Thousands of protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday (July 26) as Singapore advised its travellers to avoid protest areas in the territory. Hong Kong airport authorities said operations at one of Asia's biggest civil aviation hubs would not be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption. The former British colony, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to Communist Party rulers in Beijing. At the airport protesters, many dressed in black and seated on the ground gradually filled the entire arrivals hall. They held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the cavernous glass and steel hall. Organizers said some 15,000 people took part in the protest over 11 hours, while police put the figure at 4,000 at its peak.

Protest against Extradition Bill, Thousands at airport demand "Free Hong Kong"

Hong Kong continues to be on the boil. Hong Kong police today began to use tear gas to disperse thousands of people, who were protesting in the Yuen Long. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: 288,000 people protest in Yuen Long

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a police ban on Saturday and marched through a town near the Chinese border to rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators there last weekend.

Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in Yuen Long station, leaving at least 45 people needing hospital treatment.

The brazen assault was the latest escalation in seven weeks of unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-anti-triad-rally-despite-police-ban-238786">political violence</a> that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets -- and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied.

Pokemon and shopping sprees&nbsp;

In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters.

Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement quickly filled up with vows from people to join in.&nbsp;

Some suggested holding a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long, others for a mass gathering of Pokemon Go, a popular mobile phone game.&nbsp;

Huge crowds spilled out of Yuen Long's main station on Saturday afternoon and into surrounding streets where police maintained a large presence but kept their distance. Many shops were shuttered.

"Everyone of us came here on our own initiation," a 25-year-old medical worker surnamed Ng, told AFP. "So I don't think this is an illegal assembly, I've just come here as an individual to tell people my thoughts."

Another woman, surnamed Cheung, said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear".

"The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added.

Large plastic barriers filled with water surrounded the local police station which was shuttered. The most common chant outside was "hak ging" -- black cops -- a pun on the a phrase to describe triads: black societies.&nbsp;

Triad links&nbsp;

Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.&nbsp;

Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links.

Rumours have swirled that protesters might target the ancestral halls and graves of a village close to the Yuen Long's station where the white shirt mob ran into after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers.&nbsp;

Earlier this week the graves of Junius Ho's parents were vandalised. An ardent pro-Beijing lawmaker, Ho was seen shaking hands with the white-shirted men before Sunday's attack. He also threatened a pro-democracy lawmaker in an online video earlier this week.

That lawmaker, Eddie Chu, who also hails from the New Territories, said many villagers abhorred Sunday's attack but were afraid to speak out, calling on demonstrators not to harm graves and halls.&nbsp;

An AFP photographer saw protesters putting up signs encouraging others not to venture into the nearby villages.

Few concessions&nbsp;

Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders.&nbsp;

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight, but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation.

City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill.&nbsp;

On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored.&nbsp;

The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights. &nbsp;

Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before.&nbsp;

Police have allowed a rally to take place, but denied protesters permission to march, raising the likelihood of further confrontations.&nbsp;

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a police ban on Saturday and marched through a town near the Chinese border to rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators there last weekend.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a police ban on Saturday and marched through a town near the Chinese border to rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators there last weekend. Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in Yuen Long station, leaving at least 45 people needing hospital treatment. The brazen assault was the latest escalation in seven weeks of unprecedented political violence that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge. Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets -- and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied. Pokemon and shopping sprees In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters. Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement quickly filled up with vows from people to join in. Some suggested holding a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long, others for a mass gathering of Pokemon Go, a popular mobile phone game. Huge crowds spilled out of Yuen Long's main station on Saturday afternoon and into surrounding streets where police maintained a large presence but kept their distance. Many shops were shuttered. "Everyone of us came here on our own initiation," a 25-year-old medical worker surnamed Ng, told AFP. "So I don't think this is an illegal assembly, I've just come here as an individual to tell people my thoughts." Another woman, surnamed Cheung, said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear". "The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added. Large plastic barriers filled with water surrounded the local police station which was shuttered. The most common chant outside was "hak ging" -- black cops -- a pun on the a phrase to describe triads: black societies. Triad links Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links. Rumours have swirled that protesters might target the ancestral halls and graves of a village close to the Yuen Long's station where the white shirt mob ran into after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers. Earlier this week the graves of Junius Ho's parents were vandalised. An ardent pro-Beijing lawmaker, Ho was seen shaking hands with the white-shirted men before Sunday's attack. He also threatened a pro-democracy lawmaker in an online video earlier this week. That lawmaker, Eddie Chu, who also hails from the New Territories, said many villagers abhorred Sunday's attack but were afraid to speak out, calling on demonstrators not to harm graves and halls. An AFP photographer saw protesters putting up signs encouraging others not to venture into the nearby villages. Few concessions Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders. Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight, but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation. City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill. On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored. The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights. Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before. Police have allowed a rally to take place, but denied protesters permission to march, raising the likelihood of further confrontations.

Hong Kongers defy police ban with mass 'anti-triad' rally

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry.

Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests.

"Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta.

She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date.

In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar.

Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply.

It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally.

PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing.

The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries.

Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents. The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry. Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests. "Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta. She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date. In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar. Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply. It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally. PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing. The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries. Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan opposition parties hold protest rallies against PM Khan

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis.&nbsp;

The rally comes a day ahead of yet another mass protest planned against the government and its handling of the now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial.&nbsp;

Hong Kong`s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, has apologised for the turmoil the bill has caused and declared it "dead", although opponents say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do.&nbsp;

Demonstrators, mostly middle-aged or older, braved heavy rain and thunderstorms to gather at the city's Tamar Park, next to the Legislative Council which protesters stormed and raided on July 1 - the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule.&nbsp;

"Violence is intolerant. We are distressed about our home and we should absolutely stand out to support Hong Kong police, to maintain stability and rule of law in the society," said Tsol Pui, 85, president of Hong Kong Veterans' Home.

Two initially peaceful protests last weekend degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding riot police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.&nbsp;

The fights followed larger outbreaks of violence between police and protesters in central Hong Kong last month, with police forcing back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds.

Activists and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into what they describe as excessive use of force by police.

The protesters are also demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government`s description of demonstrations and the unconditional release of those arrested.&nbsp;

What started as protests over the extradition bill has now morphed into demands for greater democracy, the resignation of leader Lam, and even curbing the number of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong.

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control.

Other anti-government protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, and in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest areas.

Opponents of the extradition bill fear it would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed, and have voiced concerns over the city`s much-cherished rule of law.

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis.

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis. The rally comes a day ahead of yet another mass protest planned against the government and its handling of the now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial. Hong Kong`s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, has apologised for the turmoil the bill has caused and declared it "dead", although opponents say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do. Demonstrators, mostly middle-aged or older, braved heavy rain and thunderstorms to gather at the city's Tamar Park, next to the Legislative Council which protesters stormed and raided on July 1 - the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule. "Violence is intolerant. We are distressed about our home and we should absolutely stand out to support Hong Kong police, to maintain stability and rule of law in the society," said Tsol Pui, 85, president of Hong Kong Veterans' Home. Two initially peaceful protests last weekend degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding riot police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. The fights followed larger outbreaks of violence between police and protesters in central Hong Kong last month, with police forcing back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds. Activists and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into what they describe as excessive use of force by police. The protesters are also demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government`s description of demonstrations and the unconditional release of those arrested. What started as protests over the extradition bill has now morphed into demands for greater democracy, the resignation of leader Lam, and even curbing the number of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control. Other anti-government protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, and in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest areas. Opponents of the extradition bill fear it would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed, and have voiced concerns over the city`s much-cherished rule of law.

Government supporters rally in Hong Kong to seek end to violence

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-unrest-7-media-associates-organize-silent-march-in-hong-kong-235961">Hong Kong</a> shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reporters-march-against-alleged-police-violence-235812">Hong Kong</a>'s ongoing political crisis deepened further on Sunday as riot police and protesters fought running battles inside a shopping complex packed with luxury stores.

Police used pepper spray and batons against small groups of protesters, who responded by hurling umbrellas, bottles and other projectiles, in a night of fresh violence in the international hub.

Both officers and protesters were injured in the chaotic melee which left bloodstains on the floor and at least 28 people needing hospital treatment.

City leader Carrie&nbsp;Lam rounded on protesters after visiting injured officers Monday.

"They were committed to the duties, and also very professional and restrained. But they were wantonly attacked by rioters -- I think we can really describe them as rioters," Lam told reporters.

Lam said police and prosecutors will press charges following investigations.

Hong Kong has been rocked by more than a month of huge largely peaceful protests -- as well as a series of separate violent confrontations with police -- sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and other countries.

Watch- Hong Kong: Extradition law 'dead', but protests alive

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Last month, parliament was trashed by hundreds of masked, youth-led protesters in unprecedented scenes.

The bill has since been suspended, but that has done little to quell public anger which has evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous hub.

Lam's use of the word "rioters" will likely infuriate protesters, who have balked at that description.

They have accused police of using disproportionate force and demanded the designation be retracted.&nbsp;

"Instead of seeking reconciliation, she (Lam) turned to the police for support, by initiating hatred and bloodshed," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet.

Police commissioner Stephen Lo said early Monday more than 40 people were arrested during Sunday's clashes -- which took place in Sha Tin district -- and that an officer had part of his finger bitten off.

A hospital authority spokesperson said 28 people had sought emergency treatment and seven men remained in hospital Monday morning, including two who were in serious condition.

The spokesperson did not provide a breakdown of injuries among police and protesters.&nbsp;

But Lam said more than 10 officers were injured during the clashes and six were still in hospital on Monday.

Her administration has made little headway in defusing the city's worst crisis in decades.

Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, an amnesty for those arrested, and for Lam to step down.

