Protesting to the Covid 19 norms thousands of people took to the streets of Brussels, opposing the latest Covid 19 instructions.

Belgium: Protestors 'denounce' dictatorship of covid restrictions

In order to curb a violent protest against COVID-19 measures, Dutch police fired shots leading to injuries to some people, authorities said on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the incident, three people were being treated in hospital in Rotterdam. &nbsp;

The crowd, which included several hundred rioters, went on rampage during the protests on Friday evening. It set off fireworks, torched cars and threw rocks at police personnel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The police were also forced to respond with warning shots and water canons. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-can-the-covid-19-masks-finally-come-off-430831" hreflang="en">When can the COVID-19 masks finally come off?</a>

On Twitter, Rotterdam police said on Saturday that 51 people were arrested, half of whom were under 18. &nbsp;

"Three rioters were wounded when they were hit by bullets, they remain in hospital," police added. &nbsp;

The authorities are also investigating the shootings, including whether the wounded people were hit by police bullets, they added. &nbsp;

Ahmed Aboutaleb, city's mayor, said the protest had turned into "an orgy of violence." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-worried-who-warns-of-500000-deaths-by-march-amid-new-wave-in-europe-430872" hreflang="en">'Very worried': WHO warns of 500,000 deaths by March amid new wave in Europe</a>

"Police were forced to draw their weapons and even fire direct shots," Aboutaleb told a news conference on Saturday. &nbsp;

In a statement, Dutch Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus said the "extreme violence" against police and firefighters in Rotterdam was "repulsive." &nbsp;

"The right to protest is very important in our society but what we saw last night was simply criminal behaviour," Grapperhaus said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to curb a violent protest against COVID-19 measures, Dutch police fired shots leading to injuries to some people, authorities said on Saturday. In the incident, three people were being treated in hospital in Rotterdam.

In order to curb a violent protest against COVID-19 measures, Dutch police fired shots leading to injuries to some people, authorities said on Saturday. In the incident, three people were being treated in hospital in Rotterdam. The crowd, which included several hundred rioters, went on rampage during the protests on Friday evening. It set off fireworks, torched cars and threw rocks at police personnel. The police were also forced to respond with warning shots and water canons. Also Read: When can the COVID-19 masks finally come off? On Twitter, Rotterdam police said on Saturday that 51 people were arrested, half of whom were under 18. "Three rioters were wounded when they were hit by bullets, they remain in hospital," police added. The authorities are also investigating the shootings, including whether the wounded people were hit by police bullets, they added. Ahmed Aboutaleb, city's mayor, said the protest had turned into "an orgy of violence." Also Read: 'Very worried': WHO warns of 500,000 deaths by March amid new wave in Europe "Police were forced to draw their weapons and even fire direct shots," Aboutaleb told a news conference on Saturday. In a statement, Dutch Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus said the "extreme violence" against police and firefighters in Rotterdam was "repulsive." "The right to protest is very important in our society but what we saw last night was simply criminal behaviour," Grapperhaus said. (With inputs from agencies)

Police fire shots after anti-Covid curb protesters go on rampage

Dozens of climate activists demanding the UK government immediately insulate homes nationwide halted morning rush-hour traffic in London on Monday, ending a 10-day pause in their civil disobedience protests.

Insulate Britain, a new group whose campaigners have repeatedly blocked roads and motorways in and around the capital, targeted three locations including the Canary Wharf and City of London financial districts.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-youths-take-to-streets-in-fridays-for-future-climate-protests-423195">In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests</a>

The activists, who want the government to insulate all British homes starting with social housing, began their disruptive demonstrations last month but temporarily suspended them in mid-October to give themselves and the public "a break".

The restart of their protests, which have infuriated drivers and led to some confrontations, comes as the UK prepares to host the UN COP26 climate summit in the Scottish city Glasgow later this week.

"3 locations across the city of London are currently blocked by #InsulateBritain," the group said on Twitter.

"We demand a meaningful statement that the government shall insulate the UK housing stock," it added.&nbsp;

"Why should we wait until millions have lost their homes, are fighting for water or starving to death?"

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-climate-poses-emerging-threat-to-financial-system-422957">US warns climate poses ‘emerging threat’ to financial system</a>

Police, which responded to Monday's renewed protests, have arrested hundreds of Insulate Britain activists -- with some people detained several times -- since they began the demonstrations on September 13.

The government has meanwhile secured court injunctions leaving activists facing court summons and possible imprisonment or an unlimited fine if they block some motorways.

But the group, which has demanded ministers produce within four months a legally-binding and funded national plan to retrofit all homes by 2030, has vowed to continue its campaign.

The government last week outlined more detailed plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but was accused by climate campaigners of lacking the necessary ambition in many areas -- including home insulation.

Dozens of climate activists demanding the UK government immediately insulate homes nationwide halted morning rush-hour traffic in London on Monday, ending a 10-day pause in their civil disobedience protests.

Dozens of climate activists demanding the UK government immediately insulate homes nationwide halted morning rush-hour traffic in London on Monday, ending a 10-day pause in their civil disobedience protests. Insulate Britain, a new group whose campaigners have repeatedly blocked roads and motorways in and around the capital, targeted three locations including the Canary Wharf and City of London financial districts. Also Read | In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests The activists, who want the government to insulate all British homes starting with social housing, began their disruptive demonstrations last month but temporarily suspended them in mid-October to give themselves and the public "a break". The restart of their protests, which have infuriated drivers and led to some confrontations, comes as the UK prepares to host the UN COP26 climate summit in the Scottish city Glasgow later this week. "3 locations across the city of London are currently blocked by #InsulateBritain," the group said on Twitter. "We demand a meaningful statement that the government shall insulate the UK housing stock," it added. "Why should we wait until millions have lost their homes, are fighting for water or starving to death?" Also Read | US warns climate poses ‘emerging threat’ to financial system Police, which responded to Monday's renewed protests, have arrested hundreds of Insulate Britain activists -- with some people detained several times -- since they began the demonstrations on September 13. The government has meanwhile secured court injunctions leaving activists facing court summons and possible imprisonment or an unlimited fine if they block some motorways. But the group, which has demanded ministers produce within four months a legally-binding and funded national plan to retrofit all homes by 2030, has vowed to continue its campaign. The government last week outlined more detailed plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but was accused by climate campaigners of lacking the necessary ambition in many areas -- including home insulation.

UK climate protesters restart traffic-blocking tactics

In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. &nbsp;

Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid. The identity of the third official is yet to be ascertained. But a statement from the provincial chief minister said that three cops were martyred. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-pakistan-tv-channels-told-to-stop-airing-hugging-scenes-in-dramas-423167" hreflang="en">In Pakistan,&nbsp;TV channels told to&nbsp;stop airing&nbsp;'hugging scenes' in dramas</a>

The spokesperson said that several others were also injured and taken to the hospitals in critical condition. "Protesters also hurled petrol bombs on officials," Hussain said, while adding that the officials made efforts to prevent them from vandalising and damaging public property. &nbsp;

The angry mob also used sticks and pelted stones. Despite the violence, the officials were showing restraint, added the spokesperson. &nbsp;

TLP media coordinator Saddam Bukhari said the police attacked the peaceful rally that was on its way to Islamabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, more than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the TLP leader, Saad Rizvi.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-pak-fm-qureshi-talibans-muttaqi-share-details-with-wion-on-kabul-talks-422844" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Pak FM Qureshi, Taliban's Muttaqi brief WION on Kabul talks</a> &nbsp;

Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests. &nbsp;

The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released. &nbsp;

Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital, Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid.

In clashes with workers of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in Lahore, three policemen were killed and several others hurt, said officials on Friday. Lahore DIG (Operation) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain in a statement, identified two slain officials as Ayub and Khalid. The identity of the third official is yet to be ascertained. But a statement from the provincial chief minister said that three cops were martyred. Also Read: In Pakistan, TV channels told to stop airing 'hugging scenes' in dramas The spokesperson said that several others were also injured and taken to the hospitals in critical condition. "Protesters also hurled petrol bombs on officials," Hussain said, while adding that the officials made efforts to prevent them from vandalising and damaging public property. The angry mob also used sticks and pelted stones. Despite the violence, the officials were showing restraint, added the spokesperson. TLP media coordinator Saddam Bukhari said the police attacked the peaceful rally that was on its way to Islamabad. Earlier, more than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the TLP leader, Saad Rizvi. Also Read | Exclusive: Pak FM Qureshi, Taliban's Muttaqi brief WION on Kabul talks Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests. The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released. Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital, Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers. (With inputs from agencies)

In clashes with TLP protesters, 3 cops killed, many hurt in Pakistan’s Lahore

Myanmar's junta chief Monday announced the release of more than 5,000 people jailed for protesting against a February coup, days after a regional bloc delivered a major snub to the military regime.

