From blimps to Pikachus, protesters gather to demand G7 action

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands.

Some said they had come ready to risk arrest by lying down in the path of construction. Others said they were here to support tribes that have been battling oil and gas pipelines for years, including the highly contentious Dakota Access Pipeline.

Late Monday, police began making arrests after dozens of activists used an old fishing boat, bamboo and steel cable to blockade the road to a construction site off Highway 71 north of Park Rapids. Several hundred others scaled the&nbsp;fence at the site and occupied it, some climbing atop diggers and transformer boxes or chaining themselves to construction equipment.

Police in riot gear “broke through the steel fences and they just began arresting everyone,” said Tara Houska, a tribal attorney and member of the Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe along the Canadian border. “This is an act of violence on tribal land,” she said.

Police later escalated their attempts to end the protest, using what appeared to be a crowd-dispelling sonic device known as an LRAD, or Long Range Acoustic Device, on the protesters, and using bolt cutters and saws to cut people loose from the equipment they had chained themselves to.

Near midnight, representatives of the legal aid nonprofit National Lawyers Guild, who were present at the protest, said more than 100 people had been arrested. As the last of the police closed in, a core group of protesters made a stand at the boat. A lone voice shouted in the dark, “Water is life.”

Local police had earlier dispatched a helicopter to try to disperse the crowd at the pump station, kicking up clouds of dust.

Earlier in the evening, Cory Aukes, sheriff of Hubbard County, had said that arrests would be continuing through the evening, and that because there would not be enough room at the local county jail to house the detainees, they would be transferred to other counties as well. “We’ve arrested a lot of people,” he said. “And it’s up to them how long this gets drawn out.”

Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. More than 100 protesters pitched tents to settle in for the night at another site near the Mississippi River’s headwaters, and some said they would camp out indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging there.

Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. Near La Salle Lake, a small group of protesters late in the day began setting up about half a dozen tents, saying they would camp there indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging into the Mississippi River’s headwaters nearby.

“Taking care of the water is our responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Winona LaDuke, executive director and a co-founder of Honor the Earth, a Native environmental advocacy organization that is a lead group opposed to the pipeline. “We’ve been at this fight against Enbridge for seven years already. It’s like an invasion.”

Behind the scenes, Native lawyers have been urging the Biden administration to intervene. They are trying to flex a newfound political clout among tribal nations — Native Americans now hold important positions within the Biden administration — and say they intend to hold President Joe Biden to his campaign promises on racial equity, particularly for their communities.

The project, which received its final approvals under President Donald Trump, is a 340-mile rerouting of a wider pipeline network. Once completed, it would carry 760,000 barrels of tar-sands oil a day from Alberta, Canada, across northern Minnesota and into Wisconsin to the tip of Lake Superior.

In April, Enbridge’s CEO, Al Monaco, said Line 3 was on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Native American tribes see the construction as a violation of their tribal sovereignty, an issue that Biden explicitly pledged to prioritize during his campaign.

The pipeline would pass through treaty-protected tribal lands, they stress, including watersheds that support wild rice, a staple food and important cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. And in the event of a spill, the heavy oil traveling through the pipeline could sink to the bottom of rivers and streams, complicating a cleanup, environmental groups warn.

In recent years, protesters in Minnesota and across the country have faced a growing number of local bills, backed by the oil and gas industry, that in many cases would make trespassing on or impeding the operation of pipelines and other infrastructure a felony. Minnesota has not yet passed such a bill, but since construction began at Line 3 in December, the Northern Lights Task Force — a police force funded by Enbridge, as mandated under the state's approval of the pipeline project — have arrested more than 70 protesters since construction began on Dec. 1, according to a task force tally.

The Line 3 expansion also tests the Biden administration’s commitment to climate policy.

In his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order vowing to address climate change, rejoined the Paris climate agreement among the nations of the world, and canceled another pipeline, the Keystone XL, which would also have brought tar-sands oil, one of the dirtiest forms of energy, from Canada. He also recently suspended oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

At the same time, the Biden administration has defended a huge Trump-era drilling project and has taken other actions that could guarantee the drilling and burning of oil and gas for decades. And the president has so far stayed silent on Line 3, which would carry enough oil that, when burned, would add nearly 200 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year during the pipeline’s lifetime, according to the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. That’s the equivalent impact of annual emissions from 45 coal-fired power plants, or 38 million cars.

“Particularly from a climate standpoint, the case for a brand-new, massive tar-sands pipeline is extremely thin and frankly nonexistent,” said Moneen Nasmith, an attorney with the environmental legal organization, EarthJustice, which is challenging the pipeline.

“We respect everyone’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest, but trespass, intimidation, and destruction are unacceptable,” Michael Barnes, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in an email. He said 44 workers had been evacuated from the site, including employees of a Native-owned contractor.

The project employed more than 500 Native workers and had brought more than 5,000 construction jobs to the region overall, he said. “We hoped all parties would come to accept the outcome of the thorough, science-based review and multiple approvals of the project. Line 3 has passed every test through six years of regulatory and permitting review,” he said.

So far, protests have had little effect on construction, which began in December and was 60% complete, he said.

Built in the 1960s, the current crude oil pipeline has been beset with corrosion, leaks and spills, forcing Enbridge in 2008 to reduce its capacity by half, to 390,000 barrels a day. In 2015, Enbridge cited corroding pipes and future oil demand to say it would reroute Line 3, a move that would allow it to restore its original capacity.

Opponents have tried a number of legal challenges. A decision is expected this month in one case, filed in Minnesota state court by tribes and environmental groups, which has focused on whether Enbridge carried out an adequate environmental review.

Two other cases challenge the project’s permits, issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, under the Clean Air Act. Opponents argue that the Army Corps failed to fully consider how an oil spill would affect the Lake Superior watershed.

Native lawyers and lobbyists have also been working their Washington connections. Late last month, Houska, the tribal attorney, pressed top Biden officials on what she saw as policy hypocrisy: Having canceled Keystone XL, how could the administration then allow Line 3 to go forward?

“This is a huge project with huge climate implications,” Houska said she told Gina McCarthy, the White House domestic climate adviser, and David Hayes, who advises Biden on land and water use policy. “You can’t cancel Keystone and then build an almost identical tar sands pipeline,” she said.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting.

Tribal leaders are hoping that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who made history as the first Native American Cabinet member, will also be influential in Biden’s decision on the Enbridge pipeline.

Haaland’s public views on oil pipelines are well known: In 2016, Haaland joined the Standing Rock Sioux protesters in North Dakota who camped out for months in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

A spokesperson for the Interior Department declined to comment on the role that Haaland might play in determining the fate of Line 3.

Meanwhile, one of the most senior officials with authority to determine whether pipeline permits could be reviewed or rescinded is Jaime Pinkham, the Army Corps of Engineers’ acting assistant secretary of civil works, who is a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Nez Perce Tribe. In 2016, Pinkham co-wrote an opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune opposing the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

A spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers said Pinkham is scheduled to meet with tribal members later this month at their request.

“The point has been for a long time to get to at least where we had the ear of those who were making decisions of consequence on tribal sovereignty,” said Julian Brave NoiseCat, a Native activist who played a key role in the campaign urging Biden to nominate Haaland. “Hopefully that means that more of these decisions will be made to the benefit and with respect for tribal sovereignty.”

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands.