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. Hong Kong's ongoing political crisis deepened further on Sunday as riot police and protesters fought running battles inside a shopping complex packed with luxury stores. Police used pepper spray and batons against small groups of protesters, who responded by hurling umbrellas, bottles and other projectiles, in a night of fresh violence in the international hub. Both officers and protesters were injured in the chaotic melee which left bloodstains on the floor and at least 28 people needing hospital treatment. City leader Carrie Lam rounded on protesters after visiting injured officers Monday. "They were committed to the duties, and also very professional and restrained. But they were wantonly attacked by rioters -- I think we can really describe them as rioters," Lam told reporters. Lam said police and prosecutors will press charges following investigations. Hong Kong has been rocked by more than a month of huge largely peaceful protests -- as well as a series of separate violent confrontations with police -- sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and other countries. Watch- Hong Kong: Extradition law 'dead', but protests alive × Last month, parliament was trashed by hundreds of masked, youth-led protesters in unprecedented scenes. The bill has since been suspended, but that has done little to quell public anger which has evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous hub. Lam's use of the word "rioters" will likely infuriate protesters, who have balked at that description. They have accused police of using disproportionate force and demanded the designation be retracted. "Instead of seeking reconciliation, she (Lam) turned to the police for support, by initiating hatred and bloodshed," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet. Police commissioner Stephen Lo said early Monday more than 40 people were arrested during Sunday's clashes -- which took place in Sha Tin district -- and that an officer had part of his finger bitten off. A hospital authority spokesperson said 28 people had sought emergency treatment and seven men remained in hospital Monday morning, including two who were in serious condition. The spokesperson did not provide a breakdown of injuries among police and protesters. But Lam said more than 10 officers were injured during the clashes and six were still in hospital on Monday. Her administration has made little headway in defusing the city's worst crisis in decades. Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, an amnesty for those arrested, and for Lam to step down.

I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-take-aim-at-chinese-traders-235490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_7c-k6LHjAhWJKY8KHVxwAGAQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KoX7H1bZ9ic5r3AI4kdbe">protest against mainland Chinese traders</a>.

The police made the announcement in a post on their website and in a message read out on television.

The protest in Sheung Shui, not far from the Chinese city of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-2019-growth-seen-slowing-to-62-per-cent-as-trade-war-weighs-reuters-poll-234697&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1g7TU6LHjAhXKKY8KHd1kCh8QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XvWhLkwEenEbvR34tn6B_">Shenzhen</a>, started peacefully but devolved into skirmishes, with demonstrators throwing umbrellas and hard hats at police who retaliated by swinging batons and firing pepper spray.

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to protest against mainland Chinese traders.

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to protest against mainland Chinese traders. The police made the announcement in a post on their website and in a message read out on television. The protest in Sheung Shui, not far from the Chinese city of Shenzhen, started peacefully but devolved into skirmishes, with demonstrators throwing umbrellas and hard hats at police who retaliated by swinging batons and firing pepper spray.

After scuffles, Hong Kong police warn protesters to refrain from violence, leave scene

A row between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/calls-for-boycott-of-japan-grow-in-south-korea-as-diplomatic-row-simmers-233755&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkh4bL67HjAhWQOnAKHdK0CDwQFjAHegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rNFlubgai0uu1K36l6Dq6">Japan and South Korea</a> escalated on Saturday, with contested accounts of a frosty meeting the day before that had failed to make progress on a dispute that could threaten global supplies of microchips and smartphone displays.

Tokyo lodged a protest against Seoul, saying it had broken an agreement on what the two sides would disclose from the Friday discussions on Japan's curbs of exports to Korea of some materials used to make high-tech equipment, said Japanese trade ministry official Jun Iwamatsu.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-restricts-chip-smartphone-materials-exports-to-south-korea-231877&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl1rby67HjAhWGFYgKHYb8B_QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29aGx03LnTm9o7nxEPuTA6">Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)</a> also disputed a Korean official's statement that Seoul had asked Japan on Friday to withdraw the restrictions.

But a Korean trade ministry official shot back that Seoul had "clearly demanded Japan withdraw its trade restrictions at yesterday’s meeting, and there should be no disagreement over that matter with Japan."

He told Reuters the two sides had discussed what they would disclose but that there was no agreement.

"I am frustrated," said the Korean official, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Japan recently tightened restrictions on the export of three materials used in high-tech equipment, citing what it has called "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to South Korea, as well as a lack of consultations about export controls.

But the dispute also appears to be rooted in a decades-old wartime disagreement. It comes amid deep frustration in Japan over what Tokyo sees as Seoul's failure to act in response to a South Korean court ruling ordering a Japanese company to compensate former forced labourers from the Second World War.

In the Friday talks, South Korean officials expressed regret over Japan's export restrictions and asked Tokyo to remove them, participant Han Cheol-hee, a trade ministry director, told reporters as he was leaving Japan on Saturday.

In response, Iwamatsu, director of METI's trade control policy division, told a hastily arranged news conference: "We've checked the record of the meeting ... We found no clear comment asking for the withdrawal."

Iwamatsu said the two sides had agreed on what they would disclose from the talks but that the Korean official went beyond the agreement.&nbsp;

"We believe this is something that affects our relationship of trust," he said.

One reason for the sensitivity over characterising the talks could be a Japanese fear that if Korea can assert that it used consultations and unsuccessfully sought to have Tokyo withdraw the curbs, Seoul could justify escalating the matter to the World Trade Organisation.

"The nature of the meeting is not a consultation, but an occasion where Japan gives an explanation after getting a request from the South Korean government," Iwamatsu said.

"Therefore we would like to correct expression from a South Korean official that the meeting can appropriately be described as consultation for problem-solving."

Friday's talks began with two negotiators from each side facing off in stony silence in a small meeting room, without greeting each other and with the Japanese officials not standing or bowing when their Korean counterparts entered.

A Japanese official later explained that the bureaucrats had earlier met and exchanged greetings. South Korean media, however, reported there was a "cold reception" for their officials, and that the meeting took place in a room that looked like a "garage".

A row between Japan and South Korea escalated on Saturday, with contested accounts of a frosty meeting the day before that had failed to make progress on a dispute that could threaten global supplies of microchips and smartphone displays.

A row between Japan and South Korea escalated on Saturday, with contested accounts of a frosty meeting the day before that had failed to make progress on a dispute that could threaten global supplies of microchips and smartphone displays. Tokyo lodged a protest against Seoul, saying it had broken an agreement on what the two sides would disclose from the Friday discussions on Japan's curbs of exports to Korea of some materials used to make high-tech equipment, said Japanese trade ministry official Jun Iwamatsu. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) also disputed a Korean official's statement that Seoul had asked Japan on Friday to withdraw the restrictions. But a Korean trade ministry official shot back that Seoul had "clearly demanded Japan withdraw its trade restrictions at yesterday’s meeting, and there should be no disagreement over that matter with Japan." He told Reuters the two sides had discussed what they would disclose but that there was no agreement. "I am frustrated," said the Korean official, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Japan recently tightened restrictions on the export of three materials used in high-tech equipment, citing what it has called "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to South Korea, as well as a lack of consultations about export controls. But the dispute also appears to be rooted in a decades-old wartime disagreement. It comes amid deep frustration in Japan over what Tokyo sees as Seoul's failure to act in response to a South Korean court ruling ordering a Japanese company to compensate former forced labourers from the Second World War. In the Friday talks, South Korean officials expressed regret over Japan's export restrictions and asked Tokyo to remove them, participant Han Cheol-hee, a trade ministry director, told reporters as he was leaving Japan on Saturday. In response, Iwamatsu, director of METI's trade control policy division, told a hastily arranged news conference: "We've checked the record of the meeting ... We found no clear comment asking for the withdrawal." Iwamatsu said the two sides had agreed on what they would disclose from the talks but that the Korean official went beyond the agreement. "We believe this is something that affects our relationship of trust," he said. One reason for the sensitivity over characterising the talks could be a Japanese fear that if Korea can assert that it used consultations and unsuccessfully sought to have Tokyo withdraw the curbs, Seoul could justify escalating the matter to the World Trade Organisation. "The nature of the meeting is not a consultation, but an occasion where Japan gives an explanation after getting a request from the South Korean government," Iwamatsu said. "Therefore we would like to correct expression from a South Korean official that the meeting can appropriately be described as consultation for problem-solving." Friday's talks began with two negotiators from each side facing off in stony silence in a small meeting room, without greeting each other and with the Japanese officials not standing or bowing when their Korean counterparts entered. A Japanese official later explained that the bureaucrats had earlier met and exchanged greetings. South Korean media, however, reported there was a "cold reception" for their officials, and that the meeting took place in a room that looked like a "garage".

More acrimony in Japan-South Korea row as Tokyo lodges protest

Five people were arrested during overnight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-clashes-as-hong-kong-marks-china-handover-anniversary-232056">clashes in Hong Kong </a>between riot officers and anti-government protesters, police said Monday, as the political violence rocking the international hub shows no sign of abating.

The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history following a month of huge marches as well as separate violent confrontations with police involving a minority of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

The rallies were sparked by a now-suspended law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-police-baton-charge-protesters-in-hong-kong-233863">China</a>, but have since morphed into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory.

Sunday night saw fresh political violence break out in the district of Mongkok as police baton-charged small groups of masked, largely young protesters who were walking along roads and refused to disperse following another massive, peaceful rally earlier in the day.

In a statement issued early Monday morning, police said the group was taking part in an "unlawful assembly" and had been warned that officers would take action.&nbsp;

"Some protesters resisted and police arrested five persons for assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer in the execution of duties," the statement said.

Activists hit out at the police tactics, saying the protesters in Mongkok had remained peaceful as they made their way home and that violence was started by a shield wall of riot officers that had blocked the crowd's path.&nbsp;

"HKers joined rally peacefully... against extradition, bill results in being beaten and assaulted by HK Police," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet accompanying pictures of at least two protesters with bleeding head wounds.&nbsp;

"Just another example of excessive force used by the police," he added in another tweet.

Public anger has soared against the city's pro-Beijing leaders and its police force after officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside parliament last month.

Since then the chaos has only escalated. Last Monday, anger peaked as hundreds of youth-led demonstrators successfully stormed and trashed the city's parliament.

Those unprecedented scenes -- and renewed huge marches -- have failed to persuade the government, whose sole concession so far has been to suspend the loathed extradition bill.&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, amnesty for those arrested, and for the city's unelected leader Carrie Lam to step down.

They have also demanded authorities stop characterizing protesters as "rioters", a definition that carries much steeper jail terms.

Beijing has thrown its full support behind the embattled Lam, calling on Hong Kong police to pursue anyone involved in the parliament storming and other clashes.

Despite repeated requests, police have not released a breakdown of how many people have been detained in the last month of protests.

Five people were arrested during overnight clashes in Hong Kong between riot officers and anti-government protesters, police said Monday, as the political violence rocking the international hub shows no sign of abating.