There has been chaos in Myanmar since the coup, with more than 1,100 civilians killed in a bloody crackdown on dissent and more than 8,000 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-excludes-myanmar-junta-chief-from-attendance-at-summit-421295">ASEAN excludes Myanmar junta chief from attendance at summit</a>

More than 7,300 are currently behind bars, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Junta head Min Aung Hlaing said a total of 5,636 prisoners will be freed to mark the Thadingyut festival later in October.

The announcement comes on the heels of ASEAN's decision to exclude Min Aung Hlaing from an upcoming summit of the 10-country bloc over his administration's commitment to defusing the bloody crisis.

Min Aung Hlaing gave no details on who would be included in the list and prison authorities did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

Myanmar authorities released more than 2,000 anti-coup protesters from prisons across the country in June, including journalists critical of the military government.

Those still in custody include the American journalist Danny Fenster, who has been held since being arrested on May 24.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyis-lawyer-says-he-has-been-issued-a-gag-order-420842">Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyer says he has been issued a gag order</a>

More than 1,300 of those due to be released would be freed on the condition they sign agreements promising not to re-offend, Min Aung Hlaing said.

Such agreements were "basically a form of parole that entails constant menacing surveillance", David Mathieson, an analyst formerly based in Myanmar, told AFP.

"It doesn't absolve the SAC (State Administration Council, as the junta dubs itself) of nine months of extreme violence."

Junta shunned&nbsp;

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday decided to exclude Min Aung Hlaing, instead choosing to invite a "non-political representative" for Myanmar to the October 26-28 summit.

The bloc, widely criticised as a toothless organisation, took a strong stand after the junta rebuffed requests for a special envoy to meet "all stakeholders" in Myanmar -- a phrase seen to include ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The ASEAN statement noted "insufficient progress" in the implementation of a five-point plan agreed by the bloc's leaders in April to end the post-coup turmoil.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-alarmed-by-myanmar-military-moves-419172">UN alarmed by Myanmar military moves</a>

The junta slammed the decision, accusing ASEAN of breaching its policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states.

Myanmar, mostly ruled by the military since a 1962 coup, has been a thorn in ASEAN's side since it joined in 1997.

Min Aung Hlaing's administration has justified its power grab citing alleged vote rigging in last year's elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won convincingly.

The coup snuffed out Myanmar's short-lived dalliance with democracy and the 76-year-old Suu Kyi now faces a raft of charges in a junta court that could see her jailed for decades.

Last week, her chief lawyer said he had been banned by the junta from speaking to journalists, diplomats or international organisations.

The other lawyers on her legal team also faced a similar ban -- effectively muzzling the key sources of information on court proceedings, from which journalists are barred.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, who has spent much of her life resisting Myanmar's generals, is scheduled to testify in court for the first time later this month.

Myanmar's junta chief Monday announced the release of more than 5,000 people jailed for protesting against a February coup, days after a regional bloc delivered a major snub to the military regime.

Myanmar's junta chief Monday announced the release of more than 5,000 people jailed for protesting against a February coup, days after a regional bloc delivered a major snub to the military regime. There has been chaos in Myanmar since the coup, with more than 1,100 civilians killed in a bloody crackdown on dissent and more than 8,000 arrested, according to a local monitoring group. Also Read | ASEAN excludes Myanmar junta chief from attendance at summit More than 7,300 are currently behind bars, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Junta head Min Aung Hlaing said a total of 5,636 prisoners will be freed to mark the Thadingyut festival later in October. The announcement comes on the heels of ASEAN's decision to exclude Min Aung Hlaing from an upcoming summit of the 10-country bloc over his administration's commitment to defusing the bloody crisis. Min Aung Hlaing gave no details on who would be included in the list and prison authorities did not respond to AFP requests for comment. Myanmar authorities released more than 2,000 anti-coup protesters from prisons across the country in June, including journalists critical of the military government. Those still in custody include the American journalist Danny Fenster, who has been held since being arrested on May 24. Also Read | Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyer says he has been issued a gag order More than 1,300 of those due to be released would be freed on the condition they sign agreements promising not to re-offend, Min Aung Hlaing said. Such agreements were "basically a form of parole that entails constant menacing surveillance", David Mathieson, an analyst formerly based in Myanmar, told AFP. "It doesn't absolve the SAC (State Administration Council, as the junta dubs itself) of nine months of extreme violence." Junta shunned Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday decided to exclude Min Aung Hlaing, instead choosing to invite a "non-political representative" for Myanmar to the October 26-28 summit. The bloc, widely criticised as a toothless organisation, took a strong stand after the junta rebuffed requests for a special envoy to meet "all stakeholders" in Myanmar -- a phrase seen to include ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The ASEAN statement noted "insufficient progress" in the implementation of a five-point plan agreed by the bloc's leaders in April to end the post-coup turmoil. Also Read | UN alarmed by Myanmar military moves The junta slammed the decision, accusing ASEAN of breaching its policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states. Myanmar, mostly ruled by the military since a 1962 coup, has been a thorn in ASEAN's side since it joined in 1997. Min Aung Hlaing's administration has justified its power grab citing alleged vote rigging in last year's elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won convincingly. The coup snuffed out Myanmar's short-lived dalliance with democracy and the 76-year-old Suu Kyi now faces a raft of charges in a junta court that could see her jailed for decades. Last week, her chief lawyer said he had been banned by the junta from speaking to journalists, diplomats or international organisations. The other lawyers on her legal team also faced a similar ban -- effectively muzzling the key sources of information on court proceedings, from which journalists are barred. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, who has spent much of her life resisting Myanmar's generals, is scheduled to testify in court for the first time later this month.

Myanmar to free more than 5,000 protesters after ASEAN snub

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. &nbsp;

Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Can carbon capture help solve global warming?

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Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. &nbsp;

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-a-wakeup-call-wildfires-hurricanes-become-a-regular-misery-413131" hreflang="en">Is it a wakeup call?&nbsp;Wildfires, hurricanes become&nbsp;a regular misery</a>

The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. &nbsp;

The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.&nbsp;

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience.

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. Watch: Can carbon capture help solve global warming? × Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees. Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” Also Read: Is it a wakeup call? Wildfires, hurricanes become a regular misery The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.

Canada arrests over 850 anti-logging protesters since April 2021

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire.

Organisers said the gatherings, which are to continue throughout the week, were meant to step up pressure on Israel to ease a crippling economic blockade on the Gaza Strip.

"The occupation will not enjoy calm unless the siege on our beloved land is lifted," said Abu Omar, a spokesman for the protesters.

Watch: US President Joe Biden's remarks after meeting Israeli PM

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Israel and Egypt have maintained the blockade since Hamas, a group sworn to Israel's destruction, seized control of Gaza in 2007, a year after it won Palestinian elections.

The blockade, which restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, has ravaged the territory's economy. Israel has tightened the closure since an 11-day war in May, demanding the return of the remains of two dead soldiers and freedom for two Israeli civilians believed to be in Hamas captivity.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-sub-lineage-of-delta-variant-first-reported-in-israel-found-in-several-indian-states-408378" hreflang="en">‘New sub-lineage of Delta variant, first reported in Israel, found in several Indian states’</a>

Amateur footage and photos from inside Gaza showed hundreds of Palestinians protesters engaged in Saturday's gathering. Some appeared to be throwing explosives and chanting in celebrations as blasts sounded.

The Israeli military said troops responded to the explosives by firing live rounds towards the protesters. It said there were no injuries on the Israeli side. Gaza health officials said three protesters were wounded by Israeli fire.

Earlier on Saturday, Gaza health officials said a 12-year-old Palestinian boy died from head wounds after being shot during a similar demonstration a week earlier.

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire.

