China's President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping begins a three-day visit to the&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;hub&nbsp;of&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;on Wednesday to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to China, with security tight and some media barred entry as protests rock&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

Xi's visit to the former Portuguese colony, where he is expected to announce a slew of supportive policies, is widely seen as a reward for&nbsp;Macau's stability and loyalty, unlike the former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, which has been rocked by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-needs-to-do-more-to-stop-violence-resolve-problems-government-268621">anti-government protests</a> for six months.

Xi, due to arrive by plane later in the afternoon, is expected to announce measures for&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;aimed at diversifying its casino-dependent economy into a financial centre, including a new yuan-denominated stock exchange.

Several&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;journalists, including a reporter for broadcaster RTHK, were barred entry to&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;this week due to security concerns, RTHK said on its website.

Many other media people faced lengthy questioning and had their identification cards photographed as they arrived in the city.

Macau's government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Xi's visit, his longest official trip to&nbsp;Macau, will include meetings with government officials and business representatives, as well as the swearing-in of&nbsp;Macau's newly chosen Beijing-backed&nbsp;leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-briefly-turn-water-cannon-on-protesters-fire-tear-gas-245531">Ho Iat-seng</a>, on Friday.

Macau&nbsp;returned to&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;rule on December&nbsp;20, 1999 with the same "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-can-celebrate-later-hong-kongers-pen-christmas-cards-to-protesters-268663">one country, two systems</a>" formula aimed at preserving autonomy under which&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is governed.

While protesters in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, across the mouth of the Pearl River, are infuriated by what they see as Beijing encroaching on their freedoms,&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;has seen little dissent.

Protests are very rare in the territory with more than half of&nbsp;Macau's 620,000 population immigrating from China in recent decades.

Flags and red congratulatory banners fluttered along roads and over buildings around the city in preparation for the anniversary celebrations on Friday.

"Macau&nbsp;is the best, better than&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been taken over by those rioters and we are all affected," said a 73-year-old woman surnamed Cheung.

Transport Restrictions&nbsp;

Still, authorities appeared to be taking no chances.

A&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;resident was arrested by mainland police last week while crossing into&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;on a newly built bridge linking it to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and the mainland city of Zhuhai.

Chinese&nbsp;authorities said the man was suspected of involvement in a phone-smuggling syndicate.

The heads of the American Chamber of Commerce in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have also been barred from entering the city in the run-up to&nbsp;Xi's visit, the chamber heads reported, adding that authorities did not give a reason.

Macau&nbsp;ferry operator Turbo Jet said it was reducing the number of ferry sailings to and from&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;by about half due to security checks. Ferries this week are only operating every 30 minutes compared with every 15 minutes normally.

The changes were made because of "instructions by&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;authorities", the company said on its website.

The city's light rail transit system which opened to the public on December&nbsp;10, will be suspended for three days from Wednesday due to security measures, the operator said.

Beijing has also clamped down on visas since November for mainland residents going to&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;until after the December&nbsp;20 anniversary, as part of the security restrictions, according to Vitaly Umansky, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

The restrictions would put additional pressure on sliding&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;revenues, he said.

Macau&nbsp;is heavily dependent on the&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;industry with its casinos contributing about 80 percent of government income.

China's President Xi Jinping begins a three-day visit to the gambling hub of Macau on Wednesday to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to China, with security tight and some media barred entry as protests rock nearby Hong Kong.

China's President Xi Jinping begins a three-day visit to the gambling hub of Macau on Wednesday to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to China, with security tight and some media barred entry as protests rock nearby Hong Kong. Xi's visit to the former Portuguese colony, where he is expected to announce a slew of supportive policies, is widely seen as a reward for Macau's stability and loyalty, unlike the former British colony of Hong Kong, which has been rocked by anti-government protests for six months. Xi, due to arrive by plane later in the afternoon, is expected to announce measures for Macau aimed at diversifying its casino-dependent economy into a financial centre, including a new yuan-denominated stock exchange. Several Hong Kong journalists, including a reporter for broadcaster RTHK, were barred entry to Macau this week due to security concerns, RTHK said on its website. Many other media people faced lengthy questioning and had their identification cards photographed as they arrived in the city. Macau's government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Xi's visit, his longest official trip to Macau, will include meetings with government officials and business representatives, as well as the swearing-in of Macau's newly chosen Beijing-backed leader, Ho Iat-seng, on Friday. Macau returned to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999 with the same "one country, two systems" formula aimed at preserving autonomy under which Hong Kong is governed. While protesters in Hong Kong, across the mouth of the Pearl River, are infuriated by what they see as Beijing encroaching on their freedoms, Macau has seen little dissent. Protests are very rare in the territory with more than half of Macau's 620,000 population immigrating from China in recent decades. Flags and red congratulatory banners fluttered along roads and over buildings around the city in preparation for the anniversary celebrations on Friday. "Macau is the best, better than Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been taken over by those rioters and we are all affected," said a 73-year-old woman surnamed Cheung. Transport Restrictions Still, authorities appeared to be taking no chances. A Hong Kong resident was arrested by mainland police last week while crossing into Macau on a newly built bridge linking it to Hong Kong and the mainland city of Zhuhai. Chinese authorities said the man was suspected of involvement in a phone-smuggling syndicate. The heads of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong have also been barred from entering the city in the run-up to Xi's visit, the chamber heads reported, adding that authorities did not give a reason. Macau ferry operator Turbo Jet said it was reducing the number of ferry sailings to and from Hong Kong by about half due to security checks. Ferries this week are only operating every 30 minutes compared with every 15 minutes normally. The changes were made because of "instructions by Macau authorities", the company said on its website. The city's light rail transit system which opened to the public on December 10, will be suspended for three days from Wednesday due to security measures, the operator said. Beijing has also clamped down on visas since November for mainland residents going to Macau until after the December 20 anniversary, as part of the security restrictions, according to Vitaly Umansky, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong. The restrictions would put additional pressure on sliding gambling revenues, he said. Macau is heavily dependent on the gambling industry with its casinos contributing about 80 percent of government income.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits gambling hub Macau as nearby Hong Kong seethes

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Protests in France against government's new pension plans

Two teenage&nbsp;employees were electrocuted while cleaning the kitchen of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-to-pay-26-million-to-settle-california-wage-lawsuit-264569">McDonalds</a> in Pueblo Libre, a district in the capital Lima, Peruvian daily La Republica reported.

"In response to the terrible loss of our two colleagues Carlos Gabriel Edgardo Campos Zapata and Alexandra Antonella Porras Inga, we wish to announce that we have declared two days of mourning from this morning, during which all our restaurants nationwide will remain closed,"&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-vice-president-resigns-calls-for-elections-to-break-deadlock-253286">Peru</a> said on Twitter.

The company said it was cooperating fully with the authorities investigating the deaths and offering support to their families. All staff would be paid during the two days when the restaurants were shut.

Two teenage employees were electrocuted while cleaning the kitchen of a McDonalds in Pueblo Libre, a district in the capital Lima, Peruvian daily La Republica reported.

