German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.&nbsp;

Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence.&nbsp;

They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament.&nbsp;

Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin.&nbsp;

Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement. Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency. The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence. They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament. Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march. Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin. Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations 

People in Myanmar protesting the military's seizure of power, which has sparked widespread violence in the country, have a new tool - coup-themed tattoos.&nbsp;

Some are opting to have 'Freedom from Fear' or 'Spring Revolution' written on their bodies, while others favour drawings of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's face or the movement's three-finger salute.&nbsp;

These motifs have become increasingly popular since the junta seized power on February 1, tattoo parlours say. More than 80 people have been killed and 2,100 arrested in the crackdown by police and security forces on daily protests across the Southeast Asian nation, an advocacy group says.&nbsp;

"I felt like I lost my future when I heard the news on February 1. I feel so much in pain and I don't want to get to forget that pain ever," said a 23-year-old woman at a parlour in Yangon, who did not want to be identified.&nbsp;

She said she was getting the message 'Freedom from Fear' written on her body so she would never forget that pain and to show younger generations 'how we got rid of this system'.&nbsp;

Many tattoo artists inked people for free in a show of solidarity in the days after the coup in early February. After reports that some of them were arrested, many parlours are trying to be more discreet even though they continue to offer steep discounts.&nbsp;

"They threatened us with the weapons. But our revolution won't win if we have fear," said the customer in Yangon. "So, we must get rid of this kind of fear to prevail in our revolution."&nbsp;

The leaders of the United States and some of its allies vowed on Friday to work together to restore democracy in Myanmar.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

People in Myanmar protesting the military's seizure of power, which has sparked widespread violence in the country, have a new tool - coup-themed tattoos. Some are opting to have 'Freedom from Fear' or 'Spring Revolution' written on their bodies, while others favour drawings of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's face or the movement's three-finger salute.

People in Myanmar protesting the military's seizure of power, which has sparked widespread violence in the country, have a new tool - coup-themed tattoos. Some are opting to have 'Freedom from Fear' or 'Spring Revolution' written on their bodies, while others favour drawings of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's face or the movement's three-finger salute. These motifs have become increasingly popular since the junta seized power on February 1, tattoo parlours say. More than 80 people have been killed and 2,100 arrested in the crackdown by police and security forces on daily protests across the Southeast Asian nation, an advocacy group says. "I felt like I lost my future when I heard the news on February 1. I feel so much in pain and I don't want to get to forget that pain ever," said a 23-year-old woman at a parlour in Yangon, who did not want to be identified. She said she was getting the message 'Freedom from Fear' written on her body so she would never forget that pain and to show younger generations 'how we got rid of this system'. Many tattoo artists inked people for free in a show of solidarity in the days after the coup in early February. After reports that some of them were arrested, many parlours are trying to be more discreet even though they continue to offer steep discounts. "They threatened us with the weapons. But our revolution won't win if we have fear," said the customer in Yangon. "So, we must get rid of this kind of fear to prevail in our revolution." The leaders of the United States and some of its allies vowed on Friday to work together to restore democracy in Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

In Myanmar, people protest against military coup with tattoos

A mass trial began in Thailand on Monday for activists accused of sedition and insulting the powerful monarchy at a major protest last year, one of a series of mass demonstrations against the country's military-backed establishment. &nbsp;

The 22 demonstrators deny charges of committing sedition and a litany of other offences, which includes lese majeste in section 112 of the Thai criminal code, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison for each count. &nbsp;

"They can lock me up but they cannot lock up the truth," protest leader Parit 'Penguin' Chiwarak shouted as he arrived in a prison truck, defiantly flashing the three-finger 'Hunger Games' salute synonymous with the youth movement. &nbsp;

"The truth is always the truth whether in prison, under torture or awaiting execution, the truth is the truth," said Parit, 22, who is among seven defendants held in pre-trial detention accused of sedition and insulting King Maha Vajiralongkorn during two protests in September. &nbsp;

Parit later announced he would go on hunger strike until he and his friends were granted bail. &nbsp;

How long the trial will last is not known and the judge adjourned proceedings until March 29, defence lawyer Krisadang Nutcharat said. &nbsp;

The court could not be reached for comment but during earlier indictment processes it has denied multiple bail requests for the seven on the grounds that could re-offend by holding more protests. &nbsp;

Thailand's youth movement has posed the biggest challenge so far to prime minister and former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who they say engineered a process that would preserve the political status quo and keep him in power after a 2019 election. Prayuth has rejected that. &nbsp;

Protesters also broke a traditional taboo by demanding reform of the monarchy, saying the constitution drafted by the military after the 2014 coup gives the king too much power. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A mass trial began in Thailand on Monday for activists accused of sedition and insulting the powerful monarchy at a major protest last year, one of a series of mass demonstrations against the country's military-backed establishment.

A mass trial began in Thailand on Monday for activists accused of sedition and insulting the powerful monarchy at a major protest last year, one of a series of mass demonstrations against the country's military-backed establishment. The 22 demonstrators deny charges of committing sedition and a litany of other offences, which includes lese majeste in section 112 of the Thai criminal code, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison for each count. "They can lock me up but they cannot lock up the truth," protest leader Parit 'Penguin' Chiwarak shouted as he arrived in a prison truck, defiantly flashing the three-finger 'Hunger Games' salute synonymous with the youth movement. "The truth is always the truth whether in prison, under torture or awaiting execution, the truth is the truth," said Parit, 22, who is among seven defendants held in pre-trial detention accused of sedition and insulting King Maha Vajiralongkorn during two protests in September. Parit later announced he would go on hunger strike until he and his friends were granted bail. How long the trial will last is not known and the judge adjourned proceedings until March 29, defence lawyer Krisadang Nutcharat said. The court could not be reached for comment but during earlier indictment processes it has denied multiple bail requests for the seven on the grounds that could re-offend by holding more protests. Thailand's youth movement has posed the biggest challenge so far to prime minister and former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who they say engineered a process that would preserve the political status quo and keep him in power after a 2019 election. Prayuth has rejected that. Protesters also broke a traditional taboo by demanding reform of the monarchy, saying the constitution drafted by the military after the 2014 coup gives the king too much power. (With inputs from agencies)

Thai protest leaders go on trial for sedition, royal insults  

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers.