Hundreds of Hamas-backed activists launched what they said was the first in a series of nighttime protests along the Israeli border, throwing explosives towards Israeli forces, who responded with live fire. Organisers said the gatherings, which are to continue throughout the week, were meant to step up pressure on Israel to ease a crippling economic blockade on the Gaza Strip. "The occupation will not enjoy calm unless the siege on our beloved land is lifted," said Abu Omar, a spokesman for the protesters. Watch: US President Joe Biden's remarks after meeting Israeli PM × Israel and Egypt have maintained the blockade since Hamas, a group sworn to Israel's destruction, seized control of Gaza in 2007, a year after it won Palestinian elections. The blockade, which restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, has ravaged the territory's economy. Israel has tightened the closure since an 11-day war in May, demanding the return of the remains of two dead soldiers and freedom for two Israeli civilians believed to be in Hamas captivity. Also Read: ‘New sub-lineage of Delta variant, first reported in Israel, found in several Indian states’ Amateur footage and photos from inside Gaza showed hundreds of Palestinians protesters engaged in Saturday's gathering. Some appeared to be throwing explosives and chanting in celebrations as blasts sounded. The Israeli military said troops responded to the explosives by firing live rounds towards the protesters. It said there were no injuries on the Israeli side. Gaza health officials said three protesters were wounded by Israeli fire. Earlier on Saturday, Gaza health officials said a 12-year-old Palestinian boy died from head wounds after being shot during a similar demonstration a week earlier.

Gaza protesters clash with Israeli troops near the border

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos. 
 
'May you not rest in peace' and 'may your birthday and deathday be the same',&nbsp;read the messages on funeral wreaths in Theinzayet township in eastern Mon state. Similar protests took place in many parts of Myanmar, reported Reuters. 
 
"We are burning this as a curse," said one protester in the second city of Mandalay, setting ablaze a small pile of picture of the general, 65. 
 
A spokesman for the military authorities did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Min Aung Hlaing took power on February&nbsp;1, overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that had brought Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. 
 
Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th birthday, but the compulsory retirement age was scrapped after the coup.

The army says its assumption of powers was in line with the constitution. It alleged fraud in November elections swept by Suu Kyi's party, although the accusations were dismissed by the former electoral body. 
 
The junta has struggled to impose its authority. 
 
Protests take place in many parts of Myanmar almost daily, strikes have hurt official and private business and fighting has flared in the borderlands, sending some 200,000 people fleeing from their homes. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos.

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos. 'May you not rest in peace' and 'may your birthday and deathday be the same', read the messages on funeral wreaths in Theinzayet township in eastern Mon state. Similar protests took place in many parts of Myanmar, reported Reuters. "We are burning this as a curse," said one protester in the second city of Mandalay, setting ablaze a small pile of picture of the general, 65. A spokesman for the military authorities did not respond to requests for comment. Min Aung Hlaing took power on February 1, overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that had brought Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th birthday, but the compulsory retirement age was scrapped after the coup. The army says its assumption of powers was in line with the constitution. It alleged fraud in November elections swept by Suu Kyi's party, although the accusations were dismissed by the former electoral body. The junta has struggled to impose its authority. Protests take place in many parts of Myanmar almost daily, strikes have hurt official and private business and fighting has flared in the borderlands, sending some 200,000 people fleeing from their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center. They say the enormous vessels 'weighing over 90,000 tonnes and carrying thousands of passengers at a time' pose environmental and safety risks to the canal and the city.

Another protest is also planned on Saturday by pro-cruise activists whose jobs depend on having thousands of visitors flowing through one of Italy's top tourist destinations.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi's government pledged this winter to get cruise ships out of the Venice lagoon, but it will likely take years to reach that goal.

The government says it is organising bids for a viable alternative outside the lagoon, which should be posted any day now. Still, even an interim alternative route to the Giudecca Canal won't be ready until next year, Italy's Ministry for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility said in an email.

"Meanwhile, in 2022, as a temporary solution, a certain number of ships can dock in Marghera, relieving the traffic through Venice,'' the ministry said. Marghera, an industrial port west of Venice that is still within the lagoon, will require lengthening existing piers to accommodate larger vessels as well as dredging a canal on the approach, cruise industry officials say.

Because Marghera is an industrial site, that also means testing the sediment to be dredged for harmful pollutants. Venice has become one of the world's most important cruise destinations over the last two decades, serving as a lucrative turnaround point for 667 cruise ships in 2019 carrying nearly 700,000 passengers, according to the cruise industry trade association, Cruise Lines International.

While some cruise companies have experimented with Trieste to the west or Ravenna to the south as drop-off points for those visiting Venice during the pandemic, industry officials say Venice remains a key port of call for cruises in the Adriatic Sea and eastern Mediterranean.

The passage on Thursday of the MSC Orchestra 'a cruise ship 300 meters (about 985 feet) long that towered over Venice with 16 decks' marked the first time a cruise ship had traveled up the Giudecca Canal since January 2020, before the pandemic shut down the industry.

When the ship sets sail later on Saturday, passengers will enjoy a deck-side view of St&nbsp;Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as they exit the lagoon. They also will pass protesters, who have been campaigning since the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster off Tuscany that killed 32 people to get the ships out of Venice's lagoon.

Concerns about cruise ships were heightened two years ago this week when the MSC Opera struck a dock and a tourist boat, injuring five people, while maneuvering through the Giudecca Canal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center.

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center. They say the enormous vessels 'weighing over 90,000 tonnes and carrying thousands of passengers at a time' pose environmental and safety risks to the canal and the city. Another protest is also planned on Saturday by pro-cruise activists whose jobs depend on having thousands of visitors flowing through one of Italy's top tourist destinations. Italian Premier Mario Draghi's government pledged this winter to get cruise ships out of the Venice lagoon, but it will likely take years to reach that goal. The government says it is organising bids for a viable alternative outside the lagoon, which should be posted any day now. Still, even an interim alternative route to the Giudecca Canal won't be ready until next year, Italy's Ministry for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility said in an email. "Meanwhile, in 2022, as a temporary solution, a certain number of ships can dock in Marghera, relieving the traffic through Venice,'' the ministry said. Marghera, an industrial port west of Venice that is still within the lagoon, will require lengthening existing piers to accommodate larger vessels as well as dredging a canal on the approach, cruise industry officials say. Because Marghera is an industrial site, that also means testing the sediment to be dredged for harmful pollutants. Venice has become one of the world's most important cruise destinations over the last two decades, serving as a lucrative turnaround point for 667 cruise ships in 2019 carrying nearly 700,000 passengers, according to the cruise industry trade association, Cruise Lines International. While some cruise companies have experimented with Trieste to the west or Ravenna to the south as drop-off points for those visiting Venice during the pandemic, industry officials say Venice remains a key port of call for cruises in the Adriatic Sea and eastern Mediterranean. The passage on Thursday of the MSC Orchestra 'a cruise ship 300 meters (about 985 feet) long that towered over Venice with 16 decks' marked the first time a cruise ship had traveled up the Giudecca Canal since January 2020, before the pandemic shut down the industry. When the ship sets sail later on Saturday, passengers will enjoy a deck-side view of St Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as they exit the lagoon. They also will pass protesters, who have been campaigning since the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster off Tuscany that killed 32 people to get the ships out of Venice's lagoon. Concerns about cruise ships were heightened two years ago this week when the MSC Opera struck a dock and a tourist boat, injuring five people, while maneuvering through the Giudecca Canal. (With inputs from agencies)

Cruise ships restart in Venice; protesters decry their risks

Colombians are set to march in the streets again on Wednesday amid a stalemate at talks between the government and leaders of anti-government protests which are stretching into their second month. 
 
Demonstrations against the social and economic policies of President Ivan Duque began on April 28, with marchers demanding a basic income, opportunities for young people, and an end to police violence. 
 
An umbrella national strike committee made up of unions, student groups and other civil society organisations is representing marchers in discussions with the government. 
 
Last week the two sides reached a so-called pre-agreement, the details of which have not yet been released. But the committee later accused the government of backtracking and talks on Tuesday ended without further advances. 
 
The government said protest leaders need to condemn road blocks which have caused shortages around the country and hit exports of coffee, coal and other products, adding that that was non-negotiable. The committee has said it does not have sway over all protesters. 
 
Francisco Maltes, president of the Central Union of Workers (CUT), who sits on the committee, accused the government of delaying the signing of the pre-agreement that includes guarantees the committee says are needed to protect protesters` rights. 
 
"All these actions are to pressure the government into starting negotiations," Maltes told Reuters. "The government lacks the political will to seek an agreement. We are waiting for the government to sign the pre-agreement for guarantees." 
 
Protesters count the withdrawal of tax and health reforms and the resignation of the former finance minister among their victories. 
 
Security forces have gradually lifted some blockades, but 38 remain, according to the defence minister. Marches have seen sporadic violence. 
 
The attorney general`s office says 20 deaths are linked directly to demonstrations, while rights groups report dozens killed by security forces. 
 
The national police has said it will investigate police who stood by as people dressed in civilian clothes fired on protesters in Cali - the country`s third-largest city and epicentre&nbsp;of the protests - late last week.