Five people were arrested during overnight clashes in Hong Kong between riot officers and anti-government protesters, police said Monday, as the political violence rocking the international hub shows no sign of abating. The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history following a month of huge marches as well as separate violent confrontations with police involving a minority of hardcore protesters. The rallies were sparked by a now-suspended law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have since morphed into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory. Sunday night saw fresh political violence break out in the district of Mongkok as police baton-charged small groups of masked, largely young protesters who were walking along roads and refused to disperse following another massive, peaceful rally earlier in the day. In a statement issued early Monday morning, police said the group was taking part in an "unlawful assembly" and had been warned that officers would take action. "Some protesters resisted and police arrested five persons for assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer in the execution of duties," the statement said. Activists hit out at the police tactics, saying the protesters in Mongkok had remained peaceful as they made their way home and that violence was started by a shield wall of riot officers that had blocked the crowd's path. "HKers joined rally peacefully... against extradition, bill results in being beaten and assaulted by HK Police," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet accompanying pictures of at least two protesters with bleeding head wounds. "Just another example of excessive force used by the police," he added in another tweet. Public anger has soared against the city's pro-Beijing leaders and its police force after officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside parliament last month. Since then the chaos has only escalated. Last Monday, anger peaked as hundreds of youth-led demonstrators successfully stormed and trashed the city's parliament. Those unprecedented scenes -- and renewed huge marches -- have failed to persuade the government, whose sole concession so far has been to suspend the loathed extradition bill. Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, amnesty for those arrested, and for the city's unelected leader Carrie Lam to step down. They have also demanded authorities stop characterizing protesters as "rioters", a definition that carries much steeper jail terms. Beijing has thrown its full support behind the embattled Lam, calling on Hong Kong police to pursue anyone involved in the parliament storming and other clashes. Despite repeated requests, police have not released a breakdown of how many people have been detained in the last month of protests.

Hong Kong police arrest five after night of clashes

The Baloch Republican Party's (BRP) Germany unit has organised a demonstration here to highlight the incidents of enforced disappearances and human rights violations against Baloch people in Balochistan province in Pakistan.

The protest was aimed at highlighting the escalation of military operation against the Baloch people allegedly by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan.

The activists said that the Pakistani military establishment has been abducting and killing Baloch people who attempt to raise their voice against enforced disappearances and worsening human rights violations.

They held placards with slogans like -- '#CPEC is a map of destruction not development for Baloch people' and 'Baloch enforced disappearances, a crime against humanity'.

"We are here in Cologne to highlight Pakistan's inhumane behaviour in Balochistan. As we all know, there is a Baloch genocide going on in Pakistan which is being carried out by the Pakistan Army. Recently, the Pakistan Army has started a new game by releasing some abducted Baloch persons and abducting more people. They continue their military operations in different ports of Balochistan as well," Atta Baloch, social media manager, BRP Germany chapter said.

"In the name of CPEC and other projects, Pakistan has always looted Baloch resources along with China. When activists, doctors, teachers, lawyers or anyone tries to raise their voice against this genocide and (looting of) Baloch resources, they have been abducted or killed. We request the international community and human rights organisations to take note of Pakistan's inhumane behaviour in Balochistan," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, another BRP activist named Muhammad Baloch also spoke about the enforced disappearances of Baloch people in Balochistan.

"We have gathered here to protest against the brutalities which Pakistan is carrying out in Balochistan. We have witnessed thousands of Baloch activists and students going missing and the numbers are increasing day by day. Unfortunately, Pakistan is carrying out abductions and the world is not questioning about it," he said.

Requesting the international community to intervene, the activist further said, "We request the world to intervene because Pakistan have started abducting women and children and the circumstances are getting even worse day by day. We request the international media and the UN to intervene as we are experiencing a genocide."

Muhammad Baloch hoped that the atrocities would come to an end and Baloch people would be allowed to live in peace.

Human rights activists from various Baloch organisations have been continuing their campaigns around the world to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan.

Pakistan's establishment has been long criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

The Baloch Republican Party's (BRP) Germany unit has organised a demonstration here to highlight the incidents of enforced disappearances and human rights violations against Baloch people in Balochistan province in Pakistan.

The Baloch Republican Party's (BRP) Germany unit has organised a demonstration here to highlight the incidents of enforced disappearances and human rights violations against Baloch people in Balochistan province in Pakistan. The protest was aimed at highlighting the escalation of military operation against the Baloch people allegedly by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan. The activists said that the Pakistani military establishment has been abducting and killing Baloch people who attempt to raise their voice against enforced disappearances and worsening human rights violations. They held placards with slogans like -- '#CPEC is a map of destruction not development for Baloch people' and 'Baloch enforced disappearances, a crime against humanity'. "We are here in Cologne to highlight Pakistan's inhumane behaviour in Balochistan. As we all know, there is a Baloch genocide going on in Pakistan which is being carried out by the Pakistan Army. Recently, the Pakistan Army has started a new game by releasing some abducted Baloch persons and abducting more people. They continue their military operations in different ports of Balochistan as well," Atta Baloch, social media manager, BRP Germany chapter said. "In the name of CPEC and other projects, Pakistan has always looted Baloch resources along with China. When activists, doctors, teachers, lawyers or anyone tries to raise their voice against this genocide and (looting of) Baloch resources, they have been abducted or killed. We request the international community and human rights organisations to take note of Pakistan's inhumane behaviour in Balochistan," he added. Echoing similar sentiments, another BRP activist named Muhammad Baloch also spoke about the enforced disappearances of Baloch people in Balochistan. "We have gathered here to protest against the brutalities which Pakistan is carrying out in Balochistan. We have witnessed thousands of Baloch activists and students going missing and the numbers are increasing day by day. Unfortunately, Pakistan is carrying out abductions and the world is not questioning about it," he said. Requesting the international community to intervene, the activist further said, "We request the world to intervene because Pakistan have started abducting women and children and the circumstances are getting even worse day by day. We request the international media and the UN to intervene as we are experiencing a genocide." Muhammad Baloch hoped that the atrocities would come to an end and Baloch people would be allowed to live in peace. Human rights activists from various Baloch organisations have been continuing their campaigns around the world to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan. Pakistan's establishment has been long criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by International bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Germany: BRP activists stage protest against enforced disappearances in Balochistan

Hundreds in Paris take to streets in protest against domestic violence

Protesters gathered in Hong Kong's on Sunday (July 7) to join in a march heading to the train station, to explain to mainland Chinese visitors their opposition to an extradition bill that has plunged the city into political turmoil.

Hong Kong protesters get ready to explain grievances to Chinese visitors

A Report On The Modern Political History Of Hong Kong

Gravitas: Protests mark Hong Kong Anniversary

Protesters spray paint slogans on walls. Cleaning is underway at legislative chamber. Police use force to evict demonstrators. Where Carrie lam says violence used by protesters is shocking. Watch this video to know more.

Calm After Storm In Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Police Evacuate Protesters From Chamber

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-protest-to-demand-civilian-rule-in-sudan-231807">huge protests</a> that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said.

Sudan`s ruling military council and the opposition movement have been wrangling for weeks over how to manage a transition to elections since the military ousted long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11.

Security forces raided the Sudanese Professionals` Association (SPA) office, where the group had been due to hold a news conference.

"This represents a violation of liberties that is even worse than the regime of the former president (Bashir)," Ahmed al-Rabie, an SPA spokesman, told Reuters. "This is a bad sign for the atmosphere of mediation between the two parties."

The military council did not immediately comment. The SPA made no mention of arrests.

The news conference was planned ahead of protests called on Sunday by an opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), that the SPA is a part of. The opposition are hoping as many as a million people will join the protests, which they want to use to press the military council to hand power over to civilians.

The coalition said the protests would go ahead as planned on Sunday.

Earlier on Saturday, the military council said FFC would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the planned protests.

"We ... hold the Forces for Freedom and Change fully responsible for any spirit that is lost in this march, or any damage or harm to citizens or state institutions," the council said in a statement carried by state news agency SUNA.

The deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, warned of "vandals" and a "concealed agenda" that he suggested might seek to take advantage of the protests.

Direct talks between the council and the FFC stalled and then collapsed altogether when security forces stormed a protest sit-in in central Khartoum on June 3, killing dozens.

The sit-in had become the focal point of protests against Bashir and the military council.

Mediators led by the African Union (AU) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks between the two sides.

On Friday, the military council said a proposal submitted by the AU and Ethiopia received on June 27 was suitable for the resumption of talks with the opposition.

The opposition had supported an earlier Ethiopian proposal before the military council said the AU and Ethiopian efforts needed to be merged.

Separately on Saturday, the SPA said the head of a teachers` committee and a leading member of the FFC had been detained.

The military council did not immediately comment.

"We urge the international community to demand their immediate release. This move by the TMC is highly detrimental to confidence building at this crucial time," said the SPA, which is part of the FFC and spearheaded the anti-Bashir protests.

The European Union on Friday said the Sudanese people`s right to protest and express their views "is key" and supported the AU-Ethiopian mediation efforts.

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before huge protests that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said.

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before huge protests that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said. Sudan`s ruling military council and the opposition movement have been wrangling for weeks over how to manage a transition to elections since the military ousted long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11. Security forces raided the Sudanese Professionals` Association (SPA) office, where the group had been due to hold a news conference. "This represents a violation of liberties that is even worse than the regime of the former president (Bashir)," Ahmed al-Rabie, an SPA spokesman, told Reuters. "This is a bad sign for the atmosphere of mediation between the two parties." The military council did not immediately comment. The SPA made no mention of arrests. The news conference was planned ahead of protests called on Sunday by an opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), that the SPA is a part of. The opposition are hoping as many as a million people will join the protests, which they want to use to press the military council to hand power over to civilians. The coalition said the protests would go ahead as planned on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, the military council said FFC would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the planned protests. "We ... hold the Forces for Freedom and Change fully responsible for any spirit that is lost in this march, or any damage or harm to citizens or state institutions," the council said in a statement carried by state news agency SUNA. The deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, warned of "vandals" and a "concealed agenda" that he suggested might seek to take advantage of the protests. Direct talks between the council and the FFC stalled and then collapsed altogether when security forces stormed a protest sit-in in central Khartoum on June 3, killing dozens. The sit-in had become the focal point of protests against Bashir and the military council. Mediators led by the African Union (AU) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks between the two sides. On Friday, the military council said a proposal submitted by the AU and Ethiopia received on June 27 was suitable for the resumption of talks with the opposition. The opposition had supported an earlier Ethiopian proposal before the military council said the AU and Ethiopian efforts needed to be merged. Separately on Saturday, the SPA said the head of a teachers` committee and a leading member of the FFC had been detained. The military council did not immediately comment. "We urge the international community to demand their immediate release. This move by the TMC is highly detrimental to confidence building at this crucial time," said the SPA, which is part of the FFC and spearheaded the anti-Bashir protests. The European Union on Friday said the Sudanese people`s right to protest and express their views "is key" and supported the AU-Ethiopian mediation efforts.