The incident occurred Friday after smugglers in boats in the Sirik area of the Hormuz Strait ignored coastguard warning shots, ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper quoted their provincial commander Hossein Dehaki as saying.

Dehaki was quoted as saying that the guards opened fire after they came under attack from the smugglers with fire bombs and other projectiles.

Iranian media said a 31-year-old Sirik resident was killed. 
Hours later, villagers gathered outside the base to demonstrate against the killing, according to state television's Iribnews website, citing a local official.

Dehaki said the protesters, spurred on by "opponents" of the Islamic republic, launched an assault on the coastguard building, seriously injuring several members of the force and causing heavy damage.

This violence has come less than three weeks after deadly clashes with fuel smugglers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province that borders Pakistan.

The UN Human Rights Office said at least 12 people were reportedly killed, two of them minors, and accused Iranian security forces of using excessive force.

(With AFP inputs)

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers.

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers. The incident occurred Friday after smugglers in boats in the Sirik area of the Hormuz Strait ignored coastguard warning shots, ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper quoted their provincial commander Hossein Dehaki as saying. Dehaki was quoted as saying that the guards opened fire after they came under attack from the smugglers with fire bombs and other projectiles. Iranian media said a 31-year-old Sirik resident was killed. Hours later, villagers gathered outside the base to demonstrate against the killing, according to state television's Iribnews website, citing a local official. Dehaki said the protesters, spurred on by "opponents" of the Islamic republic, launched an assault on the coastguard building, seriously injuring several members of the force and causing heavy damage. This violence has come less than three weeks after deadly clashes with fuel smugglers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province that borders Pakistan. The UN Human Rights Office said at least 12 people were reportedly killed, two of them minors, and accused Iranian security forces of using excessive force. (With AFP inputs)

Protesters attack Iran coastguard base, several persons wounded

The acting leader of Myanmar's parallel civilian government, appointed by ousted lawmakers in the wake of a Feb. 1 military coup, addressed the public for the first time on Saturday (March 13) from hiding and vowed to pursue a "revolution" to overturn the junta.

Leader of Myanmar shadow civilian government vows resistance to junta rule

Do you know what's happening in #Senegal? It is witnessing the worst unrest in a decade. 5 people have died, foreign businesses are being ransacked & the capital city has been paralysed. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why are people in Senegal protesting?

Climate activists from Greenpeace landed a paraglider on top of the European Central Bank's press centre on Wednesday and hung a banner accusing the bank of funding polluters.&nbsp;

After flying over the Main river in Frankfurt, the two activists landed at the low-rise ECB complex and unfurled a banner that demanded the ECB 'stop funding climate killers'.&nbsp;

An ECB spokesperson confirmed the breach and said that police had been called. He added that the bank was conducting a review of its strategy and this process included an in-depth analysis of how to respond to the climate crisis.&nbsp;

The Greenpeace protest followed a think tank report, which argued that the ECB's lending rules, particularly its collateral requirements, favoured carbon intensive industries and perpetuated a market failure to properly price polluting assets.&nbsp;

The ECB has long been criticised for not taking long term climate risk into account when it buys bonds and gives credit.&nbsp;

While policymakers, including ECB President Christine Lagarde, have acknowledged that markets are not appropriately pricing climate risk, the bank has yet to change course, awaiting the results of its review, now due around September.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Climate activists from Greenpeace landed a paraglider on top of the European Central Bank's press centre on Wednesday and hung a banner accusing the bank of funding polluters.

Climate activists from Greenpeace landed a paraglider on top of the European Central Bank's press centre on Wednesday and hung a banner accusing the bank of funding polluters. After flying over the Main river in Frankfurt, the two activists landed at the low-rise ECB complex and unfurled a banner that demanded the ECB 'stop funding climate killers'. An ECB spokesperson confirmed the breach and said that police had been called. He added that the bank was conducting a review of its strategy and this process included an in-depth analysis of how to respond to the climate crisis. The Greenpeace protest followed a think tank report, which argued that the ECB's lending rules, particularly its collateral requirements, favoured carbon intensive industries and perpetuated a market failure to properly price polluting assets. The ECB has long been criticised for not taking long term climate risk into account when it buys bonds and gives credit. While policymakers, including ECB President Christine Lagarde, have acknowledged that markets are not appropriately pricing climate risk, the bank has yet to change course, awaiting the results of its review, now due around September. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Greenpeace paragliders land on ECB building to protest 

Armed Myanmar soldiers and police are using TikTok to deliver death threats to protesters against last month's coup, researchers said, prompting the Chinese video-sharing app to announce it was removing content that incites violence.

Digital rights group Myanmar ICT for Development (MIDO) said it had found over 800 pro-military videos that menaced protesters at a time of increasing bloodshed - with 38 protesters killed on Wednesday alone according to the United Nations.