Colombians are set to march in the streets again on Wednesday amid a stalemate at talks between the government and leaders of anti-government protests which are stretching into their second month.

Colombians are set to march in the streets again on Wednesday amid a stalemate at talks between the government and leaders of anti-government protests which are stretching into their second month. Demonstrations against the social and economic policies of President Ivan Duque began on April 28, with marchers demanding a basic income, opportunities for young people, and an end to police violence. An umbrella national strike committee made up of unions, student groups and other civil society organisations is representing marchers in discussions with the government. Last week the two sides reached a so-called pre-agreement, the details of which have not yet been released. But the committee later accused the government of backtracking and talks on Tuesday ended without further advances. The government said protest leaders need to condemn road blocks which have caused shortages around the country and hit exports of coffee, coal and other products, adding that that was non-negotiable. The committee has said it does not have sway over all protesters. Francisco Maltes, president of the Central Union of Workers (CUT), who sits on the committee, accused the government of delaying the signing of the pre-agreement that includes guarantees the committee says are needed to protect protesters` rights. "All these actions are to pressure the government into starting negotiations," Maltes told Reuters. "The government lacks the political will to seek an agreement. We are waiting for the government to sign the pre-agreement for guarantees." Protesters count the withdrawal of tax and health reforms and the resignation of the former finance minister among their victories. Security forces have gradually lifted some blockades, but 38 remain, according to the defence minister. Marches have seen sporadic violence. The attorney general`s office says 20 deaths are linked directly to demonstrations, while rights groups report dozens killed by security forces. The national police has said it will investigate police who stood by as people dressed in civilian clothes fired on protesters in Cali - the country`s third-largest city and epicentre of the protests - late last week.

In Colombia, protesters march on as talks stall and blockades remain

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

Police clashed with thousands of protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as the German parliament passed an amendment to give Angela Merkel's government power to impose tougher anti-coronavirus measures.&nbsp;

With Germany buckling under a third wave of the pandemic, the new law allowing for nationwide curbs including school closures and night curfews aims to end a political tug-of-war between the federal government and the 16 regional states over virus restrictions. &nbsp;

Around 8,000 protesters gathered in the German capital as the amendment was debated in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, with more than 2,000 police officers deployed to the scene.&nbsp;

Demonstrators were carrying placards with slogans such as "Merkel &amp; Co = high treason" and chanting "Wir sind das Volk" ("We are the people") -- a common refrain in the run-up to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.&nbsp;

Police said some 150 people were detained for throwing bottles, attacking officers and failing to comply with rules on mask wearing and distancing. Three officers were injured.&nbsp;

Tear gas was fired as police attempted to drag protesters from the streets, according to an AFP video journalist at the scene.&nbsp;

Dubbed the "emergency brake", the amended law prescribes tough measures including sweeping shutdowns and overnight curfews in regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days.&nbsp;

It will also force schools to revert to virtual teaching in areas where the incidence rate exceeds 165.&nbsp;

Only one state had an incidence rate below 100 on Wednesday, while seven topped 165, including the two most populous of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.&nbsp;

Police clashed with thousands of protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as the German parliament passed an amendment to give Angela Merkel's government power to impose tougher anti-coronavirus measures.

Police clashed with thousands of protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as the German parliament passed an amendment to give Angela Merkel's government power to impose tougher anti-coronavirus measures. With Germany buckling under a third wave of the pandemic, the new law allowing for nationwide curbs including school closures and night curfews aims to end a political tug-of-war between the federal government and the 16 regional states over virus restrictions. Around 8,000 protesters gathered in the German capital as the amendment was debated in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, with more than 2,000 police officers deployed to the scene. Demonstrators were carrying placards with slogans such as "Merkel & Co = high treason" and chanting "Wir sind das Volk" ("We are the people") -- a common refrain in the run-up to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Police said some 150 people were detained for throwing bottles, attacking officers and failing to comply with rules on mask wearing and distancing. Three officers were injured. Tear gas was fired as police attempted to drag protesters from the streets, according to an AFP video journalist at the scene. Dubbed the "emergency brake", the amended law prescribes tough measures including sweeping shutdowns and overnight curfews in regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. It will also force schools to revert to virtual teaching in areas where the incidence rate exceeds 165. Only one state had an incidence rate below 100 on Wednesday, while seven topped 165, including the two most populous of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Police clash with protesters as Germany passes virus law 

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight.

Several groups called for a boycott of next week’s Thingyan Water Festival, which marks the Buddhist new year. Leaflets calling for the ban, distributed in Yangon, said it would be a sign of compassion for the families of those killed.

About 570 people have been killed during two months of unrest since the February 1 coup, and security forces have arrested close to 3,500 people, with about four-fifths of them still in detention, advocacy group the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Tuesday.

Demonstrators woke early in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, to spray and splash pavements, roads and bus shelters with red paint in protest at a sweeping crackdown by security forces that has caused weeks of international outrage.&nbsp;

"The blood has not dried," said one message in red.

Another daubed across a bus shelter implored rank-and-file soldiers not to be exploited by kleptocratic generals clinging onto power.&nbsp;

"Don’t kill people just for a small salary as low as the cost of dog food," it said in a message that went onto accuse junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, of stealing from people.&nbsp;

Anger has swept Myanmar in the past two months over the return of a military government and an abrupt end to a brief era of democratic and economic reform and international integration that was absent under the military’s oppressive 1962-2011 rule.&nbsp;

Some protesters have called their movement a ‘spring revolution’, characterised by street marches, quirky acts of non-violent rebellion and civil disobedience campaigns aimed at crippling the government apparatus.

Another protest scheduled for Wednesday has called for the burning of Chinese-made goods. Many protesters are opposed to China because it is seen as supporting the junta.

"The state of people now is that it doesn’t matter who called for what kind of protest, people are always ready to follow," Khin Sandar, an activist and a protest organiser, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight.

Myanmar’s pro-democracy protesters sprayed red paint on roads in Yangon on Tuesday in a reminder to the junta that it had blood on its hands as the crisis created by a military coup in the Southeast Asian nation dragged on with no end in sight. Several groups called for a boycott of next week’s Thingyan Water Festival, which marks the Buddhist new year. Leaflets calling for the ban, distributed in Yangon, said it would be a sign of compassion for the families of those killed. About 570 people have been killed during two months of unrest since the February 1 coup, and security forces have arrested close to 3,500 people, with about four-fifths of them still in detention, advocacy group the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said on Tuesday. Demonstrators woke early in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, to spray and splash pavements, roads and bus shelters with red paint in protest at a sweeping crackdown by security forces that has caused weeks of international outrage. "The blood has not dried," said one message in red. Another daubed across a bus shelter implored rank-and-file soldiers not to be exploited by kleptocratic generals clinging onto power. "Don’t kill people just for a small salary as low as the cost of dog food," it said in a message that went onto accuse junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, of stealing from people. Anger has swept Myanmar in the past two months over the return of a military government and an abrupt end to a brief era of democratic and economic reform and international integration that was absent under the military’s oppressive 1962-2011 rule. Some protesters have called their movement a ‘spring revolution’, characterised by street marches, quirky acts of non-violent rebellion and civil disobedience campaigns aimed at crippling the government apparatus. Another protest scheduled for Wednesday has called for the burning of Chinese-made goods. Many protesters are opposed to China because it is seen as supporting the junta. "The state of people now is that it doesn’t matter who called for what kind of protest, people are always ready to follow," Khin Sandar, an activist and a protest organiser, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters paint Yangon in red, call for Water Festival’s boycott

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, six people were killed in the country as police and soldiers continued to use force to slow down demonstrations, being hailed as “spring revolution” by protesters. Protests have soared in the country in the aftermath of a military coup on February 1.

Protesters have taken to street marches, including a civil disobedience campaign including strikes and rebellion. The junta has attempted to clip dissent by shutting down wireless broadband services and mobile data services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-use-easter-eggs-as-a-symbol-of-defiance-375325" hreflang="en">Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance&nbsp;</a>

Suu Kyi’s placards were used by demonstrators urging for international intervention in the country, and protesters marched the streets of Mandalay.

A coordinated applause across the country took place on Monday to give recognition to ethnic minority armies who have now sided with the anti-coup movement. These armies fought against security forces and also shielded wounded protesters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/workers-in-myanmar-are-on-a-silent-revolution-will-the-military-relent-375237" hreflang="en">Workers in Myanmar are on a silent revolution. Will the military relent?</a>

"Lets clap for five minutes on April 5, 5 p.m. to honour Ethnic Armed Organisations and Gen Z defence youths from Myanmar including Yangon who are fighting in the revolution fight on behalf of us," Ei Thinzar Maung, a protest leader’s post on Facebook said.