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands. Some said they had come ready to risk arrest by lying down in the path of construction. Others said they were here to support tribes that have been battling oil and gas pipelines for years, including the highly contentious Dakota Access Pipeline. Late Monday, police began making arrests after dozens of activists used an old fishing boat, bamboo and steel cable to blockade the road to a construction site off Highway 71 north of Park Rapids. Several hundred others scaled the fence at the site and occupied it, some climbing atop diggers and transformer boxes or chaining themselves to construction equipment. Police in riot gear “broke through the steel fences and they just began arresting everyone,” said Tara Houska, a tribal attorney and member of the Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe along the Canadian border. “This is an act of violence on tribal land,” she said. Police later escalated their attempts to end the protest, using what appeared to be a crowd-dispelling sonic device known as an LRAD, or Long Range Acoustic Device, on the protesters, and using bolt cutters and saws to cut people loose from the equipment they had chained themselves to. Near midnight, representatives of the legal aid nonprofit National Lawyers Guild, who were present at the protest, said more than 100 people had been arrested. As the last of the police closed in, a core group of protesters made a stand at the boat. A lone voice shouted in the dark, “Water is life.” Local police had earlier dispatched a helicopter to try to disperse the crowd at the pump station, kicking up clouds of dust. Earlier in the evening, Cory Aukes, sheriff of Hubbard County, had said that arrests would be continuing through the evening, and that because there would not be enough room at the local county jail to house the detainees, they would be transferred to other counties as well. “We’ve arrested a lot of people,” he said. “And it’s up to them how long this gets drawn out.” Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. More than 100 protesters pitched tents to settle in for the night at another site near the Mississippi River’s headwaters, and some said they would camp out indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging there. Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. Near La Salle Lake, a small group of protesters late in the day began setting up about half a dozen tents, saying they would camp there indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging into the Mississippi River’s headwaters nearby. “Taking care of the water is our responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Winona LaDuke, executive director and a co-founder of Honor the Earth, a Native environmental advocacy organization that is a lead group opposed to the pipeline. “We’ve been at this fight against Enbridge for seven years already. It’s like an invasion.” Behind the scenes, Native lawyers have been urging the Biden administration to intervene. They are trying to flex a newfound political clout among tribal nations — Native Americans now hold important positions within the Biden administration — and say they intend to hold President Joe Biden to his campaign promises on racial equity, particularly for their communities. The project, which received its final approvals under President Donald Trump, is a 340-mile rerouting of a wider pipeline network. Once completed, it would carry 760,000 barrels of tar-sands oil a day from Alberta, Canada, across northern Minnesota and into Wisconsin to the tip of Lake Superior. In April, Enbridge’s CEO, Al Monaco, said Line 3 was on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Native American tribes see the construction as a violation of their tribal sovereignty, an issue that Biden explicitly pledged to prioritize during his campaign. The pipeline would pass through treaty-protected tribal lands, they stress, including watersheds that support wild rice, a staple food and important cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. And in the event of a spill, the heavy oil traveling through the pipeline could sink to the bottom of rivers and streams, complicating a cleanup, environmental groups warn. In recent years, protesters in Minnesota and across the country have faced a growing number of local bills, backed by the oil and gas industry, that in many cases would make trespassing on or impeding the operation of pipelines and other infrastructure a felony. Minnesota has not yet passed such a bill, but since construction began at Line 3 in December, the Northern Lights Task Force — a police force funded by Enbridge, as mandated under the state's approval of the pipeline project — have arrested more than 70 protesters since construction began on Dec. 1, according to a task force tally. The Line 3 expansion also tests the Biden administration’s commitment to climate policy. In his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order vowing to address climate change, rejoined the Paris climate agreement among the nations of the world, and canceled another pipeline, the Keystone XL, which would also have brought tar-sands oil, one of the dirtiest forms of energy, from Canada. He also recently suspended oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At the same time, the Biden administration has defended a huge Trump-era drilling project and has taken other actions that could guarantee the drilling and burning of oil and gas for decades. And the president has so far stayed silent on Line 3, which would carry enough oil that, when burned, would add nearly 200 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year during the pipeline’s lifetime, according to the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. That’s the equivalent impact of annual emissions from 45 coal-fired power plants, or 38 million cars. “Particularly from a climate standpoint, the case for a brand-new, massive tar-sands pipeline is extremely thin and frankly nonexistent,” said Moneen Nasmith, an attorney with the environmental legal organization, EarthJustice, which is challenging the pipeline. “We respect everyone’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest, but trespass, intimidation, and destruction are unacceptable,” Michael Barnes, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in an email. He said 44 workers had been evacuated from the site, including employees of a Native-owned contractor. The project employed more than 500 Native workers and had brought more than 5,000 construction jobs to the region overall, he said. “We hoped all parties would come to accept the outcome of the thorough, science-based review and multiple approvals of the project. Line 3 has passed every test through six years of regulatory and permitting review,” he said. So far, protests have had little effect on construction, which began in December and was 60% complete, he said. Built in the 1960s, the current crude oil pipeline has been beset with corrosion, leaks and spills, forcing Enbridge in 2008 to reduce its capacity by half, to 390,000 barrels a day. In 2015, Enbridge cited corroding pipes and future oil demand to say it would reroute Line 3, a move that would allow it to restore its original capacity. Opponents have tried a number of legal challenges. A decision is expected this month in one case, filed in Minnesota state court by tribes and environmental groups, which has focused on whether Enbridge carried out an adequate environmental review. Two other cases challenge the project’s permits, issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, under the Clean Air Act. Opponents argue that the Army Corps failed to fully consider how an oil spill would affect the Lake Superior watershed. Native lawyers and lobbyists have also been working their Washington connections. Late last month, Houska, the tribal attorney, pressed top Biden officials on what she saw as policy hypocrisy: Having canceled Keystone XL, how could the administration then allow Line 3 to go forward? “This is a huge project with huge climate implications,” Houska said she told Gina McCarthy, the White House domestic climate adviser, and David Hayes, who advises Biden on land and water use policy. “You can’t cancel Keystone and then build an almost identical tar sands pipeline,” she said. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting. Tribal leaders are hoping that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who made history as the first Native American Cabinet member, will also be influential in Biden’s decision on the Enbridge pipeline. Haaland’s public views on oil pipelines are well known: In 2016, Haaland joined the Standing Rock Sioux protesters in North Dakota who camped out for months in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline. A spokesperson for the Interior Department declined to comment on the role that Haaland might play in determining the fate of Line 3. Meanwhile, one of the most senior officials with authority to determine whether pipeline permits could be reviewed or rescinded is Jaime Pinkham, the Army Corps of Engineers’ acting assistant secretary of civil works, who is a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Nez Perce Tribe. In 2016, Pinkham co-wrote an opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune opposing the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. A spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers said Pinkham is scheduled to meet with tribal members later this month at their request. “The point has been for a long time to get to at least where we had the ear of those who were making decisions of consequence on tribal sovereignty,” said Julian Brave NoiseCat, a Native activist who played a key role in the campaign urging Biden to nominate Haaland. “Hopefully that means that more of these decisions will be made to the benefit and with respect for tribal sovereignty.”

Police make mass arrests at protest against oil pipeline in US

Pot-banging protests erupted across several cities in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;on Wednesday evening as President Jair Bolsonaro addressed the nation, just days after protestors took to the streets across the country over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed almost half a million people here.

