoral laws&nbspto strengthen democracy. They also demanded justice for people who were killed in the April's protest violence. Though Ortega has delivered steady growth to the country he has been criticised for corruption and his control over Congress, military and the electoral board and media. He is also accused of turning Nicaragua into a family dictatorship as Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo as vice-president was elected in November 2016 for a term that ends in January. In April the protests were put on hold after the week-long church mediated talks between the government and the opposition. The Organization of American States has called for Ortega to call early elections, an issue which became the biggest stumbling block in dialogue. Foreign Minister Denis Moncada said an early ballot would mean "dismantling constitutional order and the democratically elected government." Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979. He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right-wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990. Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency. Before protests broke out, an OAS team had been trying to mediate in a process aimed at bringing about new elections, as well as electoral reforms. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is currently in Nicaragua to investigate protest violence, already having condemned evidence of human rights abuses against demonstrators. In April's protest violence demonstrators had alleged that national police was using live rounds and used excessive force to kill protestors during the clash between demonstrators and security forces. (With inputs from news agencies)

Nicaraguans resume their anti-government protests; 8 people killed

Anti-government protests in Nicaragua entered the fifth day on Sunday as the death toll from the violence rose and looting was reported in some areas, aggravating the crisis around longstanding President Daniel Ortega.

The Red Cross said at least seven people had died and hundreds had been injured in the demonstrations, while a local human rights organization said it had registered 25 deaths.

The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions, and some stores in Managua were looted over the weekend, Reuters witnesses said. At least two protest marches were planned in Managua on Sunday.

Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on the Caribbean coast hit by the unrest. Graphic footage of the incident soon spread onto local and social media.

The police crackdown on demonstrators and curbs on some media in the past few days have fueled broader criticism of Ortega, who has gradually tightened his hold on the country's institutions since he returned to power over 11 years ago.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Sunday called for "broad-based dialogue" to end the dispute and "restore respect" for human rights, urging the government to let the media operate freely.

"We condemn the violence and the excessive force used by police and others against civilians who are exercising their ... right to freedom of expression and assembly," US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in statement.

Lissett Guido, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said there were seven confirmed deaths and that the number would likely rise. The government had reported "almost 10" by late on Friday.

Marlin Sierra, director of human rights organization CENIDH, said it had logged 25 deaths, mostly caused by firearms and rubber bullets. That number could not be independently verified. Most of the dead were aged between 15 and 34, she said.

Pope Francis called on Sunday for an end to the violence in Nicaragua and called for differences to be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility."

Videos and photos posted on Nicaraguan media showed people standing ready to defend their stores, while others formed lines to stock up on gasoline and food in case of shortages.

Nicaragua has been one of the more stable countries in Central America, largely avoiding the turmoil caused by gang violence or political upheaval that has at times plagued Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in recent years.

But top Nicaraguan business lobby COSEP has backed peaceful protests against the government, and said it would not enter talks with Ortega to review the social security plan until he had ended police repression and restored freedom of expression.

A former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of the United States, Ortega has presided over a period of stable growth with a blend of socialist policies and capitalism.

But critics accuse Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, of trying to establish a family dictatorship. The country remains one of the poorest in the Americas.

Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979.

He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990.

Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency.

Now 72, he has maintained an uneasy relationship with the United States, toning down his Cold War rhetoric but forging close ties with US&nbsp;adversaries such as the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro.

The Red Cross said hundreds had been injured in demonstrations. The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions

Anti-government protests in Nicaragua entered the fifth day on Sunday as the death toll from the violence rose and looting was reported in some areas, aggravating the crisis around longstanding President Daniel Ortega. The Red Cross said at least seven people had died and hundreds had been injured in the demonstrations, while a local human rights organization said it had registered 25 deaths. The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions, and some stores in Managua were looted over the weekend, Reuters witnesses said. At least two protest marches were planned in Managua on Sunday. Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on the Caribbean coast hit by the unrest. Graphic footage of the incident soon spread onto local and social media. The police crackdown on demonstrators and curbs on some media in the past few days have fueled broader criticism of Ortega, who has gradually tightened his hold on the country's institutions since he returned to power over 11 years ago. The US State Department on Sunday called for "broad-based dialogue" to end the dispute and "restore respect" for human rights, urging the government to let the media operate freely. "We condemn the violence and the excessive force used by police and others against civilians who are exercising their ... right to freedom of expression and assembly," US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in statement. Lissett Guido, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said there were seven confirmed deaths and that the number would likely rise. The government had reported "almost 10" by late on Friday. Marlin Sierra, director of human rights organization CENIDH, said it had logged 25 deaths, mostly caused by firearms and rubber bullets. That number could not be independently verified. Most of the dead were aged between 15 and 34, she said. Pope Francis called on Sunday for an end to the violence in Nicaragua and called for differences to be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility." Videos and photos posted on Nicaraguan media showed people standing ready to defend their stores, while others formed lines to stock up on gasoline and food in case of shortages. Nicaragua has been one of the more stable countries in Central America, largely avoiding the turmoil caused by gang violence or political upheaval that has at times plagued Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in recent years. But top Nicaraguan business lobby COSEP has backed peaceful protests against the government, and said it would not enter talks with Ortega to review the social security plan until he had ended police repression and restored freedom of expression. A former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of the United States, Ortega has presided over a period of stable growth with a blend of socialist policies and capitalism. But critics accuse Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, of trying to establish a family dictatorship. The country remains one of the poorest in the Americas. Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979. He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990. Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency. Now 72, he has maintained an uneasy relationship with the United States, toning down his Cold War rhetoric but forging close ties with US adversaries such as the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro.

Nicaragua anti-government protests enter day 5, seven dead