"It's just the tip of the iceberg," said MIDO executive director Htaike Htaike Aung, who noted that there's "hundreds" of videos of uniformed soldiers and police on the app.

A spokesman for the army and junta did not respond to a request for comment.

One video from late February reviewed by Reuters shows a man in army fatigues aiming an assault rifle at the camera and addressing protesters: "I will shoot in your fucking faces... and I'm using real bullets."

"I am going to patrol the whole city tonight and I will shoot whoever I see... If you want to become a martyr, I will fulfil your wish."

Reuters was unable to contact him or the other uniformed men who appear in the TikTok videos or to verify that they are in the armed forces.

TikTok is the latest social media platform to suffer a proliferation of menacing content or hate speech in Myanmar.

US tech giant Facebook has now banned all pages linked to Myanmar's army - and has itself been banned.

TikTok said in a statement: "We have clear Community Guidelines that state we do not allow content that incites violence or misinformation that causes harm... As it relates to Myanmar, we have been and continue to promptly remove all content that incites violence or spreads misinformation, and are aggressively monitoring to remove any such content that violates our guidelines."

TikTok's policies forbid displays of guns unless they are in "safe environments".

Reuters reviewed over a dozen videos where uniformed men, sometimes brandishing guns, threatened to harm protesters who are calling for the reversal of the coup and the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Some videos had tens of thousands of views. Those reviewed by Reuters were taken down this week. Some used hashtags relating to U.S celebrities.

Already growing fast in Myanmar, TikTok saw a strong rise in downloads after the military banned Facebook last month. It is in the top 20 most downloaded apps in Myanmar, according to industry data.

Facebook, which remains popular in Myanmar despite the ban, has toughened its scrutiny of content since being accused of helping to fan atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017.

Researchers like Htaike say they believe the military is now attempting to grow its presence on other platforms.

Armed Myanmar soldiers and police are using TikTok to deliver death threats to protesters against last month's coup, researchers said, prompting the Chinese video-sharing app to announce it was removing content that incites violence.

Armed Myanmar soldiers and police are using TikTok to deliver death threats to protesters against last month's coup, researchers said, prompting the Chinese video-sharing app to announce it was removing content that incites violence. Digital rights group Myanmar ICT for Development (MIDO) said it had found over 800 pro-military videos that menaced protesters at a time of increasing bloodshed - with 38 protesters killed on Wednesday alone according to the United Nations. "It's just the tip of the iceberg," said MIDO executive director Htaike Htaike Aung, who noted that there's "hundreds" of videos of uniformed soldiers and police on the app. A spokesman for the army and junta did not respond to a request for comment. One video from late February reviewed by Reuters shows a man in army fatigues aiming an assault rifle at the camera and addressing protesters: "I will shoot in your fucking faces... and I'm using real bullets." "I am going to patrol the whole city tonight and I will shoot whoever I see... If you want to become a martyr, I will fulfil your wish." Reuters was unable to contact him or the other uniformed men who appear in the TikTok videos or to verify that they are in the armed forces. TikTok is the latest social media platform to suffer a proliferation of menacing content or hate speech in Myanmar. US tech giant Facebook has now banned all pages linked to Myanmar's army - and has itself been banned. TikTok said in a statement: "We have clear Community Guidelines that state we do not allow content that incites violence or misinformation that causes harm... As it relates to Myanmar, we have been and continue to promptly remove all content that incites violence or spreads misinformation, and are aggressively monitoring to remove any such content that violates our guidelines." TikTok's policies forbid displays of guns unless they are in "safe environments". Reuters reviewed over a dozen videos where uniformed men, sometimes brandishing guns, threatened to harm protesters who are calling for the reversal of the coup and the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Some videos had tens of thousands of views. Those reviewed by Reuters were taken down this week. Some used hashtags relating to U.S celebrities. Already growing fast in Myanmar, TikTok saw a strong rise in downloads after the military banned Facebook last month. It is in the top 20 most downloaded apps in Myanmar, according to industry data. Facebook, which remains popular in Myanmar despite the ban, has toughened its scrutiny of content since being accused of helping to fan atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017. Researchers like Htaike say they believe the military is now attempting to grow its presence on other platforms.

'I will shoot whoever I see': Myanmar soldiers use TikTok to threaten protesters

Ten people were arrested in Barcelona on Saturday for assaulting police officers in fresh unrest over the jailing of a rapper for glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty in his songs.

Spain: Ten arrested in Barcelona as protests over jailed rapper turn violent

Dozens received injuries on Sunday as Bangladeshi police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters who rallied over the death of a writer in jail. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina shrugged off criticism faced by her government.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina shrugs off criticism faced by her government

Armenia's President Armen Sarkisian has refused to sign Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's order dismissing the chief of the military's general staff, deepening the country's political crisis.

Armenian president refuses to sign PM's order dismissing army chief

Thousands of Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday (February 27) in rejection of a "VIP" vaccine scandal that has shaken up the government of President Alberto Fernandez.