The last few days have been rocky for the government of the right-wing leader, whose popularity had already been flagging amid persistently high daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> deaths and cases.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-stage-nationwide-protests-against-president-bolsonaros-covid-response-388301">Brazilians stage nationwide protests against President Bolsonaro's Covid response</a>

On Wednesday alone, almost 100,000&nbsp;Brazilians came down with the coronavirus and 2,507 died, according to government data. Earlier in the day, the nation's Supreme Court authorized a criminal investigation into Bolsonaro's environment minister for allegedly interfering with a police probe into illegal logging.

In the televised speech, Bolsonaro briefly summarized some of his government's recent accomplishments and pledged strong economic growth going forward, but presented no new information.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-thousands-protest-against-president-bolsonaros-covid-response-388332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, thousands participated in protests in at least 16 cities across the country, which were organized by leftist political parties, unions and student associations.

In Sao Paulo,&nbsp;Brazil's largest city, thousands of mask-wearing people blocked one of the largest city's avenues, while a large balloon depicted Bolsonaro as a vampire.

Some protests, like the one in Rio de Janeiro, included images of former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has emerged as Bolsonaro's main challenger in the nation's 2022 election, wearing the presidential sash.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-visits-indigenous-lands-in-amazon-despite-protests-388142">Bolsonaro visits indigenous lands in Amazon despite protests</a>

In the brief Wednesday evening speech, Bolsonaro, who has ridiculed masks and vaccines in the past, said all&nbsp;Brazilians who wanted a vaccine would be able to get one by the end of the year.

Also in the evening, the nation's Health Ministry revised down the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> it will receive in June by about 4 million doses.

Pot-banging protests erupted across several cities in Brazil on Wednesday evening as President Jair Bolsonaro addressed the nation, just days after protestors took to the streets across the country over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed almost half a million people here.

Pot-banging protests erupted across several cities in Brazil on Wednesday evening as President Jair Bolsonaro addressed the nation, just days after protestors took to the streets across the country over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed almost half a million people here. The last few days have been rocky for the government of the right-wing leader, whose popularity had already been flagging amid persistently high daily COVID-19 deaths and cases. Also Read | Brazilians stage nationwide protests against President Bolsonaro's Covid response On Wednesday alone, almost 100,000 Brazilians came down with the coronavirus and 2,507 died, according to government data. Earlier in the day, the nation's Supreme Court authorized a criminal investigation into Bolsonaro's environment minister for allegedly interfering with a police probe into illegal logging. In the televised speech, Bolsonaro briefly summarized some of his government's recent accomplishments and pledged strong economic growth going forward, but presented no new information. On Saturday, thousands participated in protests in at least 16 cities across the country, which were organized by leftist political parties, unions and student associations. In Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, thousands of mask-wearing people blocked one of the largest city's avenues, while a large balloon depicted Bolsonaro as a vampire. Some protests, like the one in Rio de Janeiro, included images of former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has emerged as Bolsonaro's main challenger in the nation's 2022 election, wearing the presidential sash. Also Read | Bolsonaro visits indigenous lands in Amazon despite protests In the brief Wednesday evening speech, Bolsonaro, who has ridiculed masks and vaccines in the past, said all Brazilians who wanted a vaccine would be able to get one by the end of the year. Also in the evening, the nation's Health Ministry revised down the number of COVID-19 vaccines it will receive in June by about 4 million doses.

Brazilians bang pots in protest against Bolsonaro as another 2,500 die of COVID-19

Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month

Several hundred dog owners gathered with their pets outside the Greek Parliament on Sunday in protest against a proposed new law that would mandate the sterilization of household pets.

Athens protest over measures for pet sterilisation

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests.

Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0x6mMgeDwAhVTyjgGHU2WCkEQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QKvI0bGZy_t6EqPBnpclh" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372" target="_blank">Colombia&nbsp;calls for dialogue with protest leaders</a>

He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully".

Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0x6mMgeDwAhVTyjgGHU2WCkEQFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2JFsZj2XsXQczeSrGjN2bS" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423" target="_blank">Colombia's&nbsp;president withdraws tax reform after protests</a>

However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections.

The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said. Also read | Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully". Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections. The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

Pope defends Colombia's right to peaceful protests

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a&nbsp;march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel".

A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pro-palestinian-protests-merkel-warns-on-anti-semitism-386747">Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism</a>

Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there.

Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days. The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel". A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants. Also Read | Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there. Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands march in Britain to show support for Palestine

'World is on fire': Australian school children skip school to protest against climate change

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations security council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel, Palestine clash at UNSC meet

The union of Colombian footballers called on authorities to halt all domestic matches because of political instability in the country, just a month before the Copa America is due to kick off.

Colombia Protest: Protests continue for the third week

A French court on Friday upheld a police ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration planned for Saturday in Paris, but the organisers said they were not cancelling the march.&nbsp;

Police on Thursday banned Saturday's demonstration called over the ongoing conflict with Israel, fearing a repeat of clashes during a similar protest in 2014.&nbsp;

Following Friday's court ruling, the lawyers now say they will appeal to France's top administrative court, the Conseil d'Etat.&nbsp;However, the protest organisers said they had no plans to call off Saturday's action.&nbsp;

"We refuse to silence our solidarity with the Palestinians, and we will not be prevented from demonstrating," the Association of Palestinians in the Ile-de-France capital region and other groups said shortly after the court ban was announced. &nbsp;

Among the 30 groups planning Saturday's action are anti-fascists and the new Anti-Capitalist party.&nbsp;

Earlier, representatives of the association told AFP that France is "the only democratic country to forbid these demonstrations".&nbsp;

Police on Thursday banned Saturday's demonstration called over the ongoing conflict with Israel, fearing a repeat of clashes during a similar protest in 2014.&nbsp;

Following the failure of their initial petition, the lawyers now say they will appeal to France's top administrative court, the Conseil d'Etat.&nbsp;

Sefen Guez Guez, one of the lawyers, had earlier called the police ban 'disproportionate' and 'politically motivated'.&nbsp;

Paris police chief Didier Lallement said allowing the demonstration would risk "a serious disturbance of public order", adding that he feared "acts against synagogues and Israeli interests".&nbsp;

While he referred to violence at the 2014 demonstration, Guez Guez responded that there had been 'no problem at all' at many protests since.&nbsp;

The planned demonstration would target France's government as well as Israel, with organisers saying Paris is too favourable towards the Middle Eastern state.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups".&nbsp;

The statement said Macron urged a return to peace, "and also communicated to his counterpart his concern about the civilian population in Gaza".&nbsp;

French politicians were mostly split along party lines over the protest ban, with Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, while leftists called it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression.&nbsp;

But Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, a Socialist, said the government had made a "wise" decision.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday told police chiefs elsewhere in France to keep a close eye on planned demonstrations and also ban them if necessary, and to bolster police protection of the Jewish community.&nbsp;

Worldwide, only Israel and the United States have bigger Jewish populations than France.&nbsp;

Beyond the Paris ban, police in Mediterranean port city Marseille said a march there must be converted into a stationary protest, while Darmanin said another in eastern Strasbourg was also blocked.&nbsp;

Police in Lyon and Bordeaux told AFP that there were no restrictions on rallies there.&nbsp;

Israel bombarded Gaza with artillery and air strikes on Friday following a new barrage of rocket fire from the Hamas-run enclave, intensifying a conflict that has now claimed at least 141 lives.&nbsp;

A French court on Friday upheld a police ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration planned for Saturday in Paris, but the organisers said they were not cancelling the march.