The opponents of military rule have inscribed messages on Easter eggs to get their messages across, inscribing “we must win” and “get out MAH”.

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta.

Protests in Myanmar continued to soar, demanding the reinstatement of the government run by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The protesters have asked for more nationwide dissent in a coordinated attempt to counter the military junta. Over the weekend, six people were killed in the country as police and soldiers continued to use force to slow down demonstrations, being hailed as “spring revolution” by protesters. Protests have soared in the country in the aftermath of a military coup on February 1. Protesters have taken to street marches, including a civil disobedience campaign including strikes and rebellion. The junta has attempted to clip dissent by shutting down wireless broadband services and mobile data services. Also read: Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance Suu Kyi’s placards were used by demonstrators urging for international intervention in the country, and protesters marched the streets of Mandalay. A coordinated applause across the country took place on Monday to give recognition to ethnic minority armies who have now sided with the anti-coup movement. These armies fought against security forces and also shielded wounded protesters. Also read: Workers in Myanmar are on a silent revolution. Will the military relent? "Lets clap for five minutes on April 5, 5 p.m. to honour Ethnic Armed Organisations and Gen Z defence youths from Myanmar including Yangon who are fighting in the revolution fight on behalf of us," Ei Thinzar Maung, a protest leader’s post on Facebook said. The opponents of military rule have inscribed messages on Easter eggs to get their messages across, inscribing “we must win” and “get out MAH”.

Protesters in Myanmar demand international intervention amid defiance against military

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media.

"Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country.

Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media.

Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed.

Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday.

In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported.

Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. 
Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men. In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media. "Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country. Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media. Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed. Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday. In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported. Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance 

Thousands of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on Wednesday to demand reform of the monarchy and the release of jailed leaders, days after one of the most violent demonstrations since they began last year.&nbsp;

Thailand's youth protest movement emerged last year and has posed the biggest challenge to the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief, who seized power in 2014 from an elected government.&nbsp;

More than 30 civilians and police were injured in a clash at a protest near the palace on Saturday, after police used water cannon, teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the rally.&nbsp;

The protesters have also demanded curbs to the power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the abolition of a strict lese majeste law that mandates up to 15 years in prison for insulting the monarchy.&nbsp;

Protesters on Wednesday peacefully occupied one of Bangkok's busiest street intersections and cheered as some leaders demanded monarchy reforms and called for their 'friends' to be freed from jail.&nbsp;

"This is a long and tiring fight. We must fight together along this path to democracy," Attapon Buapat, who was indicted for lese majeste earlier this month but later released on bail, told the crowd.&nbsp;

"Change has begun. They could only slow it down but never stop it."&nbsp;

Criminal cases have been mounting against protest leaders. The most prominent ones have already been jailed pending trial for insulting the royalty.&nbsp;

More activists, including Attapon again, could be indicted on Thursday when they were due to meet with prosecutors over their roles in the protests.&nbsp;

The Royal Palace has not commented directly on the protests. The government has said criticism of the king is unlawful and inappropriate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Thousands of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on Wednesday to demand reform of the monarchy and the release of jailed leaders, days after one of the most violent demonstrations since they began last year.

Thousands of protesters gathered in the Thai capital Bangkok on Wednesday to demand reform of the monarchy and the release of jailed leaders, days after one of the most violent demonstrations since they began last year. Thailand's youth protest movement emerged last year and has posed the biggest challenge to the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army chief, who seized power in 2014 from an elected government. More than 30 civilians and police were injured in a clash at a protest near the palace on Saturday, after police used water cannon, teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the rally. The protesters have also demanded curbs to the power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the abolition of a strict lese majeste law that mandates up to 15 years in prison for insulting the monarchy. Protesters on Wednesday peacefully occupied one of Bangkok's busiest street intersections and cheered as some leaders demanded monarchy reforms and called for their 'friends' to be freed from jail. "This is a long and tiring fight. We must fight together along this path to democracy," Attapon Buapat, who was indicted for lese majeste earlier this month but later released on bail, told the crowd. "Change has begun. They could only slow it down but never stop it." Criminal cases have been mounting against protest leaders. The most prominent ones have already been jailed pending trial for insulting the royalty. More activists, including Attapon again, could be indicted on Thursday when they were due to meet with prosecutors over their roles in the protests. The Royal Palace has not commented directly on the protests. The government has said criticism of the king is unlawful and inappropriate. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Thai protesters demand monarchy reform, jailed leaders' release  

Protesters erupt in Germany, defy coronavirus curbs

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last&nbsp;month.&nbsp;

China has told its state firms to evacuate non-essential staff from Myanmar after dozens of Chinese-run factories were attacked on Sunday, amid rising anti-China sentiment, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) in a notice ordered state-owned enterprises in Myanmar to evacuate staff involved in projects that had come to a halt.&nbsp;

Other staff to be pulled out of the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;country include those who have reached the end of their rotations, workers who have not yet been inoculated against the coronavirus, employees living on remote sites and those facing serious local situations, according to the notice.&nbsp;

Asked about reports of evacuation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao&nbsp;Lijian&nbsp;during a media briefing here on Wednesday said that China is following the situation in Myanmar closely and attach importance to the safety of our institutes and personnel in Myanmar.&nbsp;

"We hope the Myanmar side will take concrete measures and take more vigorous actions to ensure their safety," he said.&nbsp;

A state construction firm employee working on an infrastructure project in Myanmar confirmed to the daily that he had received the instructions from SASAC, which oversees 90 national-level SOEs in China.&nbsp;

"We received it over the weekend when some Chinese-invested factories were attacked," a source was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"In fact, almost all projects have already stopped here. We are discussing who shall stay back to watch developments. I think most of us will head home as nothing much can be done," he said.&nbsp;

According to state-run Global Times, 32 Chinese factories have been&nbsp;vandalised&nbsp;in the attacks in Yangon. The property loss was estimated to be about 240 million yuan (USD 36.89 million), the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar told the Global Times on Monday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last month.

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last month. China has told its state firms to evacuate non-essential staff from Myanmar after dozens of Chinese-run factories were attacked on Sunday, amid rising anti-China sentiment, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) in a notice ordered state-owned enterprises in Myanmar to evacuate staff involved in projects that had come to a halt. Other staff to be pulled out of the neighbouring country include those who have reached the end of their rotations, workers who have not yet been inoculated against the coronavirus, employees living on remote sites and those facing serious local situations, according to the notice. Asked about reports of evacuation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian during a media briefing here on Wednesday said that China is following the situation in Myanmar closely and attach importance to the safety of our institutes and personnel in Myanmar. "We hope the Myanmar side will take concrete measures and take more vigorous actions to ensure their safety," he said. A state construction firm employee working on an infrastructure project in Myanmar confirmed to the daily that he had received the instructions from SASAC, which oversees 90 national-level SOEs in China. "We received it over the weekend when some Chinese-invested factories were attacked," a source was quoted as saying. "In fact, almost all projects have already stopped here. We are discussing who shall stay back to watch developments. I think most of us will head home as nothing much can be done," he said. According to state-run Global Times, 32 Chinese factories have been vandalised in the attacks in Yangon. The property loss was estimated to be about 240 million yuan (USD 36.89 million), the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar told the Global Times on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

China asks its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff: Report 

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest.&nbsp;

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee.&nbsp;

Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms.&nbsp;

Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation.&nbsp;

Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy.&nbsp;

More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says.&nbsp;

Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday. In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee. Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms. Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation. Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy. More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says. Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified. (With inputs from agencies)

After bloody crackdown, Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities  

Angry protesters used burning&nbsp;tyres&nbsp;to block roads in parts of Beirut on Tuesday as the Lebanese pound crashed past a new milestone in its plunge against the dollar, losing most of its value as the country's financial meltdown worsens.&nbsp;

The pound traded at around 15,000 to the dollar and above for the first time on Tuesday, according to market dealers, and has now lost nearly 90% of its value since the crisis started in late 2019.&nbsp;

"We are absolutely fed up, we are hungry we are finished," one protester yelled.&nbsp;

Lebanon's economic crisis is posing the biggest threat to its stability since the 1975-1990 civil war, wiping out jobs, locking people out of their bank deposits and raising the risk of widespread hunger.&nbsp;

Parliament convened committees to discuss an emergency loan for the country's electricity company after the energy minister warned it would be lights out across Lebanon by the end of March if a cash injection is not made.&nbsp;

The committees only managed to promise $200 million out of a total requested of around $1 billion.&nbsp;

The proposal now has to be approved by parliament.&nbsp;

An official source&nbsp;said&nbsp;that Lebanon's foreign reserves now stand at around $16 billion.&nbsp;

That compares with about $19.5 billion in August and means that not much is left for a subsidy&nbsp;programme&nbsp;to fund basic goods, including wheat and fuel.&nbsp;

Lebanon's problems were compounded after an explosion at the port in August devastated whole tracts of Beirut, killing 200 people and prompting the government to resign, leaving the country rudderless as it sinks deeper into financial collapse.&nbsp;

Prime minister Hassan Diab's cabinet has stayed on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. No budget has yet been passed by parliament for 2021.&nbsp;

Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri, nominated in October, is at loggerheads with President Michel Aoun and has been unable to form a new government to carry out reforms to unlock international aid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Angry protesters used burning tyres to block roads in parts of Beirut on Tuesday as the Lebanese pound crashed past a new milestone in its plunge against the dollar, losing most of its value as the country's financial meltdown worsens.