Sudan security forces raid opposition group office ahead of protest

People Of Georgia Attempt To Break Into Parliament Building, Hundreds Of Protesters Injured.

Gravitas: Georgia: Protest erupt over Russian MP's visit

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs.

Though the number of demonstrators rose slightly last week across France, they remained well below earlier peaks seen in November and December, when an estimated 300,000 took to the streets on Saturdays in protests that often resulted in widespread violence and vandalism in Paris.

The "yellow vests" protests, named after the bright jackets French drivers have to keep in their cars and which have been worn by demonstrators, began in November after public anger against fuel tax rises. Those were subsequently scrapped but the movement has since morphed into a broader anti-government protest.

The number of protestors have&nbsp;gradually fallen as a result of measures taken by President Emmanuel Macron to quell the public anger, such as tax cuts to boost consumers' spending power.

However, some demonstrators on Saturday said they would continue to protest over Macron's policies. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs. Though the number of demonstrators rose slightly last week across France, they remained well below earlier peaks seen in November and December, when an estimated 300,000 took to the streets on Saturdays in protests that often resulted in widespread violence and vandalism in Paris. The "yellow vests" protests, named after the bright jackets French drivers have to keep in their cars and which have been worn by demonstrators, began in November after public anger against fuel tax rises. Those were subsequently scrapped but the movement has since morphed into a broader anti-government protest. The number of protestors have gradually fallen as a result of measures taken by President Emmanuel Macron to quell the public anger, such as tax cuts to boost consumers' spending power. However, some demonstrators on Saturday said they would continue to protest over Macron's policies.

'Yellow vest' protestors push on for 31st weekend despite waning numbers

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had&nbsp;sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

Under the handover deal, Hong Kong benefits from a "One Country, Two Systems" policy that allows it to retain certain key liberties, such as freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, until 2047.

A push for democratic reforms saw unprecedented street protests in 2014, with demands for change reignited in February this year, leading to the worst political violence in the financial hub since 1997.

Here is an overview.

- 2003: National security law -

Some half a million people marched against a controversial attempt by the government to introduce a national security law that critics feared would hammer free speech.&nbsp;

The bill, which came after a deadly outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, was the first mass demonstration movement the city's pro-Beijing leaders had faced since the 1997 handover.

It was eventually shelved and set in process the resignation of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.

- 2012: Education protests -

Tens of thousands of predominantly young demonstrators, many of them school children, surrounded the city government's complex for 10 days.&nbsp;

The target of their ire was a government order for schools to teach "Moral and National Education" classes that praised China's communist and nationalist history while criticising republicanism and democracy movements.&nbsp;

The government abandoned the curriculum and some of the protest leaders, such as then 15-year-old Joshua Wong, went on to become leading democracy advocates.

- 2014: Umbrella Movement -

For two months in late 2014 tens of thousands of protesters paralysed parts of the city with mass student-led demonstrations and sit-ins to demand democratic reforms such as the right to elect the city's leader.

There were clashes and scenes of violence, until then rare in the semi-autonomous territory, as police used pepper spray and tear gas to break up the demonstrations.

It becomes known as the Umbrella Movement after some demonstrators used umbrellas to protect themselves.

Police dismantled the main pro-democracy site in December, hauling off a hard core of protesters who vowed that their struggle would live on.&nbsp;

But the movement failed to win any concessions and many of its leaders are now in prison.&nbsp;

- 2019: Extradition anger -

In February 2019 Hong Kong's government announced plans for a bill that would allow, for the first time, extraditions to mainland China.

The move was prompted by a murder but the opposition and lawyers fear such a law would tighten Beijing's grip on civil society and allow it to pursue its political enemies in Hong Kong.

Tens of thousands of people hit Hong Kong's streets in protest on April 28 in one of the biggest demonstrations since the Umbrella Movement.

It came just days after four prominent democratic leaders were jailed for their role in organising the 2014 protests.

Hong Kong's government made concessions on May 30, saying the extradition law would only apply to cases involving a potential jail term of at least seven years.

Britain and Canada raised concerns that expatriates living and working in Hong Kong, an international business hub, could also face extradition.

- Protests grow -

On June 4, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers, fearful for their own liberties, commemorated 30 years since China's bloody Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

Such commemorations are not allowed in mainland China.

Two days later, thousands of Hong Kong lawyers marched in silence against the draft extradition law.

On June 9, more than one million people, according to organisers, took to the streets for seven hours in the biggest demonstration by far since the return to Chinese rule.&nbsp;

The police, who made 19 arrests, put the turnout at 240,000.

On June 12, a scheduled second reading of the controversial bill was delayed after huge crowds rally, blocking major roads and attempting to storm parliament.

Police used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds -- small fabric bags filled with lead pellets -- on the demonstrators, most of them young people and students.

They were the worst clashes since the 1997 handover, leaving nearly 80 people injured, two in a serious condition.

More than 100 businesses and shops had shut down in support of the movement.

Beijing described the protests as "riots", and said it supports the local government's response.

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997. Under the handover deal, Hong Kong benefits from a "One Country, Two Systems" policy that allows it to retain certain key liberties, such as freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, until 2047. A push for democratic reforms saw unprecedented street protests in 2014, with demands for change reignited in February this year, leading to the worst political violence in the financial hub since 1997. Here is an overview. - 2003: National security law - Some half a million people marched against a controversial attempt by the government to introduce a national security law that critics feared would hammer free speech. The bill, which came after a deadly outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, was the first mass demonstration movement the city's pro-Beijing leaders had faced since the 1997 handover. It was eventually shelved and set in process the resignation of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa. - 2012: Education protests - Tens of thousands of predominantly young demonstrators, many of them school children, surrounded the city government's complex for 10 days. The target of their ire was a government order for schools to teach "Moral and National Education" classes that praised China's communist and nationalist history while criticising republicanism and democracy movements. The government abandoned the curriculum and some of the protest leaders, such as then 15-year-old Joshua Wong, went on to become leading democracy advocates. - 2014: Umbrella Movement - For two months in late 2014 tens of thousands of protesters paralysed parts of the city with mass student-led demonstrations and sit-ins to demand democratic reforms such as the right to elect the city's leader. There were clashes and scenes of violence, until then rare in the semi-autonomous territory, as police used pepper spray and tear gas to break up the demonstrations. It becomes known as the Umbrella Movement after some demonstrators used umbrellas to protect themselves. Police dismantled the main pro-democracy site in December, hauling off a hard core of protesters who vowed that their struggle would live on. But the movement failed to win any concessions and many of its leaders are now in prison. - 2019: Extradition anger - In February 2019 Hong Kong's government announced plans for a bill that would allow, for the first time, extraditions to mainland China. The move was prompted by a murder but the opposition and lawyers fear such a law would tighten Beijing's grip on civil society and allow it to pursue its political enemies in Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of people hit Hong Kong's streets in protest on April 28 in one of the biggest demonstrations since the Umbrella Movement. It came just days after four prominent democratic leaders were jailed for their role in organising the 2014 protests. Hong Kong's government made concessions on May 30, saying the extradition law would only apply to cases involving a potential jail term of at least seven years. Britain and Canada raised concerns that expatriates living and working in Hong Kong, an international business hub, could also face extradition. - Protests grow - On June 4, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers, fearful for their own liberties, commemorated 30 years since China's bloody Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Such commemorations are not allowed in mainland China. Two days later, thousands of Hong Kong lawyers marched in silence against the draft extradition law. On June 9, more than one million people, according to organisers, took to the streets for seven hours in the biggest demonstration by far since the return to Chinese rule. The police, who made 19 arrests, put the turnout at 240,000. On June 12, a scheduled second reading of the controversial bill was delayed after huge crowds rally, blocking major roads and attempting to storm parliament. Police used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds -- small fabric bags filled with lead pellets -- on the demonstrators, most of them young people and students. They were the worst clashes since the 1997 handover, leaving nearly 80 people injured, two in a serious condition. More than 100 businesses and shops had shut down in support of the movement. Beijing described the protests as "riots", and said it supports the local government's response.

High points of Hong Kong's huge protests

The Indian Medical Association has declared "All India Protest Day" on Friday against the incident and expressed solidarity with the striking doctors. Watch this video to know more.

West Bengal doctors' protest fans out

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-extradition-clashes-hong-kong-chief-executive-calls-protests-organised-riots-226609">Protests in Hong Kong </a>over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-use-tear-gas-as-protesters-try-to-storm-parliament-226502">Hong Kong riot police</a> and protesters braced for possible further clashes on Thursday after a day of violence over the extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray in a series of skirmishes to clear demonstrators from around the city`s legislature. It was some of the worst violence in Hong Kong since Britain handed it back to Chinese rule in 1997.&nbsp;

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority said 72 people had been hospitalised by 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

The English-language China Daily said the new amendments were in line with international conventions but "the opposition camp and its foreign masters seem willing to oppose it for their own purposes at the expense of the city`s rule of law, public safety and justice."

"It is lawlessness that will hurt Hong Kong, not the proposed amendments to its fugitive law," it said.

Watch: Hong Kong Descends Into Violent Chaos

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The state-owned tabloid The Global Times blamed "radical opposition forces" and "the Western forces behind them" for hyping up and politicizing the amendments.

"Playing with uncontrolled street politics is to push Hong Kong to backwardness and disturbance," it said. "This is not a wise direction for Hong Kong."

Hong Kong has been rocked by three nights of violence since a protest on Sunday drew what organisers said was more than a million people.

Protests in Hong Kong over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday.