Argentina: Protesters take to streets in Buenos Aires to protest ‘VIP vaccine’ scandal

The Armenian opposition carried out a mega rally demanding the resignation of the incumbent PM Nikol Pashinyan. According to them, he was responsible for the failure in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Massive protests continue to rock Armenia

Police dispersed protesters in Myanmar's two biggest cities on Friday, firing stun grenades, rubber bullets and guns into the air in a crackdown on weeks of demonstrations that have challenged the army's bid to re-impose its rule.&nbsp;

At least one person was wounded in the protests in the main city of Yangon, a witness said, and several people were hurt in the second city of Mandalay.&nbsp;

Police were not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the army seized power on February 1 and detained government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership after the military complained of fraud in a November election her party won. The election commission said the vote was fair.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi had been moved this week from house arrest in the capital Naypyitaw to an undisclosed location, the Myanmar Now website said, quoting officials of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.&nbsp;

A lawyer for Suu Kyi said he had been told the same by NLD officials. He earlier complained that he had been given no access ahead of a court appearance set for March 1.&nbsp;

There have been daily protests and strikes by democracy supporters for about three weeks, often drawing hundreds of thousands of people across the ethnically diverse country.&nbsp;

In Yangon, hundreds of people congregated again in several groups, chanting slogans. Riot police rushed at them, firing stun grenades and guns into the air to send people scattering.&nbsp;

"One house let me in to hide," a journalist told Reuters from the scene. "I can`t leave yet as the police are very near and firing into the air."&nbsp;

Several people were detained, witnesses said, among them a Japanese journalist who was held briefly.&nbsp;

Police dispersed protesters in Myanmar's two biggest cities on Friday, firing stun grenades, rubber bullets and guns into the air in a crackdown on weeks of demonstrations that have challenged the army's bid to re-impose its rule.

Police dispersed protesters in Myanmar's two biggest cities on Friday, firing stun grenades, rubber bullets and guns into the air in a crackdown on weeks of demonstrations that have challenged the army's bid to re-impose its rule. At least one person was wounded in the protests in the main city of Yangon, a witness said, and several people were hurt in the second city of Mandalay. Police were not immediately available for comment. The Southeast Asian country has been in crisis since the army seized power on February 1 and detained government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership after the military complained of fraud in a November election her party won. The election commission said the vote was fair. Suu Kyi had been moved this week from house arrest in the capital Naypyitaw to an undisclosed location, the Myanmar Now website said, quoting officials of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. A lawyer for Suu Kyi said he had been told the same by NLD officials. He earlier complained that he had been given no access ahead of a court appearance set for March 1. There have been daily protests and strikes by democracy supporters for about three weeks, often drawing hundreds of thousands of people across the ethnically diverse country. In Yangon, hundreds of people congregated again in several groups, chanting slogans. Riot police rushed at them, firing stun grenades and guns into the air to send people scattering. "One house let me in to hide," a journalist told Reuters from the scene. "I can`t leave yet as the police are very near and firing into the air." Several people were detained, witnesses said, among them a Japanese journalist who was held briefly.

Cops fire in air to disperse protesters as Suu Kyi's lawyer says access denied

Thousands of people hit across the streets in Spain for the fifth night, demanding the release of jail rapper Pablo Hasél. The protest turns into clashes between police and members of french groups which led to looting, smashing of shops in Barcelona.

Rally for Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél turns violent into clashes

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday. Hasel was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid jail in a highly contentious free speech case. Dozens of people have been arrested since Tuesday night.

The violence has thrust the hard-left Podemos party -- the junior partner in Spain's leftwing coalition which has opposed Hasel's jailing and publicly supported the protesters -- into the firing line.&nbsp;

Police reported six arrests in Barcelona on Thursday after protesters set up barricades, prompting police to fire tear gas.

Burning rubbish bins and furniture was seen in the centre of the Catalan capital.

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6df8d1f3-67a3-4227-99ac-cc6208d4afa2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93B9LD.jpg" />

Newsroom of the newspaper El Periodico de Cataluna was attacked. Images of clashes in Valencia were shown on TVE television.

Hundreds of people gathered in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square calling for Hasel's release. The people hurled bottles at police who charged at them. The clashes lasted several hours as per AFP.

Police arrested 19 people, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers.&nbsp;

In Barcelona and three other Catalan cities, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze on Wednesday, with police charging the protesters and in some places firing foam rounds. Some 50 people were arrested across the country. &nbsp;

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d145efc-1aae-4780-8566-bae0ae20c6d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93C27C.jpg" />

The director of Catalonia's regional police force, Pere Ferrer, said officers faced a "highly complex scenario" because of the "high volume of public disorder" which included looting.

The force has opened an investigation after a young woman lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona as a result of a foam projectile used by police to dispel the protesters, he added.

'Absolute red line'

Hasel, known for his hard-left views, was arrested after failing to turn himself in on Friday to start a nine-month sentence over tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants.

A court in his hometown of Lerida on February 12 sentenced the rapper to another jail term of two and a half years for threatening to kill a man at a bar, according to a ruling published Thursday.

Hundreds of artists have rallied to Hasel's cause, including filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and Hollywood actor Javier Bardem. Amnesty International said jailing him for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate" while campaigners say prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday.