Angry protesters used burning tyres to block roads in parts of Beirut on Tuesday as the Lebanese pound crashed past a new milestone in its plunge against the dollar, losing most of its value as the country's financial meltdown worsens. The pound traded at around 15,000 to the dollar and above for the first time on Tuesday, according to market dealers, and has now lost nearly 90% of its value since the crisis started in late 2019. "We are absolutely fed up, we are hungry we are finished," one protester yelled. Lebanon's economic crisis is posing the biggest threat to its stability since the 1975-1990 civil war, wiping out jobs, locking people out of their bank deposits and raising the risk of widespread hunger. Parliament convened committees to discuss an emergency loan for the country's electricity company after the energy minister warned it would be lights out across Lebanon by the end of March if a cash injection is not made. The committees only managed to promise $200 million out of a total requested of around $1 billion. The proposal now has to be approved by parliament. An official source said that Lebanon's foreign reserves now stand at around $16 billion. That compares with about $19.5 billion in August and means that not much is left for a subsidy programme to fund basic goods, including wheat and fuel. Lebanon's problems were compounded after an explosion at the port in August devastated whole tracts of Beirut, killing 200 people and prompting the government to resign, leaving the country rudderless as it sinks deeper into financial collapse. Prime minister Hassan Diab's cabinet has stayed on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. No budget has yet been passed by parliament for 2021. Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri, nominated in October, is at loggerheads with President Michel Aoun and has been unable to form a new government to carry out reforms to unlock international aid. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon protesters back on streets as pound loses 90% of its value 

Myanmar security forces fired tear gas and surrounded hundreds of anti-junta protesters at two places in Yangon on Wednesday, witnesses said, prompting the US Embassy to call for their withdrawal.&nbsp;

In New York, the UN Security Council failed to agree on a statement that would have condemned the coup in Myanmar, called for restraint by the military and threatened to consider 'further measures'.&nbsp;

Talks on the statement would likely continue, diplomats said, after China, Russia, India and Vietnam all suggested amendments late on Tuesday to a British draft, including removal of the reference to a coup and the threat to consider further action.&nbsp;

More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested in the turmoil in Myanmar since the February 1 coup, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group, has said.&nbsp;

The military has brushed off condemnation of its actions, as it has in past periods of army rule when outbreaks of protest were forcibly repressed.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, police stormed a compound in Yangon housing railway staff and surrounded hundreds of protesters in North Okkalapa district, in another part of the city. More than 100 people were arrested at the two sites, witnesses said.&nbsp;

Many of the railway staff are part of a civil disobedience movement that has crippled government business and included strikes at banks, factories and shops since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government.&nbsp;

"We are seeing reports of innocent students and civilians surrounded by security forces in North Okkalapa, as well as arrests," the US Embassy said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We call on those security forces to withdraw from the area, release those detained, and allow people to depart safely."&nbsp;

Police and army officials did not respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Zaw Myat Linn, an official from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), died in custody after he was arrested, the second party figure to die in detention in two days.&nbsp;

"He's been participating continuously in the protests," said Ba Myo Thein, a member of the dissolved upper house of parliament. The cause of death was not clear.&nbsp;

In a Facebook live broadcast before he was detained, Zaw Myat Linn urged people to continue fighting the army, 'even if it costs our lives'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar security forces fired tear gas and surrounded hundreds of anti-junta protesters at two places in Yangon on Wednesday, witnesses said, prompting the US Embassy to call for their withdrawal.

Myanmar security forces fired tear gas and surrounded hundreds of anti-junta protesters at two places in Yangon on Wednesday, witnesses said, prompting the US Embassy to call for their withdrawal. In New York, the UN Security Council failed to agree on a statement that would have condemned the coup in Myanmar, called for restraint by the military and threatened to consider 'further measures'. Talks on the statement would likely continue, diplomats said, after China, Russia, India and Vietnam all suggested amendments late on Tuesday to a British draft, including removal of the reference to a coup and the threat to consider further action. More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested in the turmoil in Myanmar since the February 1 coup, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group, has said. The military has brushed off condemnation of its actions, as it has in past periods of army rule when outbreaks of protest were forcibly repressed. On Wednesday, police stormed a compound in Yangon housing railway staff and surrounded hundreds of protesters in North Okkalapa district, in another part of the city. More than 100 people were arrested at the two sites, witnesses said. Many of the railway staff are part of a civil disobedience movement that has crippled government business and included strikes at banks, factories and shops since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. "We are seeing reports of innocent students and civilians surrounded by security forces in North Okkalapa, as well as arrests," the US Embassy said in a statement. "We call on those security forces to withdraw from the area, release those detained, and allow people to depart safely." Police and army officials did not respond to requests for comment. On Tuesday, Zaw Myat Linn, an official from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), died in custody after he was arrested, the second party figure to die in detention in two days. "He's been participating continuously in the protests," said Ba Myo Thein, a member of the dissolved upper house of parliament. The cause of death was not clear. In a Facebook live broadcast before he was detained, Zaw Myat Linn urged people to continue fighting the army, 'even if it costs our lives'. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar security forces surround, arrest protesters as US calls for withdrawal 

19 Myanmar police officers have crossed over the border into northeastern India to escape taking orders from a military junta that is trying to suppress protests against last month's coup, an Indian police official said on Thursday.

The men crossed into Champai and Serchhip, two districts in the northeastern state of Mizoram that share a porous border with Myanmar, the official said, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

All the men, who are lower-ranking policemen, were unarmed, the official said. “We are expecting more (people) to come,” he said, citing intelligence reports.

India shares a 1,643-kilometre (1020-mile) land border with Myanmar, where at least 54 people have been killed since a February 1 coup.

The junta overthrew a democratically-elected government, and detained its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, having disputed her party's landslide victory in November.

The junta justified its coup by making unfounded allegations that Suu Kyi's party rigged the election.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi, 75, is reportedly being detained in Naypyidaw, the isolated capital that the military built during its previous, decades-long dictatorship.

The bloody Wednesday violence left the United States "appalled and revulsed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

"We call on all countries to speak with one voice to condemn the brutal violence by the Burmese military against its own people," he said, referring to the country by its former name.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an "immediate end of the repression in Myanmar".

(With inputs from agencies)

19 Myanmar police officers have crossed over the border into northeastern India to escape taking orders from a military junta that is trying to suppress protests against last month's coup, an Indian police official said on Thursday.