Two teenage employees were electrocuted while cleaning the kitchen of a McDonalds in Pueblo Libre, a district in the capital Lima, Peruvian daily La Republica reported. "In response to the terrible loss of our two colleagues Carlos Gabriel Edgardo Campos Zapata and Alexandra Antonella Porras Inga, we wish to announce that we have declared two days of mourning from this morning, during which all our restaurants nationwide will remain closed," McDonald's Peru said on Twitter. The company said it was cooperating fully with the authorities investigating the deaths and offering support to their families. All staff would be paid during the two days when the restaurants were shut.

McDonald's shuts all Peru restaurants to mourn dead workers

The violence on the streets of the Capital of the country witnessed over the last two days and the criticism of ‘Delhi Police’ for using force to stop those burning buses, indulging in stone pelting and threatening to create an anarchy in the city compels one to think whether we, as a society, are creating an ideal situation for the ‘Ferguson Effect’.

Simply defined, ‘Ferguson Effect’ implies increased de-policing due to distrust of police created on false facts and deliberate misinformation campaigns. The term was coined by Doyle Sam Dotson III, the chief of the St. Louis police, to account for an increased murder rate in some US cities following the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri after 2014 shooting of a black man named &nbsp;Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer.

As Brown’s body laid on the street while shooting investigators and the medical examiners were completing their work, the neighbourhood crowd grew agitated and threatening. It was fed by Brown’s friend, Dorian Johnson’s narrative of the events leading to the fatal shooting. Johnson became a media darling soon and cops were turned into ‘villains’ &nbsp;by the local media without realising perhaps, how they were being manipulated.

The national media of the US too jumped on the bandwagon as it arrived in Ferguson and mounted the “Hands up, don’t shoot!” narrative. &nbsp;The media across the US went hammer and tongs against the police departments and policing. The campaign led to the reluctance of cops to be proactive in stopping crimes including the heinous ones. This led to the skyrocketing of crime rates in several US cities.

Those who are criticising the use of force to stop the miscreants and rioters in the garb of students fail to understand that it wasn’t a simple student agitation at Jamia Millia University any more. Neither did it remain an agitation against the National Register for Citizens or the amendment in the Citizenship Act.

It had started as a students’ agitation but then it was simply taken over by the nexus of ultra-left and the radical Muslims. That is why the Delhi police had to move to the campus. In fact, 80 per cent of the students from Jamia had already left the campus due to vacations before the agitation started. And more than 80 per cent of the agitators were not students but Islamic fundamentalists and Maoists or Naxals.

Not many people would know but there are several eyewitnesses that on Sunday evening when the agitation was going on in front of the old building of Delhi Police Headquarter, two persons were caught with backpacks which were full of stones. And neither of them was a student. It indicates meticulous planning to create bloodbath on the streets in the garb of a protest by students.

There is credible evidence with the law enforcement agencies that the local leaders of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party fuelled this agitation. The tweets of their leaders are a reflection of their thinking and involvement itself. As one is aware that AAP is largely a political front of Urban Naxals and top Congress leaders’ offices and political strategies are now managed by former ultra-left student leaders from the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, so the two parties have a lot of synergy in terms of fomenting trouble at the campuses.

The fact is that the Leftists, after being pummeled electorally and being compelled to leave other institutions have been using their last bastion- universities and higher education institutions- as their last battleground. That is why one sees the eruption of violent, anarchic and anti-India campaigns emerging from those universities where they have a strong hold either amongst students or amongst academics or both.

The dangerous trend, however, is that what we have witnessed in the Aligarh Muslim University and the Jamia &nbsp;Millia is a lethal combination of &nbsp;Naxals and Islamic fundamentalists. The ultra-left is taking care of the back end planning while the Islamic fundamentalists are the face of these agitations. That is why one sees the swift and quick mobilisation of a large number of agitators from one place to another.

The ultra-left initially tried to create unrest after 2014 by manipulating the death of Rohit Vemulla in Hyderabad. They wanted to play the Dalit card and put Dalits of the country against the Indian state. But Dalits could see through this and called off the bluff of Urban Naxals and Maoists who treat young students as ‘guns for hire’. They ruthlessly manipulate the youth from a distance while sitting in their own safe cocoons. After the ‘Dalit card’ failed to pull off, the ultra-left has now tied up with the &nbsp;Islamic fundamentalists.

What we are witnessing in Jamia and AMU is a manifestation of this nexus. In fact, the cops in UP, as well as Delhi, deserve kudos for using the force with ‘restraint.’ It is much easier to term use of force as ‘brute’ without realising that the cops are not expected to remain mute spectators while they are targeted by the anti-Indian elements. They have to ensure that the law and order is restored. And they have done what was needed to be done and what was supposed to be done.

Many people could have been killed as anti-Indian elements, driving these agitations, were trying to provoke the cops. &nbsp;But the police at both the places refused to walk in their trap. Now it is our duty to ensure that we do not let the ‘Ferguson Effect’ take over our society and police. Most importantly, it is the responsibility of the students at campuses to ensure that they do not let anyone ‘manipulate’ them in the name of religion or ideology.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The violence on the streets of the Capital of the country witnessed over the last two days and the criticism of ‘Delhi Police’ for using force to stop those burning buses, indulging in stone pelting and threatening to create an anarchy in the city compels one to think whether we, as a society, are creating an ideal situation for the ‘Ferguson Effect’.