A French court on Friday upheld a police ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration planned for Saturday in Paris, but the organisers said they were not cancelling the march. Police on Thursday banned Saturday's demonstration called over the ongoing conflict with Israel, fearing a repeat of clashes during a similar protest in 2014. Following Friday's court ruling, the lawyers now say they will appeal to France's top administrative court, the Conseil d'Etat. However, the protest organisers said they had no plans to call off Saturday's action. "We refuse to silence our solidarity with the Palestinians, and we will not be prevented from demonstrating," the Association of Palestinians in the Ile-de-France capital region and other groups said shortly after the court ban was announced. Among the 30 groups planning Saturday's action are anti-fascists and the new Anti-Capitalist party. Earlier, representatives of the association told AFP that France is "the only democratic country to forbid these demonstrations". Police on Thursday banned Saturday's demonstration called over the ongoing conflict with Israel, fearing a repeat of clashes during a similar protest in 2014. Following the failure of their initial petition, the lawyers now say they will appeal to France's top administrative court, the Conseil d'Etat. Sefen Guez Guez, one of the lawyers, had earlier called the police ban 'disproportionate' and 'politically motivated'. Paris police chief Didier Lallement said allowing the demonstration would risk "a serious disturbance of public order", adding that he feared "acts against synagogues and Israeli interests". While he referred to violence at the 2014 demonstration, Guez Guez responded that there had been 'no problem at all' at many protests since. The planned demonstration would target France's government as well as Israel, with organisers saying Paris is too favourable towards the Middle Eastern state. President Emmanuel Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups". The statement said Macron urged a return to peace, "and also communicated to his counterpart his concern about the civilian population in Gaza". French politicians were mostly split along party lines over the protest ban, with Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, while leftists called it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression. But Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, a Socialist, said the government had made a "wise" decision. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Thursday told police chiefs elsewhere in France to keep a close eye on planned demonstrations and also ban them if necessary, and to bolster police protection of the Jewish community. Worldwide, only Israel and the United States have bigger Jewish populations than France. Beyond the Paris ban, police in Mediterranean port city Marseille said a march there must be converted into a stationary protest, while Darmanin said another in eastern Strasbourg was also blocked. Police in Lyon and Bordeaux told AFP that there were no restrictions on rallies there. Israel bombarded Gaza with artillery and air strikes on Friday following a new barrage of rocket fire from the Hamas-run enclave, intensifying a conflict that has now claimed at least 141 lives.

French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant 

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.&nbsp;

Protesters&nbsp;changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks.&nbsp;

"Whatever you do, we will not stop,"&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Algeria detains leading opposition figure">Algeria detains leading opposition figure</a>

Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release.&nbsp;

"Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions.&nbsp;

Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released.&nbsp;

Amnesty International on Friday called on&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;authorities to "allow for peaceful protests&nbsp;without resorting to&nbsp;force&nbsp;and other punitive measures&nbsp;unnecessarily".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director.&nbsp;

"The police forces'&nbsp;heavy-handed response to brave&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;taking part in the&nbsp;Hirak&nbsp;movement exemplifies why&nbsp;people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The&nbsp;use of&nbsp;unlawful&nbsp;force and&nbsp;arbitrary&nbsp;detentions&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable."

The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.&nbsp;

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.&nbsp;

Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;have returned to the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;since February as the movement regains momentum.&nbsp;

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said. Protesters changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks. "Whatever you do, we will not stop," protesters shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital. Also read | Algeria detains leading opposition figure Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release. "Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read. The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions. Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released. Amnesty International on Friday called on Algerian authorities to "allow for peaceful protests without resorting to force and other punitive measures unnecessarily". "All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director. "The police forces' heavy-handed response to brave protesters taking part in the Hirak movement exemplifies why people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The use of unlawful force and arbitrary detentions is unacceptable." The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but protesters have returned to the streets since February as the movement regains momentum.

Algerian pro-democracy protesters hit streets

Colombia's government on Thursday invited&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;to a&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured.

Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests ">Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests&nbsp;</a>

They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces.

"We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching."

Ceballos said the government would meet&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday.

"The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos.

The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students.

Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting.

Protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries.

"The&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets.

Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn.

Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country.

The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers.

The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force.

Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque. At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured. Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces. "We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching." Ceballos said the government would meet protest leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday. "The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos. The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students. Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting. Protest leaders have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries. "The dialogue needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets. Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn. Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country. The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers. The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force. Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online.

There were rallies in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with many demonstrators wearing the yellow, blue and green of the country's flag.&nbsp;

Brazil, with more than 403,000 Covid-19 deaths, is second only to the United States in that grim category, and&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;faces widespread criticism for not taking the pandemic more seriously.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record">Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record</a>

Two weeks ago, the president said he was waiting for 'a sign from the people'&nbsp;before 'taking measures'&nbsp;to revoke restrictions imposed by mayors or governors to contain the spread of the virus.

More recently, he told a television interviewer that the army "could take to the street one day, to ensure respect for the Constitution (and for) freedom to come and go."

In Rio on Saturday, several hundred protesters seemed to respond to his call. Rallying along celebrated Copacabana beach, they waved banners demanding a 'military intervention' to bolster&nbsp;Bolsonaro's powers.

A slogan widely seen at the various rallies was 'Autoriso&nbsp;Bolsonaro' ('I authorise&nbsp;Bolsonaro') to send in the army.

In Brasilia, several thousand people assembled on the Esplanade of Ministries as&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;briefly passed overhead in a helicopter.&nbsp;

One of his sons, the deputy Eduardo&nbsp;Bolsonaro, waded into the crowd, his mask worn down around his chin, taking selfies with supporters, their faces also uncovered.

"It's a critical moment and&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;needs the people's support," Edvaldo de Paulo, a demonstrator, told AFP in Brasilia.

"We have to clean house in Brasilia to let the president govern," said Elenir Ritonni, a 63-year-old retiree, who joined several hundred demonstrators in Sao Paulo.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;spoke via videoconference during a farm event.

"It used to be that on May Day, red flags would wave, as if we were a socialist country. I am happy to see green and yellow flags all over the country, with people who are truly working," he said.

Few anti-Bolsonaro&nbsp;protests were planned for Saturday, but key opposition leaders, on the right and the left, were taking part in a trade union-sponsored event on social media critical of&nbsp;Bolsonaro.

Among them were former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), who is expected to challenge Bolsonaro in next year's elections, and his center-right predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002).&nbsp;

"This is a sad May Day for the workers of our country, a day of mourning for the 400,000 lives lost to Covid-19, many of them because the government of&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;refused to buy the vaccines that were being offered," Lula said.

On Tuesday, a Senate commission of inquiry was established to examine the government's handling of the health crisis, with many experts saying it has been incompetent and irresponsible.

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online.