Protesters clashed with police for a third night over the jailing of a rapper for his controversial tweets. Angry demonstrations erupted after police detained Pablo Hasel (32) on Tuesday. Hasel was holed up in a university in Catalonia to avoid jail in a highly contentious free speech case. Dozens of people have been arrested since Tuesday night. The violence has thrust the hard-left Podemos party -- the junior partner in Spain's leftwing coalition which has opposed Hasel's jailing and publicly supported the protesters -- into the firing line. Police reported six arrests in Barcelona on Thursday after protesters set up barricades, prompting police to fire tear gas. Burning rubbish bins and furniture was seen in the centre of the Catalan capital. Newsroom of the newspaper El Periodico de Cataluna was attacked. Images of clashes in Valencia were shown on TVE television. Hundreds of people gathered in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square calling for Hasel's release. The people hurled bottles at police who charged at them. The clashes lasted several hours as per AFP. Police arrested 19 people, while the city's emergency services said 55 people were injured, among them 35 police officers. In Barcelona and three other Catalan cities, demonstrators lobbed objects at police and set barricades ablaze on Wednesday, with police charging the protesters and in some places firing foam rounds. Some 50 people were arrested across the country. The director of Catalonia's regional police force, Pere Ferrer, said officers faced a "highly complex scenario" because of the "high volume of public disorder" which included looting. The force has opened an investigation after a young woman lost an eye on Tuesday night in Barcelona as a result of a foam projectile used by police to dispel the protesters, he added. 'Absolute red line' Hasel, known for his hard-left views, was arrested after failing to turn himself in on Friday to start a nine-month sentence over tweets calling former king Juan Carlos I a mafia boss and accusing police of torturing and killing demonstrators and migrants. A court in his hometown of Lerida on February 12 sentenced the rapper to another jail term of two and a half years for threatening to kill a man at a bar, according to a ruling published Thursday. Hundreds of artists have rallied to Hasel's cause, including filmmaker Pedro Almodovar and Hollywood actor Javier Bardem. Amnesty International said jailing him for song lyrics and tweets was "unjust and disproportionate" while campaigners say prosecuting him is a dangerous assault on free speech. (With AFP inputs)

Spain: Hundreds protest for third night after rapper's jailing

Myanmar teenager Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who was supposed to be celebrating her 20th birthday on Thursday, was determined to protest coup when she was shot by police.&nbsp;

Instead, she is now fighting for her life in a hospital in the capital Naypyitaw after she was shot in the head when police cracked down on a protest against the military coup. A hunt is also on by the Facebook and Twitter users to find the shooter.&nbsp;

Myanmar’s army seized power on February 1 and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a long transition towards democracy and bringing tens of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets.&nbsp;

The shooting of the teenager - the first known serious casualty of the protests - has roused anger across the nation and rallied support for the anti-coup movement, many of whose members are part of a Generation Z, who say they refuse to allow another generation to experience military rule.&nbsp;

Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a 19-year-old grocery store worker, had traveled with her sisters from a nearby village to Naypyitaw, the army-built capital in the center of the country, for a protest on Tuesday. It was one of dozens in towns and cities across the country.&nbsp;

Police quashed the peaceful protest with water cannon and gunfire. The teenager was struck in the back of the head with a live round as she was fleeing. A doctor from the hospital said, she had lost significant brain function and was not likely to survive.&nbsp;

The shooting has caused outrage across the country and recalled the long history of bloody crackdowns on protest by the security forces in Myanmar. &nbsp;

Protesters draped a massive portrait of her from a bridge in downtown Yangon, the commercial capital, on Wednesday. “Let’s together oppose the dictator who kills the people”, the banner read.

Myanmar teenager Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who was supposed to be celebrating her 20th birthday on Thursday, was determined to protest coup when she was shot by police.

Myanmar teenager Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who was supposed to be celebrating her 20th birthday on Thursday, was determined to protest coup when she was shot by police. Instead, she is now fighting for her life in a hospital in the capital Naypyitaw after she was shot in the head when police cracked down on a protest against the military coup. A hunt is also on by the Facebook and Twitter users to find the shooter. Myanmar’s army seized power on February 1 and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a long transition towards democracy and bringing tens of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets. The shooting of the teenager - the first known serious casualty of the protests - has roused anger across the nation and rallied support for the anti-coup movement, many of whose members are part of a Generation Z, who say they refuse to allow another generation to experience military rule. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a 19-year-old grocery store worker, had traveled with her sisters from a nearby village to Naypyitaw, the army-built capital in the center of the country, for a protest on Tuesday. It was one of dozens in towns and cities across the country. Police quashed the peaceful protest with water cannon and gunfire. The teenager was struck in the back of the head with a live round as she was fleeing. A doctor from the hospital said, she had lost significant brain function and was not likely to survive. The shooting has caused outrage across the country and recalled the long history of bloody crackdowns on protest by the security forces in Myanmar. Protesters draped a massive portrait of her from a bridge in downtown Yangon, the commercial capital, on Wednesday. “Let’s together oppose the dictator who kills the people”, the banner read.

Face of protest in Myanmar: Social media users launch hunt for girl’s shooter

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration. &nbsp;

The protesters accuse Moise of illegally extending his term in office. Moise says it lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections. &nbsp;

Police moved to violently clear the demonstration, and on several occasions were seen directly targeting clearly identified members of the press. &nbsp;

"Their job is to shoot the activists, throwing gas on all the press," said protester Senat Andre Dufot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We all noticed that they put a tear gas canister in the back of the pickup of the TV Pacific car," he said, referring to a Haitian media outlet vehicle, while clutching a copy of the country's constitution in his hand. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the Association of Haitian Journalists then called on the Haitian National Police authorities to conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrators of these abuses so that they can be held accountable for their actions. &nbsp;

Officials loyal to Moise claimed on Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government in a coup. Police arrested 23 people, including Haitian Supreme Court judge Yvickel Dieujuste Dabresil, accusing them of an 'attempted coup’. &nbsp;

And on Tuesday, Moise tried to force out three judges, including Dabresil, who were proposed as potential interim national leaders to replace him. &nbsp;

Dabresil was released on Wednesday from prison on the outskirts of the Haitian capital but remains under judicial supervision, according to his lawyers. However, human rights activist Marie-Yolene Gilles of the Je Klere Foundation later said the judge remained in prison. &nbsp;

"When there are opponents fighting, the best way to eliminate them was to accuse them of fomenting a coup," another protester, Ebens Cadet, said on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The decree appeared to be contrary to the constitution and Haitian law. &nbsp;

The United States had backed Moise's stance, and he appears to have retained control of the Caribbean island nation. &nbsp;

But in a statement on Twitter posted on Tuesday, the US embassy in Port-au-Prince said it was "deeply concerned about any actions that risk damaging Haiti's democratic institutions."