The violence on the streets of the Capital of the country witnessed over the last two days and the criticism of ‘Delhi Police’ for using force to stop those burning buses, indulging in stone pelting and threatening to create an anarchy in the city compels one to think whether we, as a society, are creating an ideal situation for the ‘Ferguson Effect’. Simply defined, ‘Ferguson Effect’ implies increased de-policing due to distrust of police created on false facts and deliberate misinformation campaigns. The term was coined by Doyle Sam Dotson III, the chief of the St. Louis police, to account for an increased murder rate in some US cities following the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri after 2014 shooting of a black man named Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. As Brown’s body laid on the street while shooting investigators and the medical examiners were completing their work, the neighbourhood crowd grew agitated and threatening. It was fed by Brown’s friend, Dorian Johnson’s narrative of the events leading to the fatal shooting. Johnson became a media darling soon and cops were turned into ‘villains’ by the local media without realising perhaps, how they were being manipulated. The national media of the US too jumped on the bandwagon as it arrived in Ferguson and mounted the “Hands up, don’t shoot!” narrative. The media across the US went hammer and tongs against the police departments and policing. The campaign led to the reluctance of cops to be proactive in stopping crimes including the heinous ones. This led to the skyrocketing of crime rates in several US cities. Those who are criticising the use of force to stop the miscreants and rioters in the garb of students fail to understand that it wasn’t a simple student agitation at Jamia Millia University any more. Neither did it remain an agitation against the National Register for Citizens or the amendment in the Citizenship Act. It had started as a students’ agitation but then it was simply taken over by the nexus of ultra-left and the radical Muslims. That is why the Delhi police had to move to the campus. In fact, 80 per cent of the students from Jamia had already left the campus due to vacations before the agitation started. And more than 80 per cent of the agitators were not students but Islamic fundamentalists and Maoists or Naxals. Not many people would know but there are several eyewitnesses that on Sunday evening when the agitation was going on in front of the old building of Delhi Police Headquarter, two persons were caught with backpacks which were full of stones. And neither of them was a student. It indicates meticulous planning to create bloodbath on the streets in the garb of a protest by students. There is credible evidence with the law enforcement agencies that the local leaders of Congress and Aam Aadmi Party fuelled this agitation. The tweets of their leaders are a reflection of their thinking and involvement itself. As one is aware that AAP is largely a political front of Urban Naxals and top Congress leaders’ offices and political strategies are now managed by former ultra-left student leaders from the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, so the two parties have a lot of synergy in terms of fomenting trouble at the campuses. The fact is that the Leftists, after being pummeled electorally and being compelled to leave other institutions have been using their last bastion- universities and higher education institutions- as their last battleground. That is why one sees the eruption of violent, anarchic and anti-India campaigns emerging from those universities where they have a strong hold either amongst students or amongst academics or both. The dangerous trend, however, is that what we have witnessed in the Aligarh Muslim University and the Jamia Millia is a lethal combination of Naxals and Islamic fundamentalists. The ultra-left is taking care of the back end planning while the Islamic fundamentalists are the face of these agitations. That is why one sees the swift and quick mobilisation of a large number of agitators from one place to another. The ultra-left initially tried to create unrest after 2014 by manipulating the death of Rohit Vemulla in Hyderabad. They wanted to play the Dalit card and put Dalits of the country against the Indian state. But Dalits could see through this and called off the bluff of Urban Naxals and Maoists who treat young students as ‘guns for hire’. They ruthlessly manipulate the youth from a distance while sitting in their own safe cocoons. After the ‘Dalit card’ failed to pull off, the ultra-left has now tied up with the Islamic fundamentalists. What we are witnessing in Jamia and AMU is a manifestation of this nexus. In fact, the cops in UP, as well as Delhi, deserve kudos for using the force with ‘restraint.’ It is much easier to term use of force as ‘brute’ without realising that the cops are not expected to remain mute spectators while they are targeted by the anti-Indian elements. They have to ensure that the law and order is restored. And they have done what was needed to be done and what was supposed to be done. Many people could have been killed as anti-Indian elements, driving these agitations, were trying to provoke the cops. But the police at both the places refused to walk in their trap. Now it is our duty to ensure that we do not let the ‘Ferguson Effect’ take over our society and police. Most importantly, it is the responsibility of the students at campuses to ensure that they do not let anyone ‘manipulate’ them in the name of religion or ideology. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Jamia Millia, AMU violence: Don’t  let ‘Ferguson Effect’ take over

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-avoidable-controversy-267862">Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA)</a> several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar &amp; West Bengal)&nbsp;of Northeast Frontier Railway&nbsp;will remain cancelled on Monday.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today.

The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cab-aftermath-northeast-india-hit-by-protests-1-dead-and-3-injured-267855">Protests </a>erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation.

The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-persecution-violence-against-women-salient-features-of-pakistan-sindhi-american-activist-257729">Pakistan</a>, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-gives-nod-to-citizenship-amendment-bill-267991">assent </a>on November 12.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday. The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today. The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled. Protests erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12.

Several trains cancelled in West Bengal following protests against CAA

After the Citizenship amendment act protests against the act in different parts of India continues.

Protests against citizenship amendment act continues in India

In Hong Kong, protests flare at malls ahead of Christmas season, Clashes with Police. Restaurants got spray painted and some got vandalized as well.

Hong Kong: Protests flare at malls ahead of Christmas season

Protesters broke out across various parts of London. Protesters reject the result of UK general election

Anti-Johnson protests erupt in London

Protesters clad in masks rallying outside the British Consulate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-reshuffle-not-an-immediate-task-carrie-lam-267429">Hong Kong today</a> requested the United Kingdom to declare that China has breached the Joint Declaration and allow it to rejoin the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

"It (the UK) should also help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Hong Kong, and also render any necessary assistance to Hong Kong people", said Panzer Chan, 31, an office clerk.&nbsp; 
 
Before the rally formally began, a petition was handed over to a representative of the British Consulate which mentioned all their demands, including the call for realigning with the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-fire-and-petrol-bombs-reported-after-generally-peaceful-march-267312">Sino-British Joint Declaration</a> was signed in 1984 by then Prime Minister of Britain Margaret Thatcher and the Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang. The declaration outlined phases in which Britain would end its rule over Hong Kong, which went on for a century and a half.

Watch: Hong Kong Protests - 6 months and counting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-6-months-counting-267319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was under this declaration that the ''one country-two systems'' ideation was formalised and rights not available to Mainland Chinese citizens were given to Hong Kongers.&nbsp;

According to protesters, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-await-beijing-olive-branch-after-rare-calm-267355">China has not lived up to the declaration</a> and has trespassed Hong Kong's autonomy.

"The Chinese just keep crossing the line," said one rally participant, giving his name as Mr K. "I think we have to just kick the Chinese out", he added.

Hong Kong has been marred by pro-democracy protests in the last few months.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Protesters clad in masks rallying outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong today requested the United Kingdom to declare that China has breached the Joint Declaration and allow it to rejoin the Commonwealth.

Protesters clad in masks rallying outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong today requested the United Kingdom to declare that China has breached the Joint Declaration and allow it to rejoin the Commonwealth. "It (the UK) should also help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Hong Kong, and also render any necessary assistance to Hong Kong people", said Panzer Chan, 31, an office clerk. Before the rally formally began, a petition was handed over to a representative of the British Consulate which mentioned all their demands, including the call for realigning with the Commonwealth. The Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed in 1984 by then Prime Minister of Britain Margaret Thatcher and the Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang. The declaration outlined phases in which Britain would end its rule over Hong Kong, which went on for a century and a half. Watch: Hong Kong Protests - 6 months and counting It was under this declaration that the ''one country-two systems'' ideation was formalised and rights not available to Mainland Chinese citizens were given to Hong Kongers. According to protesters, China has not lived up to the declaration and has trespassed Hong Kong's autonomy. "The Chinese just keep crossing the line," said one rally participant, giving his name as Mr K. "I think we have to just kick the Chinese out", he added. Hong Kong has been marred by pro-democracy protests in the last few months. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong: Protesters ask UK for dissolution of Joint Declaration, demand reabsorption into Commonwealth

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years. 
 
Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan. 
 
A student leader from Gilgit Baltistan said, "Baba Jan and his nine accomplices have been incarcerated in the jail for the past nine years. They did absolutely nothing. All that he (Baba Jan) did was to hold a demonstration against the government. He has been sentenced for ninety years without any trial. Does any country under the sun have this provision of sentencing someone for ninety years? We don't know till now under which section he has been punished". 
 
The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression. 
 
It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the society. 
"We are a completely different territory. We deserve to have our own rights. However, we do not have even the right to life, " said another student leader. 
 
Puppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised. 
 
Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years.