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online. There were rallies in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with many demonstrators wearing the yellow, blue and green of the country's flag. Brazil, with more than 403,000 Covid-19 deaths, is second only to the United States in that grim category, and Bolsonaro faces widespread criticism for not taking the pandemic more seriously. Also read: Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record Two weeks ago, the president said he was waiting for 'a sign from the people' before 'taking measures' to revoke restrictions imposed by mayors or governors to contain the spread of the virus. More recently, he told a television interviewer that the army "could take to the street one day, to ensure respect for the Constitution (and for) freedom to come and go." In Rio on Saturday, several hundred protesters seemed to respond to his call. Rallying along celebrated Copacabana beach, they waved banners demanding a 'military intervention' to bolster Bolsonaro's powers. A slogan widely seen at the various rallies was 'Autoriso Bolsonaro' ('I authorise Bolsonaro') to send in the army. In Brasilia, several thousand people assembled on the Esplanade of Ministries as Bolsonaro briefly passed overhead in a helicopter. One of his sons, the deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, waded into the crowd, his mask worn down around his chin, taking selfies with supporters, their faces also uncovered. "It's a critical moment and Bolsonaro needs the people's support," Edvaldo de Paulo, a demonstrator, told AFP in Brasilia. "We have to clean house in Brasilia to let the president govern," said Elenir Ritonni, a 63-year-old retiree, who joined several hundred demonstrators in Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro spoke via videoconference during a farm event. "It used to be that on May Day, red flags would wave, as if we were a socialist country. I am happy to see green and yellow flags all over the country, with people who are truly working," he said. Few anti-Bolsonaro protests were planned for Saturday, but key opposition leaders, on the right and the left, were taking part in a trade union-sponsored event on social media critical of Bolsonaro. Among them were former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), who is expected to challenge Bolsonaro in next year's elections, and his center-right predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002). "This is a sad May Day for the workers of our country, a day of mourning for the 400,000 lives lost to Covid-19, many of them because the government of Bolsonaro refused to buy the vaccines that were being offered," Lula said. On Tuesday, a Senate commission of inquiry was established to examine the government's handling of the health crisis, with many experts saying it has been incompetent and irresponsible.

Thousands march in support of Brazil's Bolsonaro defying virus

Explosions rocked Myanmar's largest city Yangon on Saturday as protesters held flash marches for democracy, defying a brutal junta that has held onto power for three bloody months.&nbsp;

The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, bringing an abrupt end to Myanmar's short-lived experiment with democracy.

The power grab triggered a massive uprising that authorities have tried to quell with lethal force and live ammunition.

As Myanmar entered its fourth month under military rule on Saturday, protesters in commercial hub Yangon, an epicentre of unrest with a heavy security presence, staged flash demonstrations, marching rapidly through the streets to avoid confrontation with police and soldiers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-protesters-march-three-months-after-coup-un-warns-of-standstill-381881">Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'</a>

The lightning-quick pace of the protests is "so that people will have time to disappear when the security forces come, or else they would die or get arrested", said student activist Min Han Htet.

In Yangon's Insein township, a bomb blast went off around 10 am near a local school, said a resident staying nearby.

"Some security forces came to check the blast area, but I only watched from a distance from my home because I was worried they would arrest me," he told AFP.&nbsp;

By afternoon, two more blasts went off in Yankin, further south, according to residents of the leafy residential township.&nbsp;

"I thought it was thunder," a resident told AFP, adding that the explosions left the security forces nervous.

The state-run evening news said a woman was wounded in the Yankin blasts, which it blamed on "instigators".

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings that are taking place with increasing frequency in Yangon.

They made people live in fear'&nbsp;

The former capital has utterly transformed since the junta seized power on February 1, with barricades erected in key protest hotspots, security forces on patrol, and residents reporting nighttime arrests of suspected dissidents.&nbsp;

"They (the junta) have made people live in fear and it is good to have them on edge as&nbsp;well," the Yankin resident said.

He also praised the flash protesters for their ingenuity in evading arrest and crackdowns.&nbsp;

"Any show of defiance without getting captured or killed is great for the resistance."

Across the country, nearly 760 civilians have been killed in the anti-coup unrest, according to a local monitoring group, though the junta has recorded a far lower death toll.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-security-council-calls-for-asean-myanmar-plan-to-be-enacted-381985">UN Security Council calls for ASEAN Myanmar plan to be enacted</a>

But the democracy movement remains undeterred, with demonstrators gathering Saturday in central Monywa city,&nbsp;a flashpoint for violence&nbsp;carrying signs that said,&nbsp;"Monywa cannot be ruled".&nbsp;

In southern Dawei, protesters waved the signature red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, and carried signs that said, "We want democracy".&nbsp;

Wanted posters of junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were also pasted around town, calling him a "power addict".&nbsp;

He has continuously justified the putsch as necessary to protect democracy, alleging fraud in November's election which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide.&nbsp;

Rebels fighting&nbsp;

The unceasing violence against protesters has drawn the ire of some of Myanmar's myriad ethnic armies, many of which have been battling the military for decades in border regions.

Several have condemned the military and come out in support of the anti-junta movement, offering shelter to fleeing activists in the territory they control.

Clashes between the military and the Karen National Union (KNU), one of the leading rebel groups, have escalated since the coup.

The KNU has seized and razed military posts and the junta has responded with repeated airstrikes in the rebels' Karen state heartland, the latest taking place right after midnight Saturday.&nbsp;

The targeted area is right next to Thailand's northern Mae Hong Son province, and displaced residents have fled across the Salween River, which demarcates the border.

"Myanmar soldiers used a fighter aircraft to launch an air strike operation, firing two rockets and artilleries" around 12:48 am, said a statement released by Mae Hong Son's governor Sithichai Jindaluang.&nbsp;

He added that more than 2,300 Myanmar nationals have crossed into Thailand.&nbsp;

Media and local Karen aid groups were blocked access to the refugees, with authorities citing the spread of Covid-19 as a reason,&nbsp;stopping to check the temperatures of locals returning home.

Violence has also flared in Myanmar's northern Kachin state between the Kachin Independence Army and the military, which launched airstrikes in Momauk township Friday.&nbsp;

Saturday saw fresh artillery shelling hit two small towns, according to a humanitarian worker, who said residents were fearful about the fighting getting closer.

Explosions rocked Myanmar's largest city Yangon on Saturday as protesters held flash marches for democracy, defying a brutal junta that has held onto power for three bloody months.