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration.

In the latest clashes to mark the country's political crisis, Haitian police fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters, who were marching against President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, and attacked journalists covering the demonstration. The protesters accuse Moise of illegally extending his term in office. Moise says it lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections. Police moved to violently clear the demonstration, and on several occasions were seen directly targeting clearly identified members of the press. "Their job is to shoot the activists, throwing gas on all the press," said protester Senat Andre Dufot. "We all noticed that they put a tear gas canister in the back of the pickup of the TV Pacific car," he said, referring to a Haitian media outlet vehicle, while clutching a copy of the country's constitution in his hand. In a statement, the Association of Haitian Journalists then called on the Haitian National Police authorities to conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrators of these abuses so that they can be held accountable for their actions. Officials loyal to Moise claimed on Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government in a coup. Police arrested 23 people, including Haitian Supreme Court judge Yvickel Dieujuste Dabresil, accusing them of an 'attempted coup’. And on Tuesday, Moise tried to force out three judges, including Dabresil, who were proposed as potential interim national leaders to replace him. Dabresil was released on Wednesday from prison on the outskirts of the Haitian capital but remains under judicial supervision, according to his lawyers. However, human rights activist Marie-Yolene Gilles of the Je Klere Foundation later said the judge remained in prison. "When there are opponents fighting, the best way to eliminate them was to accuse them of fomenting a coup," another protester, Ebens Cadet, said on Wednesday. The decree appeared to be contrary to the constitution and Haitian law. The United States had backed Moise's stance, and he appears to have retained control of the Caribbean island nation. But in a statement on Twitter posted on Tuesday, the US embassy in Port-au-Prince said it was "deeply concerned about any actions that risk damaging Haiti's democratic institutions."

Cops shoot tear gas on protesters in Haiti

Protests erupted in a town in southern Chile after a street artist was fatally shot by the police. Hundreds of people took part in the protests that saw a building being burnt down. Police fatally shot a juggler after he refused to co-operate with a police search.

A video claiming to be that of the shooting was circulated widely by local channels and social media.

"We regret the loss of this young juggler. I hope that justice is done," Ricardo Valdivia, Panguipulli's mayor, told Radio Cooperativa.

Witnesses to the incident started to shout at police officers and this further led to violent demonstrations and burning of the building.

Protesters set fire to several other buildings and set up barricades in streets around the town before riot police fired tear gas and water cannons, according to images from local media.

A video posted on Facebook by local official Carlos Duran showed several fires burning across the town and smoke rising above its skyline.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-thousands-of-protesters-take-to-streets-again-361884">Myanmar: Thousands of protesters take to streets again</a>

The local police force backed the officer who shot the artist.

Boris Alegria, lieutenant colonel of the Panguipulli police, said in a video that the officer used his weapon to "safeguard his own life" in "legitimate self-defense."

An investigation into the incident has been launched and Chilean government has ordered the force to hand over all records of the incident to Public Ministry

Panguipulli, which has a population of 32,500, is located 850 kilometres south of the capital Santiago, where residents banged pots and pans in anger over the killing.

Chileans took to social media to call for reforms and condemn the shooting.

"In a police force with a minimum professional level this should not have happened," tweeted writer Pedro Gandolfo.

"A shameful act with a tragic result."

(With AFP inputs)

Protests erupted in a town in southern Chile after a street artist was fatally shot by the police. Hundreds of people took part in the protests that saw a building being burnt down.

Protests erupted in a town in southern Chile after a street artist was fatally shot by the police. Hundreds of people took part in the protests that saw a building being burnt down. Police fatally shot a juggler after he refused to co-operate with a police search. A video claiming to be that of the shooting was circulated widely by local channels and social media. "We regret the loss of this young juggler. I hope that justice is done," Ricardo Valdivia, Panguipulli's mayor, told Radio Cooperativa. Witnesses to the incident started to shout at police officers and this further led to violent demonstrations and burning of the building. Protesters set fire to several other buildings and set up barricades in streets around the town before riot police fired tear gas and water cannons, according to images from local media. A video posted on Facebook by local official Carlos Duran showed several fires burning across the town and smoke rising above its skyline. Also Read | Myanmar: Thousands of protesters take to streets again The local police force backed the officer who shot the artist. Boris Alegria, lieutenant colonel of the Panguipulli police, said in a video that the officer used his weapon to "safeguard his own life" in "legitimate self-defense." An investigation into the incident has been launched and Chilean government has ordered the force to hand over all records of the incident to Public Ministry Panguipulli, which has a population of 32,500, is located 850 kilometres south of the capital Santiago, where residents banged pots and pans in anger over the killing. Chileans took to social media to call for reforms and condemn the shooting. "In a police force with a minimum professional level this should not have happened," tweeted writer Pedro Gandolfo. "A shameful act with a tragic result." (With AFP inputs)

Chile: Protests break out after police shoot dead street artist

Thousands of people took to the streets of Tunisia's capital city Tunis on Saturday people protested against the government and demanded relief from an ongoing economic crisis they demanded release who arrested this year during the protest.

Tension ran high in Tunisia's capital, protesters demand relief from an ongoing economic crisis

Disapproval ratings for Russian president Vladimir Putin hit a new low but not from Russian media, but it comes at a time when a nationwide protest has erupted over the jailing of Kermilc critic Alexy Navalny. Watch independent polls test.