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years. Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan. A student leader from Gilgit Baltistan said, "Baba Jan and his nine accomplices have been incarcerated in the jail for the past nine years. They did absolutely nothing. All that he (Baba Jan) did was to hold a demonstration against the government. He has been sentenced for ninety years without any trial. Does any country under the sun have this provision of sentencing someone for ninety years? We don't know till now under which section he has been punished". The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression. It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the society. "We are a completely different territory. We deserve to have our own rights. However, we do not have even the right to life, " said another student leader. Puppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised. Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

Protests demanding release of Baba Jan resurface in Pakistan

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies. 
 
The rally focused on the condition of educational institutions, fee hike, privatisation of education under the New Education Policy 2019 and the alleged anti-student policies of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government in the country. 
 
The rally started from the Mandi House and culminated at the Parliamentary Street in Delhi. 
 
Senior Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Kirti Azad participated in the rally.

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies.

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies. The rally focused on the condition of educational institutions, fee hike, privatisation of education under the New Education Policy 2019 and the alleged anti-student policies of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government in the country. The rally started from the Mandi House and culminated at the Parliamentary Street in Delhi. Senior Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Kirti Azad participated in the rally.

Delhi: NSUI holds rally against government's education policies

Protests Resume in Hong Kong: Protesters form a human chain of 2 Kilometres

Over 8 lakh peoples gathered on the streets of Hong Kong. Protesters form a human chain of 2 km.

Protests resume in Hong Kong

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">Malta's prime minister</a> blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder.&nbsp;

The sit-in outside the side entrance of the offices of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat began shortly after 7:00 am&nbsp;and involved about 30 protesters.&nbsp;

Activists sat on the ground, shouting and banging on drums and blowing whistles. It was not clear whether Muscat was in his offices at the time.&nbsp;

At one point, journalists covering the sit-in were forced out of the passageway and protesters were locked inside by soldiers. They later exited the passageway, joining other protesters outside the building.

Muscat announced earlier this month that he will resign in January, responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rattled-by-journalist-murder-probe-maltas-ruling-party-meets-to-decide-pms-future-265579">wave of mass protests</a> over a much-criticised probe into the 2017 murder of journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The investigation, which is ongoing, has also led to the resignations of Muscat's chief of staff and tourism minister.

Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 after exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island that implicated top government officials. Her family has accused Muscat of protecting those involved in her murder. &nbsp;

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of Malta's prime minister blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder.

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of Malta's prime minister blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder. The sit-in outside the side entrance of the offices of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat began shortly after 7:00 am and involved about 30 protesters. Activists sat on the ground, shouting and banging on drums and blowing whistles. It was not clear whether Muscat was in his offices at the time. At one point, journalists covering the sit-in were forced out of the passageway and protesters were locked inside by soldiers. They later exited the passageway, joining other protesters outside the building. Muscat announced earlier this month that he will resign in January, responding to a wave of mass protests over a much-criticised probe into the 2017 murder of journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia. The investigation, which is ongoing, has also led to the resignations of Muscat's chief of staff and tourism minister. Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 after exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island that implicated top government officials. Her family has accused Muscat of protecting those involved in her murder.

Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office

Internet memes come to life at Hong Kong rally

Protests against single points-based pension plan.

France Protests: Protest against pension reforms

Protests in France enter day 2, Protesters and Police clash across Paris

Protests in France enter day 2

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chile-unveils-55-billion-stimulus-plan-as-economy-shrinks-265904">Chile&nbsp;is investigating</a> "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;European&nbsp;country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

"Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international&nbsp;interference," Ribero told reporters.

"What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;Europe to&nbsp;Chile," he said.&nbsp;

He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged&nbsp;interference.

"There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles."

Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in&nbsp;Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18.

In a late October phone call to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-after-bus-flips-in-chile-265797">Chile&nbsp;counterpart Sebastian Pinera</a>, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday. "Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international interference," Ribero told reporters. "What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in Eastern Europe to Chile," he said. He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged interference. "There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles." Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18. In a late October phone call to his Chile counterpart Sebastian Pinera, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile probes Eastern European interference in protests

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parties-in-talks-over-new-pm-amid-unrelenting-protests-265759">demonstrators onto the street</a> was the profound&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;of one of the world's most oil-rich countries.

And that is what has kept them there, with protesters brushing off the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as failing to root out the rampant corruption that denies them jobs and public services.&nbsp;

In the southern protest hotspot of Diwaniyah, one of the poorest agricultural areas in the country, Umm Salah has joined rallies every day outside the provincial council.

"I've suffered in my country, even though it's a rich country," she told AFP, carrying an Iraqi tricolour.&nbsp;

The 57-year-old widow has been protesting every day since October with her seven children, none of whom are employed.

They walk four kilometres&nbsp;to reach the protest camp as they cannot afford a taxi from the worn-down informal shelter where they live.&nbsp;

"My husband died four years ago because we are poor and couldn't afford medical treatment in private clinics or hospitals abroad," Umm Salah says.

Iraq suffers from an extremely dilapidated health care system, with hospitals severely under-equipped and doctors often threatened on the basis of political or tribal disputes.&nbsp;

Watch: At least 10 injured in clashes in Najaf

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-at-least-10-injured-in-clashes-in-najaf-265638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A bleak future

Despite Iraq being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five of its people <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">live in&nbsp;poverty</a>&nbsp;and youth unemployment stands at one quarter, the World Bank says.

The government has been the largest employer by far for decades but has recently struggled to provide jobs for a growing number of graduates.

Already, youths make up 60 per cent of the 40 million-strong population, which is set to grow by 10 million more before 2030.

The future looks even bleaker given predictions that heavy crude exports,&nbsp;which fund more than 90 per cent of Iraq's state budget,&nbsp;will become less profitable as the world shifts to other energy sources.

For now, protesters blame the staggering joblessness rates on a patronage system that hands out work based on bribes, family connections or party affiliation instead of merit.

Muhannad Fadel, 30, dreamt of a government post when he graduated years ago with a degree in physical education, but his diploma opened few doors for him.

After a brief stint as a university lecturer, Fadel sought other work but his monthly income didn't rise above $100.

"I started to drive a taxi but I was afraid some of my students would recognise me," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"Then I opened a little confectionary store on the ground floor of our home and I make around 5,000 dinars a day," or just $3, he added.

Scraping together some savings, Fadel could marry but not buy a house, so his new wife moved in with his family.

"Our whole family together earns $150 per month. How is that possible in one of the countries with the most oil in the world?" he said.

For him and many protesters, the root of the&nbsp;problem&nbsp;is a political class more interested in earning money and paying homage to regional backers than in improving Iraqi infrastructure, or people's lives.

"They're corrupt and steal the people's money to give to Iran and other parties," Fadel said bitterly.&nbsp;

Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by watchdog group Transparency International.

A recent government probe found over $450 billion in public funds were lost to embezzlement, fake contracts or salaries for so-called ghost employees since 2003.&nbsp;

'They stole our oil'

"The deterioration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-cabinet-resignation-265571">economic conditions of&nbsp;Iraqis</a>&nbsp;is the main reason for protests, as eight million&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;live under the&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;line," said Moussa Khalaf, an economic history professor in Diwaniyah.