Explosions rocked Myanmar's largest city Yangon on Saturday as protesters held flash marches for democracy, defying a brutal junta that has held onto power for three bloody months. The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, bringing an abrupt end to Myanmar's short-lived experiment with democracy. The power grab triggered a massive uprising that authorities have tried to quell with lethal force and live ammunition. As Myanmar entered its fourth month under military rule on Saturday, protesters in commercial hub Yangon, an epicentre of unrest with a heavy security presence, staged flash demonstrations, marching rapidly through the streets to avoid confrontation with police and soldiers. Also read | Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill' The lightning-quick pace of the protests is "so that people will have time to disappear when the security forces come, or else they would die or get arrested", said student activist Min Han Htet. In Yangon's Insein township, a bomb blast went off around 10 am near a local school, said a resident staying nearby. "Some security forces came to check the blast area, but I only watched from a distance from my home because I was worried they would arrest me," he told AFP. By afternoon, two more blasts went off in Yankin, further south, according to residents of the leafy residential township. "I thought it was thunder," a resident told AFP, adding that the explosions left the security forces nervous. The state-run evening news said a woman was wounded in the Yankin blasts, which it blamed on "instigators". No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings that are taking place with increasing frequency in Yangon. They made people live in fear' The former capital has utterly transformed since the junta seized power on February 1, with barricades erected in key protest hotspots, security forces on patrol, and residents reporting nighttime arrests of suspected dissidents. "They (the junta) have made people live in fear and it is good to have them on edge as well," the Yankin resident said. He also praised the flash protesters for their ingenuity in evading arrest and crackdowns. "Any show of defiance without getting captured or killed is great for the resistance." Across the country, nearly 760 civilians have been killed in the anti-coup unrest, according to a local monitoring group, though the junta has recorded a far lower death toll. Also read | UN Security Council calls for ASEAN Myanmar plan to be enacted But the democracy movement remains undeterred, with demonstrators gathering Saturday in central Monywa city, a flashpoint for violence carrying signs that said, "Monywa cannot be ruled". In southern Dawei, protesters waved the signature red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, and carried signs that said, "We want democracy". Wanted posters of junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were also pasted around town, calling him a "power addict". He has continuously justified the putsch as necessary to protect democracy, alleging fraud in November's election which Suu Kyi's party won in a landslide. Rebels fighting The unceasing violence against protesters has drawn the ire of some of Myanmar's myriad ethnic armies, many of which have been battling the military for decades in border regions. Several have condemned the military and come out in support of the anti-junta movement, offering shelter to fleeing activists in the territory they control. Clashes between the military and the Karen National Union (KNU), one of the leading rebel groups, have escalated since the coup. The KNU has seized and razed military posts and the junta has responded with repeated airstrikes in the rebels' Karen state heartland, the latest taking place right after midnight Saturday. The targeted area is right next to Thailand's northern Mae Hong Son province, and displaced residents have fled across the Salween River, which demarcates the border. "Myanmar soldiers used a fighter aircraft to launch an air strike operation, firing two rockets and artilleries" around 12:48 am, said a statement released by Mae Hong Son's governor Sithichai Jindaluang. He added that more than 2,300 Myanmar nationals have crossed into Thailand. Media and local Karen aid groups were blocked access to the refugees, with authorities citing the spread of Covid-19 as a reason, stopping to check the temperatures of locals returning home. Violence has also flared in Myanmar's northern Kachin state between the Kachin Independence Army and the military, which launched airstrikes in Momauk township Friday. Saturday saw fresh artillery shelling hit two small towns, according to a humanitarian worker, who said residents were fearful about the fighting getting closer.

Bomb blasts, flash protests as Myanmar enters fourth month under junta

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday.

Unions called strikes on Wednesday in Colombia's main cities to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the reform, which it presented to congress earlier this month as it tries to increase tax income.

The most serious riots and vandalism took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cali, capital of Colombia's Valle del Cauca province, with banks and government offices attacked, among other incidents.

Also Watch:&nbsp;

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One man died on Wednesday following confrontations between protesters and the police, while 55 civilians and more than 40 police officers were injured in the last two days, according to local authorities.

"We have discovered that the violent events in Cali were premeditated, planned and sponsored by criminal organisations. We are taking more men and women from the police and the army to guarantee the defence and security of citizens," Defence Minister Diego Molano told reporters at a briefing.

An additional 2,500 members of security forces will be deployed in Cali, he added.

Cali Mayor Jorge&nbsp;Ivan&nbsp;Ospina estimated that losses due to looting and vandalism amounted to around 80,000,000,000 pesos.

The national protests began despite a court order and pleas from authorities to suspend marches due to fears of contagion while Colombia remains gripped in a third wave of coronavirus infections, which has stretched healthcare to breaking point.

The government said it is willing to modify the tax reform bill via debates in Congress. A majority of political parties, in addition to unions and business associations, reject the proposal.

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday.

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday. Unions called strikes on Wednesday in Colombia's main cities to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the reform, which it presented to congress earlier this month as it tries to increase tax income. The most serious riots and vandalism took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cali, capital of Colombia's Valle del Cauca province, with banks and government offices attacked, among other incidents. Also Watch: One man died on Wednesday following confrontations between protesters and the police, while 55 civilians and more than 40 police officers were injured in the last two days, according to local authorities. "We have discovered that the violent events in Cali were premeditated, planned and sponsored by criminal organisations. We are taking more men and women from the police and the army to guarantee the defence and security of citizens," Defence Minister Diego Molano told reporters at a briefing. An additional 2,500 members of security forces will be deployed in Cali, he added. Cali Mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina estimated that losses due to looting and vandalism amounted to around 80,000,000,000 pesos. The national protests began despite a court order and pleas from authorities to suspend marches due to fears of contagion while Colombia remains gripped in a third wave of coronavirus infections, which has stretched healthcare to breaking point. The government said it is willing to modify the tax reform bill via debates in Congress. A majority of political parties, in addition to unions and business associations, reject the proposal.

Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence

The clashes were triggered by protests by Palestinian youth against gathering curbs during the holy month of Ramzan.

Jerusalem turns into a 'War Zone'

Hundreds of people marched through the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago on Friday evening, calling for overhauls to the city’s police department after the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo by a police officer in March.

Holding signs reading “Justicia Para Adam” and “We are Adam, defund the police,” a large crowd listened as speakers denounced the Chicago Police Department and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Adam was shot and killed by a police officer, Eric E. Stillman, 34, in the early hours of March 29. In video of the shooting, released Thursday by an independent city agency that investigates police conduct, Adam is chased down an alley by a white police officer, who orders him to stop and show his hands. An analysis of the video, slowing down events that took place in the space of a second, shows the boy then appearing to toss a handgun nearby and raising his hands in the air, just before the officer shoots him in the chest.

Jasmin Cardenas, who attended the march with her two small children, cried as she stood holding a sign supporting Adam and his family. She lives in Little Village, the predominantly Latino neighborhood where Adam was killed, and runs an after-school arts program that once worked with children at Gary Elementary, where Adam was a student.

The neighborhood is sorely lacking in services for children and teenagers, she said, and needs nurses in the schools and more art programs to keep young people busy.

“I’m just in shock at how many of us made mistakes and we’re still here,” Cardenas said. “He did all the right things. He put his hands up, and he still got shot.”

With renewed national attention on police conduct amid the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis, demonstrations also took place beyond Chicago on Friday night.

In the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, protests continued in front of that city’s police department for a sixth straight night following an officer’s fatal shooting of a 20-year-old motorist, Daunte Wright.

Protesters occasionally threw bottles of water and pushed up against a fence in front of the Police Department. Police fired a volley of pepper spray, rubber bullets and grenades that made a loud bang into the crowd, injuring several people and briefly setting the umbrella that one protester had used to block pepper spray on fire. There was no curfew Friday, but police declared the assembly unlawful before running at the crowd just after 10 p.m., making dozens of arrests.

In Chicago, speakers addressed a crowd in a large neighborhood park at the beginning of the rally, calling for defunding of the police and for measures like rent control to be enacted. At the mention of Lightfoot by one of the speakers, the crowd booed loudly.

“Our goal is to not let people forget and keep being active,” said Maximo Rodriguez, who said he had been involved in social justice causes since 1985, when he was a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “The problem isn’t us, it’s the police. Whenever they’re around, there’s a chance for violence.”

Evelene Certa, 13, of suburban Berwyn, has been going to protests with her family her entire life, she said. “This one, it’s a kid my age,” she said, before pausing to gather herself. “It could’ve happened to me. It really changes my point of view.”

Hundreds of people marched through the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago on Friday evening, calling for overhauls to the city’s police department after the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo by a police officer in March.