19 Myanmar police officers have crossed over the border into northeastern India to escape taking orders from a military junta that is trying to suppress protests against last month's coup, an Indian police official said on Thursday. The men crossed into Champai and Serchhip, two districts in the northeastern state of Mizoram that share a porous border with Myanmar, the official said, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. All the men, who are lower-ranking policemen, were unarmed, the official said. “We are expecting more (people) to come,” he said, citing intelligence reports. India shares a 1,643-kilometre (1020-mile) land border with Myanmar, where at least 54 people have been killed since a February 1 coup. The junta overthrew a democratically-elected government, and detained its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, having disputed her party's landslide victory in November. The junta justified its coup by making unfounded allegations that Suu Kyi's party rigged the election. Suu Kyi, 75, is reportedly being detained in Naypyidaw, the isolated capital that the military built during its previous, decades-long dictatorship. The bloody Wednesday violence left the United States "appalled and revulsed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. "We call on all countries to speak with one voice to condemn the brutal violence by the Burmese military against its own people," he said, referring to the country by its former name. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an "immediate end of the repression in Myanmar". (With inputs from agencies)

19 Myanmar police officers seek refuge in India rather than carry out junta's orders

Myanmar security forces opened fire on protesters against military rule on Wednesday, killing 18 people, witnesses and media reported, a day after neighbouring countries called for restraint and offered to help Myanmar resolve the crisis.&nbsp;

The security forces resorted to live fire with little warning in several towns and cities, witnesses said, as the junta appeared more determined than ever to stamp out protests against a February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

"They marched towards us and fired tear gas, marched again and used stun grenades," Si Thu Maung, a protest leader in the central town of Myingyan, said.&nbsp;

"Then they didn't spray us with water cannon, no warning to disperse, they just fired their guns."&nbsp;

A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.&nbsp;

One teenaged boy was killed in Myingyan but the heaviest toll was in another central town, Monywa, where five people - four men and one woman - were killed, said Ko Thit Sar, editor of the Monywa Gazette.&nbsp;

"We've confirmed with family members and doctors, five people have been killed," he said.&nbsp;

"At least 30 people are wounded, some still unconscious."&nbsp;

Two people were killed in the country's second-biggest city Mandalay, a witness and media reports said, and one person was killed when police opened fire in the main city of Yangon, a witness there said.&nbsp;

At least 31 people have been killed since the coup.&nbsp;

"The country is like the Tiananmen Square in most of its major cities," the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, said on Twitter, alluding to the suppression of student-led protests in Beijing in 1989.&nbsp;

The violence came a day after foreign ministers from Southeast Asian neighbours urged restraint but failed to unite behind a call for the release Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy.&nbsp;

Security forces also detained about 300 protesters as they broke up protests in Yangon, the Myanmar Now news agency reported.&nbsp;

Myanmar security forces opened fire on protesters against military rule on Wednesday, killing 18 people, witnesses and media reported, a day after neighbouring countries called for restraint and offered to help Myanmar resolve the crisis.

Myanmar security forces opened fire on protesters against military rule on Wednesday, killing 18 people, witnesses and media reported, a day after neighbouring countries called for restraint and offered to help Myanmar resolve the crisis. The security forces resorted to live fire with little warning in several towns and cities, witnesses said, as the junta appeared more determined than ever to stamp out protests against a February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. "They marched towards us and fired tear gas, marched again and used stun grenades," Si Thu Maung, a protest leader in the central town of Myingyan, said. "Then they didn't spray us with water cannon, no warning to disperse, they just fired their guns." A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. One teenaged boy was killed in Myingyan but the heaviest toll was in another central town, Monywa, where five people - four men and one woman - were killed, said Ko Thit Sar, editor of the Monywa Gazette. "We've confirmed with family members and doctors, five people have been killed," he said. "At least 30 people are wounded, some still unconscious." Two people were killed in the country's second-biggest city Mandalay, a witness and media reports said, and one person was killed when police opened fire in the main city of Yangon, a witness there said. At least 31 people have been killed since the coup. "The country is like the Tiananmen Square in most of its major cities," the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, said on Twitter, alluding to the suppression of student-led protests in Beijing in 1989. The violence came a day after foreign ministers from Southeast Asian neighbours urged restraint but failed to unite behind a call for the release Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy. Security forces also detained about 300 protesters as they broke up protests in Yangon, the Myanmar Now news agency reported.

18 die as cops shoot protesters in Tiananmen Square-like Myanmar suppression

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets. They have dug their heels and have refused to withdraw. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the weekend, the military resorted to lethal force and opened fire on the protesters, killing 18. The crackdown is increasingly getting violent and fierce and the military junta is now said to be deploying more sophisticated tools to sustain this coup. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A group of activists is now claiming that Myanmar's military and security forces have an arsenal of digital weapons. They are allegedly being used in the crackdown against peaceful protesters. What are these digital weapons? And what can they do?&nbsp;

The list of tools is rather long. They were bought by the Myanmar government in recent years. Bulk of the technology came from the West but now these tools have fallen into the hands of the military.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-military-deploys-digital-weapons-against-opponents-367515">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-military-deploys-digital-weapons-against-opponents-367515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to this activist group, the Myanmar's military can hack passwords, clone phones, track signals, gather social media intelligence, analyse photographs, and process large amounts of data.&nbsp;

A report shines light on what these kinds of tools can really do. It claims that Myanmar's military has surveillance drones in its arsenal.&nbsp;

They have devices to crack iPhones and software that can hack into computers and steal content. Reportedly in the last two fiscal years, tens of millions of dollars were earmarked for these technologies that can mine computers, track the live locations of people and listen to their conversations.&nbsp;

The United Nations special rapporteur on Myanmar has called for a global arms embargo. The special rapporteur alongside the deputy high commissioner for human rights supported the idea of targeted sanctions too.&nbsp;

Nearly 140 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 31 countries have signed an open letter. It calls on the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar but there is no consensus yet on the world stage.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the military continues to strengthen its hand with laws that give it more powers like the cyber security bill. &nbsp;

This proposed law would require internet service providers to store user data at a location identified by the government for three years, allow the military junta access to the personal data of users and force the removal of any content on demand. Several human rights groups have called the cyber security bill draconian. With such laws and the violent crackdown against the protesters, Myanmar's military has painted a target on its back.&nbsp;

It is now the focus of targeted sanctions by the West. The United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union have implemented 'smart sanctions'. Reportedly, this is an attempt to 'squeeze the military' and its business interests, making it harder for the junta to conduct business with the West and other countries in the region could be mulling similar moves.&nbsp;

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets.

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets. They have dug their heels and have refused to withdraw. Over the weekend, the military resorted to lethal force and opened fire on the protesters, killing 18. The crackdown is increasingly getting violent and fierce and the military junta is now said to be deploying more sophisticated tools to sustain this coup. A group of activists is now claiming that Myanmar's military and security forces have an arsenal of digital weapons. They are allegedly being used in the crackdown against peaceful protesters. What are these digital weapons? And what can they do? The list of tools is rather long. They were bought by the Myanmar government in recent years. Bulk of the technology came from the West but now these tools have fallen into the hands of the military. WATCH | According to this activist group, the Myanmar's military can hack passwords, clone phones, track signals, gather social media intelligence, analyse photographs, and process large amounts of data. A report shines light on what these kinds of tools can really do. It claims that Myanmar's military has surveillance drones in its arsenal. They have devices to crack iPhones and software that can hack into computers and steal content. Reportedly in the last two fiscal years, tens of millions of dollars were earmarked for these technologies that can mine computers, track the live locations of people and listen to their conversations. The United Nations special rapporteur on Myanmar has called for a global arms embargo. The special rapporteur alongside the deputy high commissioner for human rights supported the idea of targeted sanctions too. Nearly 140 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 31 countries have signed an open letter. It calls on the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar but there is no consensus yet on the world stage. Meanwhile, the military continues to strengthen its hand with laws that give it more powers like the cyber security bill. This proposed law would require internet service providers to store user data at a location identified by the government for three years, allow the military junta access to the personal data of users and force the removal of any content on demand. Several human rights groups have called the cyber security bill draconian. With such laws and the violent crackdown against the protesters, Myanmar's military has painted a target on its back. It is now the focus of targeted sanctions by the West. The United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union have implemented 'smart sanctions'. Reportedly, this is an attempt to 'squeeze the military' and its business interests, making it harder for the junta to conduct business with the West and other countries in the region could be mulling similar moves.

'Myanmar's junta using digital weapons’ arsenal against protesters'

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;

At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1. The Pope, who visited Myanmar in 2017, made his comments at the end of his general audience at&nbsp;the Vatican.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a former United Nations expert on the country on Wednesday urged foreign firms to suspend all business activity in Myanmar to send a clear message to the military that its coup will hurt its people and ruin its economy.&nbsp;

Chris Sidoti was part of an UN-led fact-finding mission, which in 2019 urged foreign firms to cut business ties with Myanmar's military over human rights abuses and pursue private sector investments there instead.&nbsp;

That position has hardened since a February 1 coup and an ensuing bloody crackdown on protesters, Sidoti said, because the military has retaken control of the country it ruled for almost half a century, making it now risky to do any business there.&nbsp;

"If businesses are responsible, they will put everything on hold at this point," said Sidoti, who has formed an independent advisory group on Myanmar with some other former UN investigators.&nbsp;

"It will send a very clear message to the military that may, hopefully, cause them to rethink their actions. The country cannot revert to military dictatorship without enormous harm to the people of Myanmar," he said.&nbsp;

Amid reports of being fired, Myanmar's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun on Wednesday sent letters to the world body insisting that he remains the legitimate representative of his country, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

In the letters dated on Monday, Kyaw Moe Tun wrote, "The perpetrators of the unlawful coup against the democratic government of Myanmar have no authority to countermand the legitimate authority of the president of my country.&nbsp;

"He claimed he remains Myanmar's permanent representative to the United Nations and rejected the country's military takeover. US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price, said at a news conference on Tuesday that the US government commends the bravery shown by Kyaw Moe Tun. He said the government understands that he remains in his position.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, Kyaw at a UN General Assembly meeting condemned his country's military for seizing power in a February 1 coup. He called on the international community to 'use any means necessary' to reverse the coup, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Myanmar's state-run television reported later that the ambassador was fired for betraying the country. A UN spokesperson revealed that Myanmar's foreign ministry had notified the world body that the country had appointed the current deputy ambassador to temporarily fill the role, reported NHK World.&nbsp;

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners. At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1.