A series of flare-ups before the major wave of protests erupted in October had hinted at the conflagration that was to come.

In September, local authorities began demolishing unauthorised houses in the shrine city of Karbala, in Basra in the south and in the central city of Kut.

The settlements are home to three million&nbsp;Iraqis, many of them the poorest of the poor.&nbsp;

That same month, a young man in Kut died after desperately setting himself alight when authorities seized his mobile kiosk.

"You need an economic policy that makes use of resources based on scientific and economic facts, not on privileges or political gains," says Khalaf.

Protesters have clung on in the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;and public squares even days after Abdel Mahdi stepped down.

"Of course that's not enough," one young demonstrator in Baghdad's Tahrir Square told AFP about bringing down the head of government.

"We won't leave our barricades until the regime falls, until we get jobs, water, electricity," he said.

Another protester, 45-year-old Hussein Maneh, slammed the government for its years of failure.

"Since 2003, they've done nothing but increased&nbsp;poverty, destroyed agriculture and industry, impoverished schools and hospitals, created confessionalism, and stole our oil," he fumed.&nbsp;

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought demonstrators onto the street was the profound poverty of one of the world's most oil-rich countries.

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought demonstrators onto the street was the profound poverty of one of the world's most oil-rich countries. And that is what has kept them there, with protesters brushing off the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as failing to root out the rampant corruption that denies them jobs and public services. In the southern protest hotspot of Diwaniyah, one of the poorest agricultural areas in the country, Umm Salah has joined rallies every day outside the provincial council. "I've suffered in my country, even though it's a rich country," she told AFP, carrying an Iraqi tricolour. The 57-year-old widow has been protesting every day since October with her seven children, none of whom are employed. They walk four kilometres to reach the protest camp as they cannot afford a taxi from the worn-down informal shelter where they live. "My husband died four years ago because we are poor and couldn't afford medical treatment in private clinics or hospitals abroad," Umm Salah says. Iraq suffers from an extremely dilapidated health care system, with hospitals severely under-equipped and doctors often threatened on the basis of political or tribal disputes. Watch: At least 10 injured in clashes in Najaf A bleak future Despite Iraq being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five of its people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at one quarter, the World Bank says. The government has been the largest employer by far for decades but has recently struggled to provide jobs for a growing number of graduates. Already, youths make up 60 per cent of the 40 million-strong population, which is set to grow by 10 million more before 2030. The future looks even bleaker given predictions that heavy crude exports, which fund more than 90 per cent of Iraq's state budget, will become less profitable as the world shifts to other energy sources. For now, protesters blame the staggering joblessness rates on a patronage system that hands out work based on bribes, family connections or party affiliation instead of merit. Muhannad Fadel, 30, dreamt of a government post when he graduated years ago with a degree in physical education, but his diploma opened few doors for him. After a brief stint as a university lecturer, Fadel sought other work but his monthly income didn't rise above $100. "I started to drive a taxi but I was afraid some of my students would recognise me," he told AFP. "Then I opened a little confectionary store on the ground floor of our home and I make around 5,000 dinars a day," or just $3, he added. Scraping together some savings, Fadel could marry but not buy a house, so his new wife moved in with his family. "Our whole family together earns $150 per month. How is that possible in one of the countries with the most oil in the world?" he said. For him and many protesters, the root of the problem is a political class more interested in earning money and paying homage to regional backers than in improving Iraqi infrastructure, or people's lives. "They're corrupt and steal the people's money to give to Iran and other parties," Fadel said bitterly. Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by watchdog group Transparency International. A recent government probe found over $450 billion in public funds were lost to embezzlement, fake contracts or salaries for so-called ghost employees since 2003. 'They stole our oil' "The deterioration of the economic conditions of Iraqis is the main reason for protests, as eight million Iraqis live under the poverty line," said Moussa Khalaf, an economic history professor in Diwaniyah. A series of flare-ups before the major wave of protests erupted in October had hinted at the conflagration that was to come. In September, local authorities began demolishing unauthorised houses in the shrine city of Karbala, in Basra in the south and in the central city of Kut. The settlements are home to three million Iraqis, many of them the poorest of the poor. That same month, a young man in Kut died after desperately setting himself alight when authorities seized his mobile kiosk. "You need an economic policy that makes use of resources based on scientific and economic facts, not on privileges or political gains," says Khalaf. Protesters have clung on in the streets and public squares even days after Abdel Mahdi stepped down. "Of course that's not enough," one young demonstrator in Baghdad's Tahrir Square told AFP about bringing down the head of government. "We won't leave our barricades until the regime falls, until we get jobs, water, electricity," he said. Another protester, 45-year-old Hussein Maneh, slammed the government for its years of failure. "Since 2003, they've done nothing but increased poverty, destroyed agriculture and industry, impoverished schools and hospitals, created confessionalism, and stole our oil," he fumed.

Iraq: Protests still ongoing, people say poverty is problem

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Bolivia's interim government</a> on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;groups&nbsp;"threatening" the troubled South American country.

"This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are&nbsp;threatening&nbsp;our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force.

Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz.&nbsp;

The minister said the state had to act to "free&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years",&nbsp;a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office.

Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections.

Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/were-desperate-to-buy-anything-bolivians-go-hungry-as-protests-snarl-cities-263385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup.

Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state."

"The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians."

The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times.

Her government has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-returns-to-normal-as-protests-quell-264496">blamed foreigners</a> for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;that has left dozens of people dead.

Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country. "This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are threatening our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force. Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz. The minister said the state had to act to "free Bolivia from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years", a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office. Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections. Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup. Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in Bolivia are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state." "The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians." The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced foreign influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times. Her government has blamed foreigners for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in Bolivia that has left dozens of people dead. Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia launches anti-terror unit in bid to fight 'threatening foreign groups'

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests.

Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Iranian state television reported that security forces had confronted a separatist group in the city that was armed with “semi-heavy” weapons. It claimed the armed rioters had fought with security personnel for hours.

Iranian exiles in contact with family and friends in Bandar-e-Mahshahr said protesters blocked off a road leading from the city, that is home to Iran’s largest petrochemical complex, to the village of Koora.

In contrast to past protests in the province, the protesters chanted slogans against Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani rather than Arab nationalist phrases.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ 3rd Marine Force Division, based on the outskirts of the city, intervened with armoured vehicles after police failed to disperse the protesters. The exiles said the Guards opened fire on protesters trying to escape into nearby marshlands.

An unconfirmed video purportedly documenting the killing of up to 100 people shows armoured vehicles driving down a road as multiple rounds are fired and men are heard shouting. “They simply mowed them down,” said one of the exiles who studied in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and has relatives in the city.

In many ways, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and multiple other Iranian cities fit a global pattern; a specific issue sparks anti-government demonstrations that quickly evolve into a mass movement demanding a complete overhaul of a political system that has failed to cater to the aspirations of major segments of the population.

In Hong Kong the spark was a law that would enable extraditions to mainland China, in Santiago de Chile it was public transportation price hikes and in Iran, it was a surprise increase in petrol prices.