Nationwide protest over Navalny's arrest leads to falling in Putin's approval ratings by 17%

One of the many virus restrictions has turned controversial in France. Restaurants are now opposing the ban on dine-in and nearly 24 cafes opened their doors as a sign of protest.

France: Over a dozen restaurants open doors as a sign of protest

For freedom: France takes to streets against new security bill

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them.

In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said.

A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said.

A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said.

"The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country. In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them. In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said. A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said. A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said. "The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well. Protesters dressed in black with their faces covered broke windows and a glass door of a Democratic Party of Oregon office in Portland. Video posted on social media showed that the protesters even spray-painted an anarchist symbol over Democratic Party sign.

"We don't want Biden. We want revenge for police murders, imperialist wars, and fascist massacres," read a banner they marched under.

Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday. In his inaugural speech, Biden urged unity and restoration.

Portland has been the scene of unrest for months, with civil rights, anarchist and anti-fascist protesters scuffling with police and occasionally with right-wing militias and Trump supporters.

The protests began in last summer after George Floyd's death, the Black man who died in Minneapolis in May after police pinned his neck to the ground for nearly nine minutes.

Eight people were arrested in Portland on suspicion of offences including rioting and reckless burning, while two people were arrested in Seattle, one for assault and another for property damage, police said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-visibly-relieved-china-warms-up-to-joe-biden-congratulates-him-358356">A visibly relieved China warms up to Joe Biden, congratulates him</a>

In their statement, the police said that about 150 protesters scuffled with police on bicycles before heading to Democratic Party office.

In Seattle, police said multiple sites had been vandalized and posted pictures of the damage, including what appeared to be of an Amazon Go store.

(With Reuters inputs)

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well.

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well. Protesters dressed in black with their faces covered broke windows and a glass door of a Democratic Party of Oregon office in Portland. Video posted on social media showed that the protesters even spray-painted an anarchist symbol over Democratic Party sign. "We don't want Biden. We want revenge for police murders, imperialist wars, and fascist massacres," read a banner they marched under. Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday. In his inaugural speech, Biden urged unity and restoration. Portland has been the scene of unrest for months, with civil rights, anarchist and anti-fascist protesters scuffling with police and occasionally with right-wing militias and Trump supporters. The protests began in last summer after George Floyd's death, the Black man who died in Minneapolis in May after police pinned his neck to the ground for nearly nine minutes. Eight people were arrested in Portland on suspicion of offences including rioting and reckless burning, while two people were arrested in Seattle, one for assault and another for property damage, police said. Also Read | A visibly relieved China warms up to Joe Biden, congratulates him In their statement, the police said that about 150 protesters scuffled with police on bicycles before heading to Democratic Party office. In Seattle, police said multiple sites had been vandalized and posted pictures of the damage, including what appeared to be of an Amazon Go store. (With Reuters inputs)

Portland: Protesters opposing Biden's inauguration vandalise Democratic Party office

Days after the 11 miners belonging to the Shia Hazara community were killed, members of the community continue to protest in Pakistan. The protesters have now blocked the highway in Quetta, demanding to meet PM Imran Khan.

Balochistan massacre: Protest as terrorists kill Shia miners

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill.

Police officers in the capital city, Paris, organised a rally to denounce the French&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron and stood outside the&nbsp;iconic Place de l'Etoile in their official uniforms.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-shocked-to-hear-black-music-producer-being-beaten-by-french-police-officers-detained-345812">&nbsp;Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained</a>

The roads surrounding the area illuminated with the blue lights of their police cars as the officers stood peacefully while chanting slogans against the government's decision.

These protests were organised to denounce Macron's recent hit at the local police alleging them of being harsher and questioning their policing. He had also vowed to personally intervene in the matter if things do not get better. He had penned a letter explaining his plans of bringing reforms in training in a few key areas, mainly:&nbsp;police training, supervision, resources, video footage of interventions, inspections, and relations with the wider population.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nice-church-attack-21-year-old-tunisian-man-charged-over-fatal-stabbings-348182">Nice church attack: 21-year-old Tunisian man charged over fatal stabbings</a>

This decision was taken after a few images and videos were circulated on the&nbsp;internet in which the police officers&nbsp;can be seen beating unarmed locals.

The police officers claim the revisiting of the security law will hinder in their protection as they, too, get harassed and so does their family. "I speak on behalf of the colleagues who are behind me, who suffer every day outside, who are molested, burned, abused, harassed," a local agency quoted a police officer.

French police officers have been staging small protests against Emmanuel Macron, and they reportedly plan to continue to organise more of such protests till the time the President assures their safety too.

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill.

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill. Police officers in the capital city, Paris, organised a rally to denounce the French President Emmanuel Macron and stood outside the iconic Place de l'Etoile in their official uniforms. Also read| Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained The roads surrounding the area illuminated with the blue lights of their police cars as the officers stood peacefully while chanting slogans against the government's decision. These protests were organised to denounce Macron's recent hit at the local police alleging them of being harsher and questioning their policing. He had also vowed to personally intervene in the matter if things do not get better. He had penned a letter explaining his plans of bringing reforms in training in a few key areas, mainly: police training, supervision, resources, video footage of interventions, inspections, and relations with the wider population. Also read| Nice church attack: 21-year-old Tunisian man charged over fatal stabbings This decision was taken after a few images and videos were circulated on the internet in which the police officers can be seen beating unarmed locals. The police officers claim the revisiting of the security law will hinder in their protection as they, too, get harassed and so does their family. "I speak on behalf of the colleagues who are behind me, who suffer every day outside, who are molested, burned, abused, harassed," a local agency quoted a police officer. French police officers have been staging small protests against Emmanuel Macron, and they reportedly plan to continue to organise more of such protests till the time the President assures their safety too.