Pope Francis said on Wednesday the hopes of the people of Myanmar cannot be 'suffocated by violence' and again called for the release of political prisoners. At least 30 people have been killed since a coup on February 1. The Pope, who visited Myanmar in 2017, made his comments at the end of his general audience at the Vatican. Meanwhile, a former United Nations expert on the country on Wednesday urged foreign firms to suspend all business activity in Myanmar to send a clear message to the military that its coup will hurt its people and ruin its economy. Chris Sidoti was part of an UN-led fact-finding mission, which in 2019 urged foreign firms to cut business ties with Myanmar's military over human rights abuses and pursue private sector investments there instead. That position has hardened since a February 1 coup and an ensuing bloody crackdown on protesters, Sidoti said, because the military has retaken control of the country it ruled for almost half a century, making it now risky to do any business there. "If businesses are responsible, they will put everything on hold at this point," said Sidoti, who has formed an independent advisory group on Myanmar with some other former UN investigators. "It will send a very clear message to the military that may, hopefully, cause them to rethink their actions. The country cannot revert to military dictatorship without enormous harm to the people of Myanmar," he said. Amid reports of being fired, Myanmar's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun on Wednesday sent letters to the world body insisting that he remains the legitimate representative of his country, reported NHK World. In the letters dated on Monday, Kyaw Moe Tun wrote, "The perpetrators of the unlawful coup against the democratic government of Myanmar have no authority to countermand the legitimate authority of the president of my country. "He claimed he remains Myanmar's permanent representative to the United Nations and rejected the country's military takeover. US State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price, said at a news conference on Tuesday that the US government commends the bravery shown by Kyaw Moe Tun. He said the government understands that he remains in his position. Earlier on Friday, Kyaw at a UN General Assembly meeting condemned his country's military for seizing power in a February 1 coup. He called on the international community to 'use any means necessary' to reverse the coup, reported NHK World. Myanmar's state-run television reported later that the ambassador was fired for betraying the country. A UN spokesperson revealed that Myanmar's foreign ministry had notified the world body that the country had appointed the current deputy ambassador to temporarily fill the role, reported NHK World.

Now, Pope calls for release of political prisoners in Myanmar 

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon on Tuesday after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty.

"We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests.

Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits.

The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports.

The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted.

"They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year old Tawfik Marei said.

"If I can still afford to get bread to feed my kids, others can't. I'm telling everyone to go down to the streets for these people."

Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market.

That makes Lebanon's minimum wage worth about $68 a month.

Political leaders have failed to agree a rescue plan since the crisis, rooted in decades of state graft, erupted in late 2019 as dollar inflows dried up.

At the time, protesters had swept the country angry over economic hardship and new tax plans, including a daily 20-cent fee on Whatsapp calls.

The currency last touched lows close to 10,000 in the summer of 2020, weeks before the huge August port blast that devastated much of Beirut.

"I'm asking the president to have a conscience and be aware of the tragic situation that we are facing," said Katia Bassil, a graphic designer, in central Beirut on Tuesday.

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon on Tuesday after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty.

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon on Tuesday after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty. "We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests. Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits. The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports. The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted. "They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year old Tawfik Marei said. "If I can still afford to get bread to feed my kids, others can't. I'm telling everyone to go down to the streets for these people." Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market. That makes Lebanon's minimum wage worth about $68 a month. Political leaders have failed to agree a rescue plan since the crisis, rooted in decades of state graft, erupted in late 2019 as dollar inflows dried up. At the time, protesters had swept the country angry over economic hardship and new tax plans, including a daily 20-cent fee on Whatsapp calls. The currency last touched lows close to 10,000 in the summer of 2020, weeks before the huge August port blast that devastated much of Beirut. "I'm asking the president to have a conscience and be aware of the tragic situation that we are facing," said Katia Bassil, a graphic designer, in central Beirut on Tuesday.

Protesters shut down roads as Lebanon pound hits all-time low

Myanmar police is a clash with the protesters in the city of Delaware and also Yangon for the second consecutive day today. According to reports several protesters that actually being gun down and left wounded.

Myanmar: Protesters clash with police for the 2nd consecutive day

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.&nbsp;

"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read.&nbsp;

According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown.&nbsp;

The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'.&nbsp;

"We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said.&nbsp;

The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued.&nbsp;

The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup. "We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read. According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown. The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'. "We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said. The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued. The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.

G7 'firmly condemns' Myanmar coup, use of force against protesters

Police charged protesters who threw stones and bottles at officers and neighbours in Spanish cities on Friday in the fourth night of clashes after a rapper was jailed for glorifying terrorism and insulting royalty in his songs.

Protesters throw stones at police and neighbours over jailed Spanish rapper

A group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) protesters rallied on Yangon's streets against the military coup and ousting of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday (February 19).

Myanmar LGBTQ protesters take to streets against military coup

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country.&nbsp;

Long sentences and fines will also apply to those found to incite 'hatred or contempt' towards the coup leaders, the military said. The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities, the BBC reported on Monday.&nbsp;

The media outlet Frontier Myanmar also reported that Myanmar security forces opened fire to disperse protesters in the city of Mandalay on Monday.&nbsp;

The number of casualties was not clear, it said. According to a member of a student union in the city, some people were wounded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protests-armoured-vehicles-deployed-in-yangon-protests-erupt-after-internet-blackout-363705">Myanmar: Armoured vehicles in Yangon, protests erupt after internet blackout</a>

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests in recent days.&nbsp;

The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy.&nbsp;

On Monday, Suu Kyi's lawyer said she would be detained for a further two days. She will then be tried via video link at a court in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Khin Maung Zaw added.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi was rounded up with other members of the government on February 1, but her detention was due to end on February 15.&nbsp;

The charges against her include possession of unlawful communication devices - walkie-talkies used by her security staff.&nbsp;

Her party was elected in a resounding victory last November, but the military has alleged voter fraud without providing proof.&nbsp;

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The military's heightened presence is the latest sign of a potential crackdown on opposition to the coup.&nbsp;

The ruling junta has also announced a series of legal changes, imposing long prison sentences and fines on anyone found to incite hatred towards the military, 'by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation'.&nbsp;

In a statement posted on a military website on Monday, it said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face seven years in jail, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in the public could be imprisoned for three years.&nbsp;

The news came hours after the Internet was restored.&nbsp;

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country.

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country. Long sentences and fines will also apply to those found to incite 'hatred or contempt' towards the coup leaders, the military said. The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities, the BBC reported on Monday. The media outlet Frontier Myanmar also reported that Myanmar security forces opened fire to disperse protesters in the city of Mandalay on Monday. The number of casualties was not clear, it said. According to a member of a student union in the city, some people were wounded. Also read | Myanmar: Armoured vehicles in Yangon, protests erupt after internet blackout Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests in recent days. The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy. On Monday, Suu Kyi's lawyer said she would be detained for a further two days. She will then be tried via video link at a court in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Khin Maung Zaw added. Suu Kyi was rounded up with other members of the government on February 1, but her detention was due to end on February 15. The charges against her include possession of unlawful communication devices - walkie-talkies used by her security staff. Her party was elected in a resounding victory last November, but the military has alleged voter fraud without providing proof. × The military's heightened presence is the latest sign of a potential crackdown on opposition to the coup. The ruling junta has also announced a series of legal changes, imposing long prison sentences and fines on anyone found to incite hatred towards the military, 'by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation'. In a statement posted on a military website on Monday, it said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face seven years in jail, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in the public could be imprisoned for three years. The news came hours after the Internet was restored.

Under new law, Myanmar protesters to face up to 20 years in prison

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