Struggling under the yoke of harsh US economic sanctions imposed after the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from the international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leaders failed to recognise that long-standing mismanagement of the economy and widespread corruption was undermining their legitimacy.

The notion of a US-Saudi-Israeli conspiracy to stoke unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to destabilise the regime was reinforced by statements in recent years by American, Saudi and Israeli officials and a series of violent incidents in Khuzestan as well as the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan and Kurdish regions of Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s insistence that the Iranian protests constituted a ‘dangerous conspiracy’ by the United States was hardly surprising.

The protests erupted after weeks in which demonstrators in Iraq denounced Iranian influence in their country and attacked the Islamic republic’s consulates in Basra and Najaf. Similarly, Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has been paralysed for the past two months by anti-sectarian protesters.

The conviction that Iran’s enemies were tightening the noose around its neck may well have some grounding in reality even if the Islamic republic’s most recent regional setbacks, as well as the outburst of deep-seated anger at home, cannot be reduced to foreign conspiracies.

The brutality with which the regime cracked down on protesters as well as its drastic decision to shut down the Internet for four days suggests that Iran has little faith in indications that Saudi Arabia is groping for ways to dial down tension with its arch-rival or Omani efforts to mediate.

It also explains why the squashing of the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr may have been particularly harsh.

The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian Arab separatist group, claimed responsibility in September 2018 for an attack on a Revolutionary Guards parade in the Khuzestan capital of Ahwaz in which 29 people were killed and 70 others wounded.

Unidentified gunmen in the Netherlands killed Ahmad Mola Nissi, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), in November 2017.

Shot dead on a street in The Hague, Mola Nissi died the violent life he was alleged to have lived.

A 52-year-old refugee living in the Netherlands since 2005, Mola Nissi was believed to have been responsible for attacks in Khuzestan in 2005, 2006 and 2013 on oil facilities, the office of the Khuzestan governor, other government offices, and banks.

Mola Nissi focussed in his most recent years on media activities and fundraising, at times creating footage of alleged attacks involving gas cylinder explosions to attract Saudi funding, according to Iranian activists.

Mola Nissi was killed as he was preparing to establish a television station backed by Saudi-trained personnel and funding that would target Khuzestan.

Protests in Khuzestan have focussed in recent years on identity, environmental degradation, and social issues.

International human rights groups have long accused Iran of discriminating against Iranian Arabs even though a majority are Shiite rather than Sunni Muslims. Dozens of protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations in Ahwaz in 2011 that were inspired by the popular Arab revolts.

“Despite Khuzestan's natural resource wealth, its ethnic Arab population, which is believed to constitute a majority in the province, has long complained about the lack of socio-economic development in the region. They also allege that the Iranian government has engaged in systematic discrimination against them, particularly in the areas of employment, housing, and civil and political rights,” Human Rights Watch said at the time.

That was in 2011. Like in the rest of Iran, things have only gotten worse in Khuzestan since. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The Iranian port city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr has emerged as the scene of some of the worst violence in Iran’s brutal crackdown on recent anti-government protests. Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to the country’s restive ethnic Arab minority, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr strengthened Iran in its belief that the anti-government outburst was yet another effort to destabilise the Islamic republic by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iranian state television reported that security forces had confronted a separatist group in the city that was armed with “semi-heavy” weapons. It claimed the armed rioters had fought with security personnel for hours. Iranian exiles in contact with family and friends in Bandar-e-Mahshahr said protesters blocked off a road leading from the city, that is home to Iran’s largest petrochemical complex, to the village of Koora. In contrast to past protests in the province, the protesters chanted slogans against Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani rather than Arab nationalist phrases. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ 3rd Marine Force Division, based on the outskirts of the city, intervened with armoured vehicles after police failed to disperse the protesters. The exiles said the Guards opened fire on protesters trying to escape into nearby marshlands. An unconfirmed video purportedly documenting the killing of up to 100 people shows armoured vehicles driving down a road as multiple rounds are fired and men are heard shouting. “They simply mowed them down,” said one of the exiles who studied in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and has relatives in the city. In many ways, the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr and multiple other Iranian cities fit a global pattern; a specific issue sparks anti-government demonstrations that quickly evolve into a mass movement demanding a complete overhaul of a political system that has failed to cater to the aspirations of major segments of the population. In Hong Kong the spark was a law that would enable extraditions to mainland China, in Santiago de Chile it was public transportation price hikes and in Iran, it was a surprise increase in petrol prices. Struggling under the yoke of harsh US economic sanctions imposed after the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from the international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leaders failed to recognise that long-standing mismanagement of the economy and widespread corruption was undermining their legitimacy. The notion of a US-Saudi-Israeli conspiracy to stoke unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to destabilise the regime was reinforced by statements in recent years by American, Saudi and Israeli officials and a series of violent incidents in Khuzestan as well as the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan and Kurdish regions of Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei’s insistence that the Iranian protests constituted a ‘dangerous conspiracy’ by the United States was hardly surprising. The protests erupted after weeks in which demonstrators in Iraq denounced Iranian influence in their country and attacked the Islamic republic’s consulates in Basra and Najaf. Similarly, Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has been paralysed for the past two months by anti-sectarian protesters. The conviction that Iran’s enemies were tightening the noose around its neck may well have some grounding in reality even if the Islamic republic’s most recent regional setbacks, as well as the outburst of deep-seated anger at home, cannot be reduced to foreign conspiracies. The brutality with which the regime cracked down on protesters as well as its drastic decision to shut down the Internet for four days suggests that Iran has little faith in indications that Saudi Arabia is groping for ways to dial down tension with its arch-rival or Omani efforts to mediate. It also explains why the squashing of the protests in Bandar-e-Mahshahr may have been particularly harsh. The Ahvaz National Resistance, an Iranian Arab separatist group, claimed responsibility in September 2018 for an attack on a Revolutionary Guards parade in the Khuzestan capital of Ahwaz in which 29 people were killed and 70 others wounded. Unidentified gunmen in the Netherlands killed Ahmad Mola Nissi, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), in November 2017. Shot dead on a street in The Hague, Mola Nissi died the violent life he was alleged to have lived. A 52-year-old refugee living in the Netherlands since 2005, Mola Nissi was believed to have been responsible for attacks in Khuzestan in 2005, 2006 and 2013 on oil facilities, the office of the Khuzestan governor, other government offices, and banks. Mola Nissi focussed in his most recent years on media activities and fundraising, at times creating footage of alleged attacks involving gas cylinder explosions to attract Saudi funding, according to Iranian activists. Mola Nissi was killed as he was preparing to establish a television station backed by Saudi-trained personnel and funding that would target Khuzestan. Protests in Khuzestan have focussed in recent years on identity, environmental degradation, and social issues. International human rights groups have long accused Iran of discriminating against Iranian Arabs even though a majority are Shiite rather than Sunni Muslims. Dozens of protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations in Ahwaz in 2011 that were inspired by the popular Arab revolts. “Despite Khuzestan's natural resource wealth, its ethnic Arab population, which is believed to constitute a majority in the province, has long complained about the lack of socio-economic development in the region. They also allege that the Iranian government has engaged in systematic discrimination against them, particularly in the areas of employment, housing, and civil and political rights,” Human Rights Watch said at the time. That was in 2011. Like in the rest of Iran, things have only gotten worse in Khuzestan since. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Protests in Iran seen as a consipiracy to destabilise current political regime

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-in-colombia-spark-backlash-against-venezuelan-migrants-265637">The Colombian government</a> said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday.