Protests in Hong Kong over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday. Hong Kong riot police and protesters braced for possible further clashes on Thursday after a day of violence over the extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial. Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray in a series of skirmishes to clear demonstrators from around the city`s legislature. It was some of the worst violence in Hong Kong since Britain handed it back to Chinese rule in 1997. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority said 72 people had been hospitalised by 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The English-language China Daily said the new amendments were in line with international conventions but "the opposition camp and its foreign masters seem willing to oppose it for their own purposes at the expense of the city`s rule of law, public safety and justice." "It is lawlessness that will hurt Hong Kong, not the proposed amendments to its fugitive law," it said. Watch: Hong Kong Descends Into Violent Chaos × The state-owned tabloid The Global Times blamed "radical opposition forces" and "the Western forces behind them" for hyping up and politicizing the amendments. "Playing with uncontrolled street politics is to push Hong Kong to backwardness and disturbance," it said. "This is not a wise direction for Hong Kong." Hong Kong has been rocked by three nights of violence since a protest on Sunday drew what organisers said was more than a million people.

China state media blames Hong Kong protests on 'lawlessness'

Police unleash force on Hong Kong protesters. To know more watch the video

WION CHAT: Patrick Fok, Wion Correspondent on Hong Kong protest

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week.

"The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern. We pray for these people so that the violence ceases and the common good is sought in the dialogue," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds in St Peter's Square.

Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in this week's violence in the Sudanese capital, while the government has put the death toll at 61, including three members of the security services.

Sudan's main alliance of opposition groups and protesters have urged workers and employees to stay home on Sunday, launching what it called a campaign of civil disobedience to force military rulers to hand over power to civilians.

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week. "The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern.

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week. "The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern. We pray for these people so that the violence ceases and the common good is sought in the dialogue," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds in St Peter's Square. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in this week's violence in the Sudanese capital, while the government has put the death toll at 61, including three members of the security services. Sudan's main alliance of opposition groups and protesters have urged workers and employees to stay home on Sunday, launching what it called a campaign of civil disobedience to force military rulers to hand over power to civilians.

Pope Francis appeals for peace, dialogue in Sudan

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum from Addis Ababa to try to mediate the country`s crisis, held separate talks with the country`s ruling military council and leaders of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, an alliance of protesters and opposition parties.

The visit came days after forces stormed a protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum where demonstrators were demanding civilian rule. Dozens of people have been killed since Monday.

Khaled Omar, a leader of the opposition alliance, said Abiy proposed setting up a transitional council comprised of eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency.

The opposition demanded that the military rulers take responsibility for the bloodshed, allow an international investigation into the violence and free political prisoners, Omar added.

But instead of releasing prisoners, security forces arrested Mohammad Esmat, a member of the opposition delegation shortly after he met with Abiy, sources from his party said.&nbsp;

The military council could not immediately be reached for comment.

"This amounts to a practical response from the military council that effectively rejects the Ethiopian prime minister`s mediation effort," Omar told Reuters, adding that the Sudanese opposition would not agree to any deal before all of its conditions are met.

The military council said it was ready to negotiate at any time, state news agency SUNA reported.

Although no breakthrough was announced at the end of the one-day visit, an adviser to the Ethiopian prime minister said the talks went well and that Abiy would be returning to Sudan soon.

The military council and opposition had been in talks for weeks over who should lead Sudan`s transition to democracy.&nbsp;

But negotiations collapsed after Monday`s violence. The opposition said it could not talk to untrustworthy rulers. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in the storming of the camp and subsequent crackdown.&nbsp;

The government, however, has put the week`s death toll at 61, including three security personnel.

Abiy made his visit the day after the Ethiopia-headquartered African Union bloc suspended Sudan, backing the opposition`s demand for civilian rule.

He was welcomed by Lieutenant General Shams El Din Kabbashi, spokesman for the Transitional Military Council. Abiy later hosted a meeting with the opposition alliance.&nbsp;

"The military and the people and the political forces need to act with bravery and responsibility in taking quick steps to a democratic, reconciliatory transitional period in the country," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Abiy, a reformer who took office last year, has won wide praise for his diplomatic skills, including brokering peace with Eritrea, Ethiopia`s neighbour and long-time foe.&nbsp;

Attacks on hospitals

Stability in Sudan is crucial for a volatile region struggling against Islamist insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. Various powers, including Russia and the Gulf Arab states, are trying to influence its path.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have close ties with the military council, have said they are watching developments with concern and support a renewal of dialogue.

Russia said on Thursday it opposed foreign intervention in Sudan and the authorities in Khartoum must subdue what it described as "extremists," a Russian news agency reported.

Sudan was placed on a US&nbsp;list of sponsors of terrorism under Bashir, an Islamist former general accused of war crimes in the western Darfur region.

A doctors` group linked to the protest movement said hospitals were now overcrowded with people injured in this week`s crackdown. Worsening the situation, five hospitals had been shut down by the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which grew out of Darfur militia, it said.

"There is a great shortage in medical staff, mainly caused by the military militias targeting doctors and preventing them from reaching hospitals and clinics to perform their duty," it said. "For all these reasons, more and more lives are being lost every day."

The World Health Organization said some medical staff and patients had been injured during raids into hospitals, and emergency services were being shut down.

Mobile tent clinics set up to treat injured protesters had been set on fire and destroyed while medical equipment had been looted and some women health workers were reportedly raped, it said.&nbsp;

"These actions represent a total and unacceptable violation of international human rights law and must stop," said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Rights group Amnesty International and the opposition have blamed the RSF for the violence.

The military council counters that infiltrators are putting on RSF uniforms. It says Monday`s raid was targeting criminals in an area next to the camp, but got out of hand.

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir.

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum from Addis Ababa to try to mediate the country`s crisis, held separate talks with the country`s ruling military council and leaders of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, an alliance of protesters and opposition parties. The visit came days after forces stormed a protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum where demonstrators were demanding civilian rule. Dozens of people have been killed since Monday. Khaled Omar, a leader of the opposition alliance, said Abiy proposed setting up a transitional council comprised of eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency. The opposition demanded that the military rulers take responsibility for the bloodshed, allow an international investigation into the violence and free political prisoners, Omar added. But instead of releasing prisoners, security forces arrested Mohammad Esmat, a member of the opposition delegation shortly after he met with Abiy, sources from his party said. The military council could not immediately be reached for comment. "This amounts to a practical response from the military council that effectively rejects the Ethiopian prime minister`s mediation effort," Omar told Reuters, adding that the Sudanese opposition would not agree to any deal before all of its conditions are met. The military council said it was ready to negotiate at any time, state news agency SUNA reported. Although no breakthrough was announced at the end of the one-day visit, an adviser to the Ethiopian prime minister said the talks went well and that Abiy would be returning to Sudan soon. The military council and opposition had been in talks for weeks over who should lead Sudan`s transition to democracy. But negotiations collapsed after Monday`s violence. The opposition said it could not talk to untrustworthy rulers. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in the storming of the camp and subsequent crackdown. The government, however, has put the week`s death toll at 61, including three security personnel. Abiy made his visit the day after the Ethiopia-headquartered African Union bloc suspended Sudan, backing the opposition`s demand for civilian rule. He was welcomed by Lieutenant General Shams El Din Kabbashi, spokesman for the Transitional Military Council. Abiy later hosted a meeting with the opposition alliance. "The military and the people and the political forces need to act with bravery and responsibility in taking quick steps to a democratic, reconciliatory transitional period in the country," he said in a statement. Abiy, a reformer who took office last year, has won wide praise for his diplomatic skills, including brokering peace with Eritrea, Ethiopia`s neighbour and long-time foe. Attacks on hospitals Stability in Sudan is crucial for a volatile region struggling against Islamist insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. Various powers, including Russia and the Gulf Arab states, are trying to influence its path. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have close ties with the military council, have said they are watching developments with concern and support a renewal of dialogue. Russia said on Thursday it opposed foreign intervention in Sudan and the authorities in Khartoum must subdue what it described as "extremists," a Russian news agency reported. Sudan was placed on a US list of sponsors of terrorism under Bashir, an Islamist former general accused of war crimes in the western Darfur region. A doctors` group linked to the protest movement said hospitals were now overcrowded with people injured in this week`s crackdown. Worsening the situation, five hospitals had been shut down by the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which grew out of Darfur militia, it said. "There is a great shortage in medical staff, mainly caused by the military militias targeting doctors and preventing them from reaching hospitals and clinics to perform their duty," it said. "For all these reasons, more and more lives are being lost every day." The World Health Organization said some medical staff and patients had been injured during raids into hospitals, and emergency services were being shut down. Mobile tent clinics set up to treat injured protesters had been set on fire and destroyed while medical equipment had been looted and some women health workers were reportedly raped, it said. "These actions represent a total and unacceptable violation of international human rights law and must stop," said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean. Rights group Amnesty International and the opposition have blamed the RSF for the violence. The military council counters that infiltrators are putting on RSF uniforms. It says Monday`s raid was targeting criminals in an area next to the camp, but got out of hand.

Ethiopia attempts to mediate Sudan crisis after bloodshed

Thousands of people protested in central London on Tuesday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a>'s pomp-laden state visit to Britain, but numbers were well down on the tens of thousands who gathered to oppose his visit last year.

Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organizers called a "Carnival of Resistance" in Trafalgar Square while Prime Minister Theresa May was in talks with Trump a short distance away at her residence in Downing Street.

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was due to address the rally later on Tuesday.

Among Britons, Trump is one of the least-liked foreign leaders, with just 21% of people surveyed by YouGov having a "positive opinion" of him. Among women, that figure fell to 14%.

The tone at the protest was set by a large statue of Trump sitting on a golden lavatory with his trousers around his ankles, while placards read: "Trump stay out! We are quite capable of cocking up our own politics", "Free Melania!" and "Lock him in the tower".

"Trump is an ignorant, 70-year-old man who has lived a life of privilege," said Anna Fenton, 23, a marketing manager from London carrying a sign reading "Ugh, where do I even start?"

Fenton said she was protesting to show solidarity with "people that Trump's language and policies have harmed", including women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Eleven women dressed in red cloaks and white wimples as characters from Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale stood in silent protest outside the National Gallery.

The crowd, several thousand strong, was well down on the numbers who protested when Trump first visited Britain as president in July 2018.