Hundreds of people marched through the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago on Friday evening, calling for overhauls to the city’s police department after the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo by a police officer in March. Holding signs reading “Justicia Para Adam” and “We are Adam, defund the police,” a large crowd listened as speakers denounced the Chicago Police Department and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Adam was shot and killed by a police officer, Eric E. Stillman, 34, in the early hours of March 29. In video of the shooting, released Thursday by an independent city agency that investigates police conduct, Adam is chased down an alley by a white police officer, who orders him to stop and show his hands. An analysis of the video, slowing down events that took place in the space of a second, shows the boy then appearing to toss a handgun nearby and raising his hands in the air, just before the officer shoots him in the chest. Jasmin Cardenas, who attended the march with her two small children, cried as she stood holding a sign supporting Adam and his family. She lives in Little Village, the predominantly Latino neighborhood where Adam was killed, and runs an after-school arts program that once worked with children at Gary Elementary, where Adam was a student. The neighborhood is sorely lacking in services for children and teenagers, she said, and needs nurses in the schools and more art programs to keep young people busy. “I’m just in shock at how many of us made mistakes and we’re still here,” Cardenas said. “He did all the right things. He put his hands up, and he still got shot.” With renewed national attention on police conduct amid the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis, demonstrations also took place beyond Chicago on Friday night. In the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, protests continued in front of that city’s police department for a sixth straight night following an officer’s fatal shooting of a 20-year-old motorist, Daunte Wright. Protesters occasionally threw bottles of water and pushed up against a fence in front of the Police Department. Police fired a volley of pepper spray, rubber bullets and grenades that made a loud bang into the crowd, injuring several people and briefly setting the umbrella that one protester had used to block pepper spray on fire. There was no curfew Friday, but police declared the assembly unlawful before running at the crowd just after 10 p.m., making dozens of arrests. In Chicago, speakers addressed a crowd in a large neighborhood park at the beginning of the rally, calling for defunding of the police and for measures like rent control to be enacted. At the mention of Lightfoot by one of the speakers, the crowd booed loudly. “Our goal is to not let people forget and keep being active,” said Maximo Rodriguez, who said he had been involved in social justice causes since 1985, when he was a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “The problem isn’t us, it’s the police. Whenever they’re around, there’s a chance for violence.” Evelene Certa, 13, of suburban Berwyn, has been going to protests with her family her entire life, she said. “This one, it’s a kid my age,” she said, before pausing to gather herself. “It could’ve happened to me. It really changes my point of view.”

Hundreds march in Chicago, protesting police shooting of Adam Toledo, 13

A shaky, fast-moving video released in Chicago on Thursday shows a police officer chasing a boy down a dark alleyway, yelling at him to stop. “Stop right now!” the officer screams while cursing, telling him to drop his gun. “Hands. Show me your hands. Drop it. Drop it.”

As the boy turns and lifts his hands, a single shot rings out and he collapses. The boy, Adam Toledo, was killed. He was 13.

Release of the officer’s body camera footage set off a fresh round of consternation over police conduct in Chicago, even as it stirred debate over what the images — grainy and graphic — actually showed. 
 
Activists announced protests against police abuse for downtown Chicago, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for calm.

Adam, who lived in Chicago’s Little Village, a predominantly Latino neighbourhood on the city’s West Side, was one of the youngest people killed by police in Illinois in years.

Adeena Weiss Ortiz, a lawyer representing the Toledo family, said at a news conference Thursday that the video shows that Adam, who was Latino and a seventh-grader at Gary Elementary School, was attempting to comply with the officer’s orders.

“He tossed the gun,” she said. “If he had a gun, he tossed it. The officer said, ‘Show me your hands.’ He complied. He turned around.”

The key events took place in a matter of one second. In an analysis, The New York Times slowed down the police video, as well as another of the 21 videos released by authorities.

As the officer, identified in police reports as Eric Stillman, 34, fires the single shot, Adam is raising his arms and appears to be empty-handed. At the moment before the shooting, the Times’ analysis shows, Adam can be seen holding what appears to be a gun behind his back, which he drops behind a wooden fence just before he raises his hands.

A shaky, fast-moving video released in Chicago on Thursday shows a police officer chasing a boy down a dark alleyway, yelling at him to stop. “Stop right now!” the officer screams while cursing, telling him to drop his gun.

A shaky, fast-moving video released in Chicago on Thursday shows a police officer chasing a boy down a dark alleyway, yelling at him to stop. “Stop right now!” the officer screams while cursing, telling him to drop his gun. “Hands. Show me your hands. Drop it. Drop it.” As the boy turns and lifts his hands, a single shot rings out and he collapses. The boy, Adam Toledo, was killed. He was 13. Release of the officer’s body camera footage set off a fresh round of consternation over police conduct in Chicago, even as it stirred debate over what the images — grainy and graphic — actually showed. Activists announced protests against police abuse for downtown Chicago, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for calm. Adam, who lived in Chicago’s Little Village, a predominantly Latino neighbourhood on the city’s West Side, was one of the youngest people killed by police in Illinois in years. Adeena Weiss Ortiz, a lawyer representing the Toledo family, said at a news conference Thursday that the video shows that Adam, who was Latino and a seventh-grader at Gary Elementary School, was attempting to comply with the officer’s orders. “He tossed the gun,” she said. “If he had a gun, he tossed it. The officer said, ‘Show me your hands.’ He complied. He turned around.” The key events took place in a matter of one second. In an analysis, The New York Times slowed down the police video, as well as another of the 21 videos released by authorities. As the officer, identified in police reports as Eric Stillman, 34, fires the single shot, Adam is raising his arms and appears to be empty-handed. At the moment before the shooting, the Times’ analysis shows, Adam can be seen holding what appears to be a gun behind his back, which he drops behind a wooden fence just before he raises his hands.

Video of Chicago police fatally shooting 13-year-old Adam Toledo is released

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities to protest the deaths of indigenous people in custody. More than 470 aboriginal people have died in custody in three decades.

Australia: Protest against death of indigenous people in custody

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue.&nbsp;

More than 470 Aboriginal people have died in custody in those three decades, including at least five since last month, local media reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Almost 30 years and 441 deaths since the Royal Commission, no police officer or authority has been convicted for Black deaths in custody," said NATSILS, a legal services group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.&nbsp;

"Our people continue to die at horrific rates. There is no accountability, and no justice," it said in a statement. "We call on the Prime Minister to meet us face to face on the 30-year anniversary to hear our stories, to see our pain, but most of all we want answers."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Protests and marches took place in cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the capital Canberra ahead of Thursday's anniversary of the report by a royal commission on Black deaths in custody.&nbsp;

Undertaken from 1987 to 1991, it found that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in custody died at about the same rate but that Indigenous people were incarcerated at a much higher rate.&nbsp;

Indigenous people account for around 2% of Australia's population but around 27% of the national prison population.&nbsp;

The commission made 339 recommendations, of which few have been implemented.&nbsp;

Protesters carried signs with the hashtag Black Lives Matter and the Aboriginal flag, pictures on social media showed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Really hope we’ll see the same outpouring of grief and remembrance for the 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose deaths we mourn today on the 30-year anniversary of the Royal Commision into deaths in custody, as that of a 99-year-old member of the&nbsp;colonising&nbsp;British Monarchy," said activist Sally Rugg on Twitter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia has no treaty with its Indigenous people. British settlement of the then-colony was based on the legal concept that land could be acquired by settlement.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue. More than 470 Aboriginal people have died in custody in those three decades, including at least five since last month, local media reported. "Almost 30 years and 441 deaths since the Royal Commission, no police officer or authority has been convicted for Black deaths in custody," said NATSILS, a legal services group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. "Our people continue to die at horrific rates. There is no accountability, and no justice," it said in a statement. "We call on the Prime Minister to meet us face to face on the 30-year anniversary to hear our stories, to see our pain, but most of all we want answers." Protests and marches took place in cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the capital Canberra ahead of Thursday's anniversary of the report by a royal commission on Black deaths in custody. Undertaken from 1987 to 1991, it found that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in custody died at about the same rate but that Indigenous people were incarcerated at a much higher rate. Indigenous people account for around 2% of Australia's population but around 27% of the national prison population. The commission made 339 recommendations, of which few have been implemented. Protesters carried signs with the hashtag Black Lives Matter and the Aboriginal flag, pictures on social media showed. "Really hope we’ll see the same outpouring of grief and remembrance for the 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose deaths we mourn today on the 30-year anniversary of the Royal Commision into deaths in custody, as that of a 99-year-old member of the colonising British Monarchy," said activist Sally Rugg on Twitter. Australia has no treaty with its Indigenous people. British settlement of the then-colony was based on the legal concept that land could be acquired by settlement.