The protests, which are entering their 12th consecutive day, have drawn anywhere from hundreds to several thousand people who often bang pots and pans as they demand right-wing president Ivan Duque change his policies.

"We are ready to meet with them this afternoon or tomorrow to discuss" their complaints, Diego Molano, a senior official in Duque's government-appointed to lead the government's negotiations, told reporters.

The National Strike Committee,&nbsp;which groups unions, students, university lecturers and indigenous groups,&nbsp;had in an open letter called on Friday for an "inclusive, democratic and effective dialogue," while also vowing to continue protesting Duque's announcement of a "national dialogue" earlier last week.

Molano asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-strikers-expand-demands-include-possible-talks-with-rebels-265296">protest leaders</a> to cancel plans for a December 4 demonstration in an attempt to reduce the protests' effects on pre-Christmas commercial activity.

"We tell the National Strike Committee that President Duque's government is fully prepared to engage in dialogue, without an ultimatum, without pressure, for the good of&nbsp;Colombia," he said.

Protest organisers have yet to respond to his demand.

The committee has called for two other national demonstrations since the November 21 launch of Duque's national dialogue, while not associating itself with the smaller daily demonstrations in major cities Bogota, Medellin or Cali.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-protest-leaders-push-duque-on-dialogue-265184">Strike leaders</a> had previously met with Duque's government on November 26, where they presented the president with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas.

But perhaps the most controversial is the call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, after the death last week of 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz, who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister.

Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people.

Colombia&nbsp;is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and also one of the most socially unequal countries on the continent.

The Colombian government said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday.

The Colombian government said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday. The protests, which are entering their 12th consecutive day, have drawn anywhere from hundreds to several thousand people who often bang pots and pans as they demand right-wing president Ivan Duque change his policies. "We are ready to meet with them this afternoon or tomorrow to discuss" their complaints, Diego Molano, a senior official in Duque's government-appointed to lead the government's negotiations, told reporters. The National Strike Committee, which groups unions, students, university lecturers and indigenous groups, had in an open letter called on Friday for an "inclusive, democratic and effective dialogue," while also vowing to continue protesting Duque's announcement of a "national dialogue" earlier last week. Molano asked protest leaders to cancel plans for a December 4 demonstration in an attempt to reduce the protests' effects on pre-Christmas commercial activity. "We tell the National Strike Committee that President Duque's government is fully prepared to engage in dialogue, without an ultimatum, without pressure, for the good of Colombia," he said. Protest organisers have yet to respond to his demand. The committee has called for two other national demonstrations since the November 21 launch of Duque's national dialogue, while not associating itself with the smaller daily demonstrations in major cities Bogota, Medellin or Cali. Strike leaders had previously met with Duque's government on November 26, where they presented the president with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas. But perhaps the most controversial is the call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, after the death last week of 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz, who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister. Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people. Colombia is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and also one of the most socially unequal countries on the continent.

'Ready to meet' with protest leaders: Colombian government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-anti-government-protesters-265558">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;protesters</a> geared up for a week of lunchtime rallies on Monday, a day after a mass demonstration showed the anti-government movement can still draw people to the streets even after sweeping recent gains by democrats in district elections.

After a rare lull in demonstrations following the polls, police on Sunday fired tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters as residents chanted "revolution of our time" and "liberate&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong".

Protesters are planning two-hour rallies at lunchtime for the next five days in the Asian financial hub's central business district, according to online posts.

The protests have drawn in a wide swathe of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;society - from students to pensioners and office workers. The lunchtime rallies in Central were aimed at drawing in white-collar professionals, who occasionally have blocked roads over the past few weeks, leading to some face-offs with police.

The Sunday protest in the busy shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui followed a "thanksgiving" march by hundreds to the US&nbsp;consulate to show gratitude for US&nbsp;support for the demonstrations that have agitated the Chinese-ruled city for about six months.

Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-march-for-five-demands-265555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shops and businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui closed early as police sprayed volleys of tear gas at demonstrators, including some elderly residents and others with their pets, as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, home to luxury hotels and shopping malls.

Police made several arrests as the tear gas sent hundreds fleeing towards the harbour.

While the November 24 district elections delivered an overwhelming victory to pro-democracy candidates, activists have pledged to maintain the momentum of the anti-government movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pensioners-and-students-gather-for-hong-kong-protest-265423">The protesters' demands</a> include an end to Beijing's alleged meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, universal suffrage and an inquiry into police use of force.

The unrest since June has at times forced the closure of government offices, businesses, schools and the international airport, helping drive the city into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.

Hong Kong protesters geared up for a week of lunchtime rallies on Monday, a day after a mass demonstration showed the anti-government movement can still draw people to the streets even after sweeping recent gains by democrats in district elections.

Hong Kong protesters geared up for a week of lunchtime rallies on Monday, a day after a mass demonstration showed the anti-government movement can still draw people to the streets even after sweeping recent gains by democrats in district elections. After a rare lull in demonstrations following the polls, police on Sunday fired tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters as residents chanted "revolution of our time" and "liberate Hong Kong". Protesters are planning two-hour rallies at lunchtime for the next five days in the Asian financial hub's central business district, according to online posts. The protests have drawn in a wide swathe of Hong Kong society - from students to pensioners and office workers. The lunchtime rallies in Central were aimed at drawing in white-collar professionals, who occasionally have blocked roads over the past few weeks, leading to some face-offs with police. The Sunday protest in the busy shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui followed a "thanksgiving" march by hundreds to the US consulate to show gratitude for US support for the demonstrations that have agitated the Chinese-ruled city for about six months. Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands' Shops and businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui closed early as police sprayed volleys of tear gas at demonstrators, including some elderly residents and others with their pets, as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, home to luxury hotels and shopping malls. Police made several arrests as the tear gas sent hundreds fleeing towards the harbour. While the November 24 district elections delivered an overwhelming victory to pro-democracy candidates, activists have pledged to maintain the momentum of the anti-government movement. The protesters' demands include an end to Beijing's alleged meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, universal suffrage and an inquiry into police use of force. The unrest since June has at times forced the closure of government offices, businesses, schools and the international airport, helping drive the city into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.

Hong Kong: New rallies to take place today after weekend of unrest

Protests that have paralysed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-anti-government-protesters-265558">Hong Kong for nearly six months</a> are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home.

Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents.

But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling.

Leonardo Wong was in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung last month scouting locations for a restaurant he plans to open when he moves to the island in January.

"Hong Kong is no longer safe. You don't know what would happen tomorrow. There are too many external forces that could change the course of things," the 27-year-old told AFP.

"Now it feels rather like things could never go back to the way they were. We can't see what kind of future (Hong Kong) is heading towards."

Taiwan does not recognise the legal concept of asylum or accept refugee applications, fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland.