There were small pockets of support. A few men wearing red caps with "Make America Great Again" walked among the crowd. Trump supporters said the protests against him were an insult to the leader of the United Kingdom's most powerful ally.

Trump baby blimp

A giant inflatable blimp depicting Trump as a sneering baby in a diaper flew outside the British parliament, remaining airborne as the president held talks with May.

Trump and his wife Melania arrived on Monday for a three-day state visit that included a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening.

Corbyn, who turned down an invitation to the banquet, said the protest rally was an "opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked in America, around the world and in our own country".

The protesters have been kept away from Trump, with roads closed around Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.

Trump said he was "loved" in Britain despite the protests. He said he was closer to Britain than any other American leader, citing his mother's Scottish roots and the two golf courses he owns in the country.

"Tremendous crowds of good wishers and people that love our country," he said in a tweet on Monday.

"Haven't seen any protests yet, but I'm sure the Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around."

Opposition in Britain to Trump's presidency has been stoked by his ban on travel to the United States from several mainly Muslim countries, his decision to quit a global deal on combating climate change, and his criticism of British politicians such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Thousands of people protested in central London on Tuesday against US President Donald Trump's pomp-laden state visit to Britain, but numbers were well down on the tens of thousands who gathered to oppose his visit last year.

Thousands of people protested in central London on Tuesday against US President Donald Trump's pomp-laden state visit to Britain, but numbers were well down on the tens of thousands who gathered to oppose his visit last year. Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organizers called a "Carnival of Resistance" in Trafalgar Square while Prime Minister Theresa May was in talks with Trump a short distance away at her residence in Downing Street. The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was due to address the rally later on Tuesday. Among Britons, Trump is one of the least-liked foreign leaders, with just 21% of people surveyed by YouGov having a "positive opinion" of him. Among women, that figure fell to 14%. The tone at the protest was set by a large statue of Trump sitting on a golden lavatory with his trousers around his ankles, while placards read: "Trump stay out! We are quite capable of cocking up our own politics", "Free Melania!" and "Lock him in the tower". "Trump is an ignorant, 70-year-old man who has lived a life of privilege," said Anna Fenton, 23, a marketing manager from London carrying a sign reading "Ugh, where do I even start?" Fenton said she was protesting to show solidarity with "people that Trump's language and policies have harmed", including women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Eleven women dressed in red cloaks and white wimples as characters from Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale stood in silent protest outside the National Gallery. The crowd, several thousand strong, was well down on the numbers who protested when Trump first visited Britain as president in July 2018. There were small pockets of support. A few men wearing red caps with "Make America Great Again" walked among the crowd. Trump supporters said the protests against him were an insult to the leader of the United Kingdom's most powerful ally. Trump baby blimp A giant inflatable blimp depicting Trump as a sneering baby in a diaper flew outside the British parliament, remaining airborne as the president held talks with May. Trump and his wife Melania arrived on Monday for a three-day state visit that included a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening. Corbyn, who turned down an invitation to the banquet, said the protest rally was an "opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked in America, around the world and in our own country". The protesters have been kept away from Trump, with roads closed around Buckingham Palace and Downing Street. Trump said he was "loved" in Britain despite the protests. He said he was closer to Britain than any other American leader, citing his mother's Scottish roots and the two golf courses he owns in the country. "Tremendous crowds of good wishers and people that love our country," he said in a tweet on Monday. "Haven't seen any protests yet, but I'm sure the Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around." Opposition in Britain to Trump's presidency has been stoked by his ban on travel to the United States from several mainly Muslim countries, his decision to quit a global deal on combating climate change, and his criticism of British politicians such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Thousands protest against Trump in London but fewer than last year

Sudan's main opposition group and supporter of the protest movement Sunday rejected its call to stage a two-day general strike because of a deadlock in talks with the ruling military.

"We reject the general strike announced by some opposition groups" in the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, the&nbsp; National Umma Party said in a statement.

Its opposition to the strike slated to start Tuesday was a sign of division between protest leaders at a time of deadlock in talks with army generals over installing a civilian administration.

"A general strike is a weapon that should be used after it is agreed upon by everybody," Umma said.

"We have to avoid such escalated measures that are not fully agreed."

The National Umma Party led by former premier Sadiq Al-Mahdi said any such decision should be taken by a council of leaders of the protest movement.

Such a council was still not in place and "will be composed in a meeting on Monday", it said.

It was Mahdi's elected government that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-charged-over-killing-of-protesters-218466"> Omar al-Bashir</a>, who himself was deposed last month, toppled in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989.

In a recent interview with AFP, Mahdi warned protesters not to "provoke" the army's rulers as they had been instrumental in ousting Bashir.

The military toppled Bashir on April 11 after months-long protests across Sudan led by the Alliance for Freedom and Change against his iron-fisted rule of three decades.

But the generals who seized power have resisted calls from protesters and the international community for civilian rule.

Thousands of demonstrators remain camped outside the army headquarters in central Khartoum demanding that the generals step down.

Talks between the generals and protest leaders remain deadlocked over who should lead a new governing body to oversee the formation of a civilian administration -- a soldier or civilian.

Sudan's main opposition group and supporter of the protest movement Sunday rejected its call to stage a two-day general strike because of a deadlock in talks with the ruling military.

Sudan's main opposition group and supporter of the protest movement Sunday rejected its call to stage a two-day general strike because of a deadlock in talks with the ruling military. "We reject the general strike announced by some opposition groups" in the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, the National Umma Party said in a statement. Its opposition to the strike slated to start Tuesday was a sign of division between protest leaders at a time of deadlock in talks with army generals over installing a civilian administration. "A general strike is a weapon that should be used after it is agreed upon by everybody," Umma said. "We have to avoid such escalated measures that are not fully agreed." The National Umma Party led by former premier Sadiq Al-Mahdi said any such decision should be taken by a council of leaders of the protest movement. Such a council was still not in place and "will be composed in a meeting on Monday", it said. It was Mahdi's elected government that Omar al-Bashir, who himself was deposed last month, toppled in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. In a recent interview with AFP, Mahdi warned protesters not to "provoke" the army's rulers as they had been instrumental in ousting Bashir. The military toppled Bashir on April 11 after months-long protests across Sudan led by the Alliance for Freedom and Change against his iron-fisted rule of three decades. But the generals who seized power have resisted calls from protesters and the international community for civilian rule. Thousands of demonstrators remain camped outside the army headquarters in central Khartoum demanding that the generals step down. Talks between the generals and protest leaders remain deadlocked over who should lead a new governing body to oversee the formation of a civilian administration -- a soldier or civilian.

Sudan main opposition group rejects general strike call

In a shift since the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-elections-five-things-to-watch-220958">European Parliament elections</a>, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes.

With the "Fridays for Future" protest due to continuing in cities across the continent on the second day of voting, the growing consensus for urgent climate action has raised hopes of cross-party cooperation.

But there are also fears populists could torpedo this if they make strong gains.

A Eurobarometer poll shows climate change is now a leading concern for European Union voters, not far behind economic issues and rivalling worries about migration.

And, amid weekly protests over what activists now term the climate emergency, Europe's mainstream political parties have finally grasped the issue.

"It is fair to say that climate and environmental policies now are embedded in all the political parties," said Dara Murphy, campaign director for the European People's Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the outgoing European Parliament.

"If you compare it to 2014, it has really become one of the top issues in the European elections," Murphy told AFP from his native Ireland after trips to other EU countries.

He said the centre-right EPP added climate change to its campaign programme over the last two years based on research showing growing environmental concerns.

But analyst Stella Schaller and Laurence Tubiana, an architect of the Paris climate deal, said global warming's rise to major political prominence is more recent.

"We saw the debate tipping in the last four to six months," Schaller, an analyst at Berlin's Adelphi environmental policy think tank, told AFP.

The shift has occurred, Schaller said, like droughts, fires and floods hurt farmers, scientists multiply dire warnings, street protests increase and the media highlight it all.&nbsp;

'Fridays for Future'&nbsp;

Among the loudest proponents for urgent action are the recent "Fridays for Future" boycott of classes worldwide, with more mass protests set for Berlin later Friday.

Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swede behind the boycott, has warned politicians in Brussels they will be "remembered as the greatest villains of all time" if they fail to act.

Udo Bullmann, who heads the Socialists and Democrats in the assembly, told AFP there is "a historic momentum" for decisive action thanks in part to the student activists.

"We hear their call," Bullmann said in an email.

"Climate change has never been as central to a European election and to our campaign at this time," the German political leader added.

His centre-left group, the second biggest in the outgoing parliament, has reformed its agenda in the past two years to meet the climate challenge in a "holistic" way.

Bultmann said the agenda sought to ensure the poor and unemployed do not carry the burden and to avoid fuelling unrest like the yellow vest protests in France.

The Socialists reject an economic model Bullmann says is "driven by greed and based on the exploitation of people and the planet."

The EPP's Murphy also called for supporting the most vulnerable in society while boosting research and easing the "regulatory burden" on small and medium-sized firms.

Murphy said the climate has risen to the fore because it is a cross-border policy challenge also linked to economic problems and migration, which is partly driven by drought.

He said the problem represents an opportunity for Europe to lead, such as on job-creating, low-carbon technology.

'Jury still out'&nbsp;

Echoing scientists and the student activists, Bullmann said: "We have only ten years left before the damage becomes irreversible."

Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990.

But many scientists and climate activists say Europe must sharply raise its ambition.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) warned in October that warming is on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise, and avoiding global chaos will require a major transformation.

But there is also a powerful backlash.

Joining some other far-right groups, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has discovered climate change denial as a key topic in their campaign for the May 23-26 elections.

They have their sights on voters who see ecological issues as an elitist concern that kills jobs and hurts the industry.

Berlin-based analyst Schaller voiced fears "liberal and conservatives groups will water down proposals" and pander to nationalists, as conservatives did with migration.

But the EPP's Murphy insists "we will not be doing business with the far-right" on climate or other issues.

Greens candidate Bas Eickhout expressed guarded hope for cross-party cooperation in the next parliament on issues like carbon pricing, cutting aviation subsidies and allocating more funds to environmental issues.

But Eickhout, a candidate for the new European Commission, asked whether the centrists have made an "intrinsic change" on climate or are simply trying to win seats.&nbsp; "The jury is still out," the Dutchman told AFP.

In a shift since the last European Parliament elections, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes.