Australians protest Aboriginal deaths in custody, 30 years after major report 

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. &nbsp;

The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported.&nbsp;

The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country.&nbsp;

The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists.&nbsp;

"It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor.&nbsp;

Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. &nbsp;

As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. &nbsp;

The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence.

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported. The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country. The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists. "It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor. Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place. (With inputs from agencies)

Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement 

A protest over police enforcement of coronavirus restrictions in rural Bangladesh turned violent late Monday when a mob of demonstrators attacked a police station, with at least three people shot, police and a doctor said.

The incident took place in the central town of Saltha in the Faridpur district, where police said rumours had spread that a man was injured in a police sweep at a market aimed at enforcing health measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, as cases spike nationwide.

Thousands of villagers took to the streets in anger. A group of them hurled bricks at a police station and vandalised government offices in the town, torching an officer's home and two cars belonging to government officials, police said.

"Police fired in self-defence after they attacked the police station," a police spokesman in Faridpur district told AFP. A second police official, the inspector Nur-a-Alam Fakir, confirmed the incident.

Police did not give any casualty figures, but Abdul Matin, a doctor at the emergency ward of the state-run Faridpur Medical College Hospital, said three people were in critical condition after suffering gunshot wounds.

"One of them was hit in his buttocks, another in his chest and the third person was shot in both legs," he told AFP.

Bangladesh on Monday instituted a seven-day nationwide lockdown after coronavirus case numbers reached record highs and fatalities skyrocketed in recent weeks.

On Sunday, at least 7,087 people tested positive for the virus, the highest daily case total since the virus was first detected in the South Asian nation in March 2020.

All domestic travel services -- including buses, ferries, trains and flights -- have been suspended, and shops and malls will be shut for a week. A nighttime curfew is in effect.

Hundreds of shopkeepers protested in the capital Dhaka over the lockdown, saying it would disproportionately affect their businesses.

Two officers said supporters of the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam joined the attack on the police station at Saltha.

Tens of thousands of Hefazat supporters staged nationwide demonstrations against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi late last month, which triggered deadly clashes with police.

There was no immediate comment from Hefazat over police claims of their involvement in the incident in Saltha.

A protest over police enforcement of coronavirus restrictions in rural Bangladesh turned violent late Monday when a mob of demonstrators attacked a police station, with at least three people shot, police and a doctor said.

A protest over police enforcement of coronavirus restrictions in rural Bangladesh turned violent late Monday when a mob of demonstrators attacked a police station, with at least three people shot, police and a doctor said. The incident took place in the central town of Saltha in the Faridpur district, where police said rumours had spread that a man was injured in a police sweep at a market aimed at enforcing health measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, as cases spike nationwide. Thousands of villagers took to the streets in anger. A group of them hurled bricks at a police station and vandalised government offices in the town, torching an officer's home and two cars belonging to government officials, police said. "Police fired in self-defence after they attacked the police station," a police spokesman in Faridpur district told AFP. A second police official, the inspector Nur-a-Alam Fakir, confirmed the incident. Police did not give any casualty figures, but Abdul Matin, a doctor at the emergency ward of the state-run Faridpur Medical College Hospital, said three people were in critical condition after suffering gunshot wounds. "One of them was hit in his buttocks, another in his chest and the third person was shot in both legs," he told AFP. Bangladesh on Monday instituted a seven-day nationwide lockdown after coronavirus case numbers reached record highs and fatalities skyrocketed in recent weeks. On Sunday, at least 7,087 people tested positive for the virus, the highest daily case total since the virus was first detected in the South Asian nation in March 2020. All domestic travel services -- including buses, ferries, trains and flights -- have been suspended, and shops and malls will be shut for a week. A nighttime curfew is in effect. Hundreds of shopkeepers protested in the capital Dhaka over the lockdown, saying it would disproportionately affect their businesses. Two officers said supporters of the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam joined the attack on the police station at Saltha. Tens of thousands of Hefazat supporters staged nationwide demonstrations against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi late last month, which triggered deadly clashes with police. There was no immediate comment from Hefazat over police claims of their involvement in the incident in Saltha.

Bangladesh protest turns violent, 3 shot: Police 

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  

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces. The protesters tried to march on the city of Bannu and broke through police blockade.

Police fired tear gas to prevent protesters from entering Bannu.

The protesters were carrying the bodies of the four young men, aged between 15 and 20, found in a shallow grave on March 21 in the town of Jani Khel, outside Bannu.

"The government didn’t pay any attention to us and left us alone to mourn the slain boys," Haji Mohammad Wali, one of the protesters, told Reuters by phone.

Relatives of the dead, alleging they died during interrogation by security forces, held a sit-in in Jani Khel for nearly a week, refusing to bury the bodies until an investigation was opened against an army officer they said was responsible.

A Pakistani military spokesman declined to comment about the incident on Sunday, and the military has not commented publicly on the case.

The central government has not commented on the case.

(With Reuters inputs)

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces.

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces. The protesters tried to march on the city of Bannu and broke through police blockade. Police fired tear gas to prevent protesters from entering Bannu. The protesters were carrying the bodies of the four young men, aged between 15 and 20, found in a shallow grave on March 21 in the town of Jani Khel, outside Bannu. "The government didn’t pay any attention to us and left us alone to mourn the slain boys," Haji Mohammad Wali, one of the protesters, told Reuters by phone. Relatives of the dead, alleging they died during interrogation by security forces, held a sit-in in Jani Khel for nearly a week, refusing to bury the bodies until an investigation was opened against an army officer they said was responsible. A Pakistani military spokesman declined to comment about the incident on Sunday, and the military has not commented publicly on the case. The central government has not commented on the case. (With Reuters inputs)

Pakistan: Thousands protest alleged killing of youngsters by military

Demonstrators gather at a suburb in Atlanta condemning recent mass shootings in spas. As many as eight Asian Americans were killed in the incident.

'Stop Asian Hate': Atlanta shooting sparks protests

Thousands protest against Netanyahu ahead of election in Israel

The crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters has left 250 people dead since the beginning of the coup on February 1.

Myanmar Coup: Civil disobedience movement grips Myanmar

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence to protest against his policies.

Protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensify

Israel Protests: Israelis demand Netanyahu's resignation

Myanmar Coup: Anti-Coup protesters rally across Myanmar

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