French police protest against Emmanuel Macron's security bill

Several people has been injured after a women drove her car into the crowd of protesters in Manhattan, New York city on Friday. Six injured as car rams into protesters, investigations are currently underway.

Car rams into protest in Manhattan, investigation underway

UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India. Watch this video to know more

UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India

Art portraying French revolutionaries replaced with cartoon cats and birds might not be controversial in many countries, but it is a potentially touchy subject for Thailand`s monarchy. 
 
For artist Yuree Kensaku, 40, the political environment is a factor shaping her work as protesters call for reform of the monarchy alongside other changes. 
 
"People have started their political awakening," said Yuree, whose latest works are being shown at the Bangkok Art Biennale. 
 
Her art melds her Thai background with her experience as a resident artist in La Rochelle, France, where she was inspired by historical works portraying times of revolution. 
 
Talk of revolution is sensitive in Thailand, where royalists accuse protesters of seeking to bring down the monarchy with their calls for reforms to curb its powers - an accusation that protest leaders reject. The protesters seek to remove Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader, and demand a new constitution. 
 
Yuree, who is half-Thai and half-Japanese but was born and raised in Bangkok, said Western and Thai contexts were different and she did not intend to send a message about the monarchy through her work. 
 
"We must learn about the past to understand the present but I`m not saying that we have to go that way necessarily," she said. "I don`t think our country will reach the point of abolition but reforms should be possible." 
 
The central figure of one large art piece bearing the head of a chicken, echoes Eugene Delacroix`s painting "Liberty Leading the People", with a woman representing Liberty holding up the tricolour flag, in a commemoration of France`s July Revolution of 1830. 
 
The title "Blue, Blanc, Rouge" contrasts the French and Thai flags, which use the same blue, white and red colours to represent different things: freedom, equality and fraternity for France. In Thailand, the same colours stand for monarchy, religion and nation. 
 
The other work by Yuree on display at the biennale is a sculpture titled "Broken Victoria", modelled on the Winged Victory of Samothrace in the Louvre. 
 
The work, with the head of a cat with green hair and a broken wing, is recreated as another revolutionary flag bearer. The white ribbon tied around its waist refers to a symbol of the Thai protests, Yuree said. 
 
"In order to achieve victory you have to fight for it and it`s not going to be easy," she said. "You can get bruised and battered." 
 
Yuree said the oblique symbolism in her work, with meaning often shrouded within the piece, made it possible to exhibit in public without risk of trouble from the authorities in a country where insulting the monarchy can lead to a 15-year jail sentence. 
 
"The nature of my work is already self-censoring because it is hiding the truth behind it. It`s less risky than other artists out there," she said. 
 
&nbsp;

Art portraying French revolutionaries replaced with cartoon cats and birds might not be controversial in many countries, but it is a potentially touchy subject for Thailand`s monarchy.

Art portraying French revolutionaries replaced with cartoon cats and birds might not be controversial in many countries, but it is a potentially touchy subject for Thailand`s monarchy. For artist Yuree Kensaku, 40, the political environment is a factor shaping her work as protesters call for reform of the monarchy alongside other changes. "People have started their political awakening," said Yuree, whose latest works are being shown at the Bangkok Art Biennale. Her art melds her Thai background with her experience as a resident artist in La Rochelle, France, where she was inspired by historical works portraying times of revolution. Talk of revolution is sensitive in Thailand, where royalists accuse protesters of seeking to bring down the monarchy with their calls for reforms to curb its powers - an accusation that protest leaders reject. The protesters seek to remove Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader, and demand a new constitution. Yuree, who is half-Thai and half-Japanese but was born and raised in Bangkok, said Western and Thai contexts were different and she did not intend to send a message about the monarchy through her work. "We must learn about the past to understand the present but I`m not saying that we have to go that way necessarily," she said. "I don`t think our country will reach the point of abolition but reforms should be possible." The central figure of one large art piece bearing the head of a chicken, echoes Eugene Delacroix`s painting "Liberty Leading the People", with a woman representing Liberty holding up the tricolour flag, in a commemoration of France`s July Revolution of 1830. The title "Blue, Blanc, Rouge" contrasts the French and Thai flags, which use the same blue, white and red colours to represent different things: freedom, equality and fraternity for France. In Thailand, the same colours stand for monarchy, religion and nation. The other work by Yuree on display at the biennale is a sculpture titled "Broken Victoria", modelled on the Winged Victory of Samothrace in the Louvre. The work, with the head of a cat with green hair and a broken wing, is recreated as another revolutionary flag bearer. The white ribbon tied around its waist refers to a symbol of the Thai protests, Yuree said. "In order to achieve victory you have to fight for it and it`s not going to be easy," she said. "You can get bruised and battered." Yuree said the oblique symbolism in her work, with meaning often shrouded within the piece, made it possible to exhibit in public without risk of trouble from the authorities in a country where insulting the monarchy can lead to a 15-year jail sentence. "The nature of my work is already self-censoring because it is hiding the truth behind it. It`s less risky than other artists out there," she said.

Meet the Thai artist painting the country with her oblique symbolism

The results for Pakistan's sham & void election in Gilgit-Baltistan are out. Thousands have hit the streets saying the mandate has been stolen by Pakistan-Tehreek-I-Insaaf. Molly Gambhir gets you the story.

Gravitas: Pakistan's sham election in Gilgit-Baltistan

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