In a shift since the last European Parliament elections, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes. With the "Fridays for Future" protest due to continuing in cities across the continent on the second day of voting, the growing consensus for urgent climate action has raised hopes of cross-party cooperation. But there are also fears populists could torpedo this if they make strong gains. A Eurobarometer poll shows climate change is now a leading concern for European Union voters, not far behind economic issues and rivalling worries about migration. And, amid weekly protests over what activists now term the climate emergency, Europe's mainstream political parties have finally grasped the issue. "It is fair to say that climate and environmental policies now are embedded in all the political parties," said Dara Murphy, campaign director for the European People's Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the outgoing European Parliament. "If you compare it to 2014, it has really become one of the top issues in the European elections," Murphy told AFP from his native Ireland after trips to other EU countries. He said the centre-right EPP added climate change to its campaign programme over the last two years based on research showing growing environmental concerns. But analyst Stella Schaller and Laurence Tubiana, an architect of the Paris climate deal, said global warming's rise to major political prominence is more recent. "We saw the debate tipping in the last four to six months," Schaller, an analyst at Berlin's Adelphi environmental policy think tank, told AFP. The shift has occurred, Schaller said, like droughts, fires and floods hurt farmers, scientists multiply dire warnings, street protests increase and the media highlight it all. 'Fridays for Future' Among the loudest proponents for urgent action are the recent "Fridays for Future" boycott of classes worldwide, with more mass protests set for Berlin later Friday. Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swede behind the boycott, has warned politicians in Brussels they will be "remembered as the greatest villains of all time" if they fail to act. Udo Bullmann, who heads the Socialists and Democrats in the assembly, told AFP there is "a historic momentum" for decisive action thanks in part to the student activists. "We hear their call," Bullmann said in an email. "Climate change has never been as central to a European election and to our campaign at this time," the German political leader added. His centre-left group, the second biggest in the outgoing parliament, has reformed its agenda in the past two years to meet the climate challenge in a "holistic" way. Bultmann said the agenda sought to ensure the poor and unemployed do not carry the burden and to avoid fuelling unrest like the yellow vest protests in France. The Socialists reject an economic model Bullmann says is "driven by greed and based on the exploitation of people and the planet." The EPP's Murphy also called for supporting the most vulnerable in society while boosting research and easing the "regulatory burden" on small and medium-sized firms. Murphy said the climate has risen to the fore because it is a cross-border policy challenge also linked to economic problems and migration, which is partly driven by drought. He said the problem represents an opportunity for Europe to lead, such as on job-creating, low-carbon technology. 'Jury still out' Echoing scientists and the student activists, Bullmann said: "We have only ten years left before the damage becomes irreversible." Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990. But many scientists and climate activists say Europe must sharply raise its ambition. The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) warned in October that warming is on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise, and avoiding global chaos will require a major transformation. But there is also a powerful backlash. Joining some other far-right groups, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has discovered climate change denial as a key topic in their campaign for the May 23-26 elections. They have their sights on voters who see ecological issues as an elitist concern that kills jobs and hurts the industry. Berlin-based analyst Schaller voiced fears "liberal and conservatives groups will water down proposals" and pander to nationalists, as conservatives did with migration. But the EPP's Murphy insists "we will not be doing business with the far-right" on climate or other issues. Greens candidate Bas Eickhout expressed guarded hope for cross-party cooperation in the next parliament on issues like carbon pricing, cutting aviation subsidies and allocating more funds to environmental issues. But Eickhout, a candidate for the new European Commission, asked whether the centrists have made an "intrinsic change" on climate or are simply trying to win seats. "The jury is still out," the Dutchman told AFP.

Main European Union parties adopt climate change as rallying cry

Around 400 people took to the streets in the capital city of the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday to rally against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-governor-signs-nations-strictest-abortion-ban-219055">nation's most restrictive bans on abortions in decades</a>.

Women's reproductive rights defenders gathered in Montgomery, as well as in Birmingham, Anniston and Huntsville where hundreds more were estimated to have joined in denouncing the "Alabama Human Life Protection Act," or HB314, which virtually outlaws terminations of pregnancy.

Protesters in Montgomery held up signs reading "her body, her choice" and "we are not ovary-acting." There we no counter-demonstrators.

A woman wearing beige underwear that made her look naked had a drawing of her reproductive system attached to her abdomen and a banner reading: "More than an incubator."

Several other women were dressed as characters forced to bear children in the dystopian novel and television series "The Handmaid's Tale."&nbsp;

One of them, who gave her name only as Amanda, accused Alabama's legislators of "trying to imprison women and doctors."

"Wearing the 'Handmaid's Tale' outfit is sending a message that you're trying to turn us into slaves, reproductive slaves," the 40-year-old-lawyer told AFP.

"They're trying to fill prisons, more private prisons so that women will do hard labour after they get convicted of these 'crimes' of abortion."

Last week, Alabama passed a law that prohibits all abortions -- even in cases of incest and rape -- unless there is a risk of death for the mother.

"Our call centre's been getting hundreds and hundreds of phone calls from concerned citizens asking us what this means," said Barbara Ann Luttrell, director of communications and marketing for Planned Parenthood Southeast.

Planned Parenthood is not currently providing abortion services in Alabama. "We'll be having abortion services up and running again as soon as possible," she said.

There are only three clinics that perform the procedure. None of them responded requests of comments.

The Alabama law is likely to be blocked in state courts before its November launch date but Republican Governor Kay Ivey acknowledged when she signed it that it was part of as a wider Republican offensive to get the issue relitigated on the national stage.&nbsp;

Republican offensive

"We're going to return to the back alleys. We're going to return to where women will do abortions to themselves," 81-year-old Maralyn Mosley told the Montgomery Advertiser.

She had an abortion at 13, after her uncle raped her.

"We will return to the coat hangers and perforated uteruses. We will return to where women will bleed to death," she warned.

Conservative activists hope to get a Supreme Court decision against the landmark 1973 ruling Roe v Wade that said unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional.

Conservatives are counting on support at the highest court in the land, where liberal justices are in a minority after the arrival of two conservative members appointed by President Donald Trump.

Trump appeared to suggest Alabama lawmakers had gone too far in a series of tweets late Saturday in which he described himself as "strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother."&nbsp;

He urged the anti-abortion side to "stick together and Win for Life" when it comes to voting in 2020.&nbsp;

While the Alabama measure is seen as particularly draconian, at least 28 US states have introduced more than 300 texts since the start of the year limiting abortion rights, according to activists.

Kentucky and Mississippi have banned abortions as soon as a fetus's heartbeat is detectable, or around the sixth week of pregnancy. Similar measures are being adopted in Georgia, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee.&nbsp;

A judge has blocked the implementation of the Kentucky law, while the Mississippi law is set to come into effect in July.

The country's largest human rights organization, ACLU, has said it will file suit against Alabama's law as unconstitutional.

HB314 seeks jail terms of between 10 and 99 years for doctors performing terminations, which are counted as homicides. It stipulates no penalty for the mother.

Around two-thirds of Americans say abortion should be legal, a Pew Center poll found last year.

Around 400 people took to the streets in the capital city of the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday to rally against the nation's most restrictive bans on abortions in decades.

Around 400 people took to the streets in the capital city of the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday to rally against the nation's most restrictive bans on abortions in decades. Women's reproductive rights defenders gathered in Montgomery, as well as in Birmingham, Anniston and Huntsville where hundreds more were estimated to have joined in denouncing the "Alabama Human Life Protection Act," or HB314, which virtually outlaws terminations of pregnancy. Protesters in Montgomery held up signs reading "her body, her choice" and "we are not ovary-acting." There we no counter-demonstrators. A woman wearing beige underwear that made her look naked had a drawing of her reproductive system attached to her abdomen and a banner reading: "More than an incubator." Several other women were dressed as characters forced to bear children in the dystopian novel and television series "The Handmaid's Tale." One of them, who gave her name only as Amanda, accused Alabama's legislators of "trying to imprison women and doctors." "Wearing the 'Handmaid's Tale' outfit is sending a message that you're trying to turn us into slaves, reproductive slaves," the 40-year-old-lawyer told AFP. "They're trying to fill prisons, more private prisons so that women will do hard labour after they get convicted of these 'crimes' of abortion." Last week, Alabama passed a law that prohibits all abortions -- even in cases of incest and rape -- unless there is a risk of death for the mother. "Our call centre's been getting hundreds and hundreds of phone calls from concerned citizens asking us what this means," said Barbara Ann Luttrell, director of communications and marketing for Planned Parenthood Southeast. Planned Parenthood is not currently providing abortion services in Alabama. "We'll be having abortion services up and running again as soon as possible," she said. There are only three clinics that perform the procedure. None of them responded requests of comments. The Alabama law is likely to be blocked in state courts before its November launch date but Republican Governor Kay Ivey acknowledged when she signed it that it was part of as a wider Republican offensive to get the issue relitigated on the national stage. Republican offensive "We're going to return to the back alleys. We're going to return to where women will do abortions to themselves," 81-year-old Maralyn Mosley told the Montgomery Advertiser. She had an abortion at 13, after her uncle raped her. "We will return to the coat hangers and perforated uteruses. We will return to where women will bleed to death," she warned. Conservative activists hope to get a Supreme Court decision against the landmark 1973 ruling Roe v Wade that said unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional. Conservatives are counting on support at the highest court in the land, where liberal justices are in a minority after the arrival of two conservative members appointed by President Donald Trump. Trump appeared to suggest Alabama lawmakers had gone too far in a series of tweets late Saturday in which he described himself as "strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother." He urged the anti-abortion side to "stick together and Win for Life" when it comes to voting in 2020. While the Alabama measure is seen as particularly draconian, at least 28 US states have introduced more than 300 texts since the start of the year limiting abortion rights, according to activists. Kentucky and Mississippi have banned abortions as soon as a fetus's heartbeat is detectable, or around the sixth week of pregnancy. Similar measures are being adopted in Georgia, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee. A judge has blocked the implementation of the Kentucky law, while the Mississippi law is set to come into effect in July. The country's largest human rights organization, ACLU, has said it will file suit against Alabama's law as unconstitutional. HB314 seeks jail terms of between 10 and 99 years for doctors performing terminations, which are counted as homicides. It stipulates no penalty for the mother. Around two-thirds of Americans say abortion should be legal, a Pew Center poll found last year.

Hundreds protest strict Alabama abortion law

The US&nbsp;law enforcement officers raided the Venezuelan Embassy on Thursday to oust a small group protesting US&nbsp;policy toward the oil-rich country, paving the way for the diplomatic compound to be handed to the US&nbsp;envoy of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Since mid-April, members of three activist groups have been occupying the embassy, a red brick building in the upscale Georgetown neighbourhood of Washington, where they say they are "invited guests" of the Venezuelan government.

The activists oppose US&nbsp;intervention in Venezuela to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-maduro-cracks-down-venezuela-legislators-see-intimidation-217687">President Nicolas Maduro</a> in favour of Guaido, self-proclaimed interim president of the OPEC-member nation.

"I am here standing before you announcing that we have recovered this building thanks to the Venezuelan diaspora," Carlos Vecchio, Guaido`s representative in Washington, told a group of supporters outside the building late on Thursday.

Vecchio also thanked President Donald Trump`s administration. The building was undergoing safety checks and would be open for business soon, he said.

Authorities arrested the last four protesters on Thursday after utilities for the building were cut off and they ignored an eviction order, the groups say.

A spokesman for Pepco, Washington`s energy utility, said the company does not discuss service to individual properties.

The US&nbsp;Secret Service confirmed officers had helped agents from the State Department`s Diplomatic Security Service execute arrest warrants against people inside the embassy.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman said the government of Guaido, whom the United States recognizes as the leader of Venezuela, asked for US assistance in removing the protesters from the embassy.

"The Venezuelan government, led by Interim President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827"> Juan Guaido</a> ... has asked the trespassers to depart the premises," the spokeswoman said.

Neither agency identified what charges the protesters faced.

Tensions have escalated between the United States and Venezuela as Washington has ratcheted up pressure against the government of Maduro, which it says is illegitimate.

The United States has imposed sanctions against Venezuelan leaders, ordered the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela in March and, on Wednesday, suspended passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela.

Maduro, who has branded Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, broke off relations with Washington after it recognized Guaido and recalled diplomatic and consular staff.

Representatives of Guaido took control of three of the country`s diplomatic properties in the United States in March.

At its peak, about 50 people from three groups had occupied the Venezuelan Embassy, according to Medea Benjamin, a co-founder of Code Pink, one of the groups involved.

The US law enforcement officers raided the Venezuelan Embassy on Thursday to oust a small group protesting US policy toward the oil-rich country, paving the way for the diplomatic compound to be handed to the US envoy of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The US law enforcement officers raided the Venezuelan Embassy on Thursday to oust a small group protesting US policy toward the oil-rich country, paving the way for the diplomatic compound to be handed to the US envoy of opposition leader Juan Guaido. Since mid-April, members of three activist groups have been occupying the embassy, a red brick building in the upscale Georgetown neighbourhood of Washington, where they say they are "invited guests" of the Venezuelan government. The activists oppose US intervention in Venezuela to oust President Nicolas Maduro in favour of Guaido, self-proclaimed interim president of the OPEC-member nation. "I am here standing before you announcing that we have recovered this building thanks to the Venezuelan diaspora," Carlos Vecchio, Guaido`s representative in Washington, told a group of supporters outside the building late on Thursday. Vecchio also thanked President Donald Trump`s administration. The building was undergoing safety checks and would be open for business soon, he said. Authorities arrested the last four protesters on Thursday after utilities for the building were cut off and they ignored an eviction order, the groups say. A spokesman for Pepco, Washington`s energy utility, said the company does not discuss service to individual properties. The US Secret Service confirmed officers had helped agents from the State Department`s Diplomatic Security Service execute arrest warrants against people inside the embassy. A US State Department spokeswoman said the government of Guaido, whom the United States recognizes as the leader of Venezuela, asked for US assistance in removing the protesters from the embassy. "The Venezuelan government, led by Interim President Juan Guaido ... has asked the trespassers to depart the premises," the spokeswoman said. Neither agency identified what charges the protesters faced. Tensions have escalated between the United States and Venezuela as Washington has ratcheted up pressure against the government of Maduro, which it says is illegitimate. The United States has imposed sanctions against Venezuelan leaders, ordered the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela in March and, on Wednesday, suspended passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela. Maduro, who has branded Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, broke off relations with Washington after it recognized Guaido and recalled diplomatic and consular staff. Representatives of Guaido took control of three of the country`s diplomatic properties in the United States in March. At its peak, about 50 people from three groups had occupied the Venezuelan Embassy, according to Medea Benjamin, a co-founder of Code Pink, one of the groups involved.

US federal agents arrest protesters occupying Venezuelan Embassy

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice.

There are more than 40,000 missing persons in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wreckage-of-private-jet-carrying-13-people-found-in-mexico-217150"> Mexico</a>, which has been hit by a wave of violent crime in recent years linked to powerful drug cartels.

Protesters marched in 16 cities -- including around 2,000 people in the capital -- to voice their outrage and anguish over the thousands of clandestine graves that have been discovered in the country, and the tens of thousands of other missing persons who have never been found.

"I've been crying for the past eight years. I just want to know what happened to him," said Maria Guadalupe Aguilar, 64, a demonstrator at the Mexico City march whose eldest son, Jose Luis, disappeared in 2011 on his way to a business meeting in the city of Guadalajara.

"We're raising our voices so that what happened to our children doesn't keep happening," said a sobbing Lourdes de la Cruz, 61, whose youngest son, Daniel, disappeared in the city of Coatzacoalcos along with 30 other people in 2015, when he was 21.

The mothers carried large photographs of their missing children, shouting to passersby, "It could be your children, too."

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gave a Mother's Day message at a press conference, in which he said he was thinking especially of "the mothers who are looking for their missing children."

Critics accuse the leftist leader, who took office in December, of failing to keep his promise to curb the violence plaguing the country.

This year is on track to be the most violent ever, with a record 8,943 murders in the first three months of the year.

Highlighting the problem, gunmen attacked a bus carrying prison guards home for Mother's Day visits in the central town of Puente de Ixtla, killing five people and wounding three others.

The bodies were left splayed on the ground in front of the town's monument to mothers.

The town is located in Morelos state, which has been the scene of turf wars between rival criminal groups.

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice.

Mexicans with missing children led marches on Friday -- when Mother's Day is celebrated here -- to protest the government's failure to find their sons and daughters or bring their cases to justice. There are more than 40,000 missing persons in Mexico, which has been hit by a wave of violent crime in recent years linked to powerful drug cartels. Protesters marched in 16 cities -- including around 2,000 people in the capital -- to voice their outrage and anguish over the thousands of clandestine graves that have been discovered in the country, and the tens of thousands of other missing persons who have never been found. "I've been crying for the past eight years. I just want to know what happened to him," said Maria Guadalupe Aguilar, 64, a demonstrator at the Mexico City march whose eldest son, Jose Luis, disappeared in 2011 on his way to a business meeting in the city of Guadalajara. "We're raising our voices so that what happened to our children doesn't keep happening," said a sobbing Lourdes de la Cruz, 61, whose youngest son, Daniel, disappeared in the city of Coatzacoalcos along with 30 other people in 2015, when he was 21. The mothers carried large photographs of their missing children, shouting to passersby, "It could be your children, too." President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gave a Mother's Day message at a press conference, in which he said he was thinking especially of "the mothers who are looking for their missing children." Critics accuse the leftist leader, who took office in December, of failing to keep his promise to curb the violence plaguing the country. This year is on track to be the most violent ever, with a record 8,943 murders in the first three months of the year. Highlighting the problem, gunmen attacked a bus carrying prison guards home for Mother's Day visits in the central town of Puente de Ixtla, killing five people and wounding three others. The bodies were left splayed on the ground in front of the town's monument to mothers. The town is located in Morelos state, which has been the scene of turf wars between rival criminal groups.

Mexicans march for their missing children on Mother's Day

Sudan's military rulers have invited protest leaders for a new round of talks on transferring power to a civilian administration, the protest movement said Saturday.

The call came as thousands of demonstrators remain camped outside army headquarters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-faces-fuel-crisis-and-worsening-cash-crunch-215973">central Khartoum</a>, vowing to force the generals to cede power just as they forced veteran president Omar al-Bashir from office exactly a month ago.

Talks on the protesters' key demand for a civilian-led body to oversee a four-year transition have been deadlocked for days, with the military insisting on holding a majority in any new ruling body.

"We received a call from the military council to resume negotiations," the Alliance for Freedom and Change said in a statement.

Late last month, the alliance, which brings together protest organisers and opposition and rebel groups, handed the generals its proposals for a civilian-led transition.

But the generals have expressed "many reservations" over the alliance's roadmap,

They have singled out its silence on the constitutional position of Islamic sharia law which was the guiding principle of all legislation under Bashir's rule but is anathema to secular groups like the Sudanese Communist Party and some rebel factions in the alliance.

"We have identified the points of contention with the military council and ... decisive talks will revolve around (them) in each meeting," the alliance said in its statement.

"We want to hold the talks quickly and sort out all these points in 72 hours," it said without specifying when the negotiations would resume.

Sudan's military rulers have invited protest leaders for a new round of talks on transferring power to a civilian administration, the protest movement said Saturday.

Sudan's military rulers have invited protest leaders for a new round of talks on transferring power to a civilian administration, the protest movement said Saturday. The call came as thousands of demonstrators remain camped outside army headquarters in central Khartoum, vowing to force the generals to cede power just as they forced veteran president Omar al-Bashir from office exactly a month ago. Talks on the protesters' key demand for a civilian-led body to oversee a four-year transition have been deadlocked for days, with the military insisting on holding a majority in any new ruling body. "We received a call from the military council to resume negotiations," the Alliance for Freedom and Change said in a statement. Late last month, the alliance, which brings together protest organisers and opposition and rebel groups, handed the generals its proposals for a civilian-led transition. But the generals have expressed "many reservations" over the alliance's roadmap, They have singled out its silence on the constitutional position of Islamic sharia law which was the guiding principle of all legislation under Bashir's rule but is anathema to secular groups like the Sudanese Communist Party and some rebel factions in the alliance. "We have identified the points of contention with the military council and ... decisive talks will revolve around (them) in each meeting," the alliance said in its statement. "We want to hold the talks quickly and sort out all these points in 72 hours," it said without specifying when the negotiations would resume.

Sudan's military invites protest leaders for new round of talks on transferring power to civilians

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