But Hong Kongers can apply to live on the island through a variety of means, including investment visas.

'A city with hope'

Former system analyst Chow Chung-ming recently obtained a residency permit through a scheme that requires a Tw$6 million ($197,000) investment,&nbsp;a fraction of the costs associated with other popular immigration destinations such as Australia, Canada and the United States.

The 41-year-old moved to Kaohsiung attracted partly by lower rents, which have helped him realise a childhood dream of opening a cat cafe this July, but also the island's relative freedoms.

"In Taiwan, freedom of speech is in the present tense. People can elect the president and lawmakers,&nbsp;rights that Hong Kongers don't have and I don't see any chance of ever having," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pensioners-and-students-gather-for-hong-kong-protest-265423">Protests in Hong Kong erupted in response to proposed legislation</a> that would have allowed extraditions to the mainland, but have snowballed into demands for greater freedoms in the city.

Beijing officially espouses a so-called "one country, two systems" policy on Hong Kong, allowing the city greater freedoms and rule of law, but protesters argue that has been gradually eroded.

A 50-year guarantee of that status will expire in 2047, with many Hong Kongers convinced their freedoms will keep shrinking until the city is fully absorbed into the mainland.

"I think the tightening on freedom will continue in Hong Kong until it's 'one country, one system'," Chow said.

The current departure of Hong Kongers abroad is described by some as a "third wave", after many residents went overseas ahead of the 1997 British handover and, in smaller numbers, after the 2014 failure of the pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement".

Businesswoman Suki Lui has regularly participated in pro-democracy protests, but she now plans to relocate to Taiwan, hoping to give her two-year-old daughter a better future.

"My emotions have gone through so many ups and downs and I feel I have endured more emotion than I can handle," the 37-year-old said.

"I hope she can get a better education, can enjoy freedom, can realise her dreams in the future... I hope she can choose and live in a city with hope."&nbsp;

'Safeguard Taiwan'

But even those who move to Taiwan will live under a cloud cast by China.

Beijing sees the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary, even though the two have been governed separately for the past seven decades.

President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in 2016, refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "one China" and has repeatedly voiced support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters.

In response, Beijing has ramped up economic and military pressure on Taiwan and poached many of the island's few remaining diplomatic allies.

Tsai faces elections in January against an opponent who favours much warmer ties with Beijing and has called the upcoming vote a "fight for freedom and democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-arrests-belizean-taiwanese-citizens-over-alleged-meddling-in-hong-kong-affairs-265421">Some displaced Hong Kongers</a> hope the island will heed the lessons of the unrest in their home city.

"I can't vote yet but I hope people will vote for someone who can safeguard Taiwan," said Chow.&nbsp;

Phoenix Law, 30, said she moved to Taiwan in September drawn by the island's greater freedoms.

"If people (in Taiwan) don't accept what the president does, they can resist," she said.

"I hope Taiwanese people are on alert after seeing the situation in Hong Kong. Don't trust the Chinese Communist Party, what they say may sound nice but that are all lies."

Protests that have paralysed Hong Kong for nearly six months are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home.

Protests that have paralysed Hong Kong for nearly six months are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home. Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents. But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling. Leonardo Wong was in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung last month scouting locations for a restaurant he plans to open when he moves to the island in January. "Hong Kong is no longer safe. You don't know what would happen tomorrow. There are too many external forces that could change the course of things," the 27-year-old told AFP. "Now it feels rather like things could never go back to the way they were. We can't see what kind of future (Hong Kong) is heading towards." Taiwan does not recognise the legal concept of asylum or accept refugee applications, fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland. But Hong Kongers can apply to live on the island through a variety of means, including investment visas. 'A city with hope' Former system analyst Chow Chung-ming recently obtained a residency permit through a scheme that requires a Tw$6 million ($197,000) investment, a fraction of the costs associated with other popular immigration destinations such as Australia, Canada and the United States. The 41-year-old moved to Kaohsiung attracted partly by lower rents, which have helped him realise a childhood dream of opening a cat cafe this July, but also the island's relative freedoms. "In Taiwan, freedom of speech is in the present tense. People can elect the president and lawmakers, rights that Hong Kongers don't have and I don't see any chance of ever having," he said. Protests in Hong Kong erupted in response to proposed legislation that would have allowed extraditions to the mainland, but have snowballed into demands for greater freedoms in the city. Beijing officially espouses a so-called "one country, two systems" policy on Hong Kong, allowing the city greater freedoms and rule of law, but protesters argue that has been gradually eroded. A 50-year guarantee of that status will expire in 2047, with many Hong Kongers convinced their freedoms will keep shrinking until the city is fully absorbed into the mainland. "I think the tightening on freedom will continue in Hong Kong until it's 'one country, one system'," Chow said. The current departure of Hong Kongers abroad is described by some as a "third wave", after many residents went overseas ahead of the 1997 British handover and, in smaller numbers, after the 2014 failure of the pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement". Businesswoman Suki Lui has regularly participated in pro-democracy protests, but she now plans to relocate to Taiwan, hoping to give her two-year-old daughter a better future. "My emotions have gone through so many ups and downs and I feel I have endured more emotion than I can handle," the 37-year-old said. "I hope she can get a better education, can enjoy freedom, can realise her dreams in the future... I hope she can choose and live in a city with hope." 'Safeguard Taiwan' But even those who move to Taiwan will live under a cloud cast by China. Beijing sees the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary, even though the two have been governed separately for the past seven decades. President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in 2016, refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "one China" and has repeatedly voiced support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters. In response, Beijing has ramped up economic and military pressure on Taiwan and poached many of the island's few remaining diplomatic allies. Tsai faces elections in January against an opponent who favours much warmer ties with Beijing and has called the upcoming vote a "fight for freedom and democracy". Some displaced Hong Kongers hope the island will heed the lessons of the unrest in their home city. "I can't vote yet but I hope people will vote for someone who can safeguard Taiwan," said Chow. Phoenix Law, 30, said she moved to Taiwan in September drawn by the island's greater freedoms. "If people (in Taiwan) don't accept what the president does, they can resist," she said. "I hope Taiwanese people are on alert after seeing the situation in Hong Kong. Don't trust the Chinese Communist Party, what they say may sound nice but that are all lies."

Hong Kong protesters turn to Taiwan in search of new lives

Hundreds of office workers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-anti-government-protesters-265558">Hong Kong's business district</a> gathered on Monday for the first in a week of lunchtime protests backing the pro-democracy movement after its resounding victory in district polls held last week in the Chinese-ruled city.

A day earlier police again resorted to firing tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, after first going to the US&nbsp;consulate on Hong Kong island to show gratitude for Washington's support.

There was no such confrontation at the two-hour rally in the central business district on Monday, as some people went back to their offices after their demonstration of solidarity. Others said they would be striking for the full five days.

The gathering in Chater Garden probably drew Hong Kong's best-dressed protesters, and organisers have called on them to come out every day this week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-new-rallies-to-take-place-today-after-weekend-of-unrest-265688">Protests over the last six months</a> have drawn a wide swathe of Hong Kong society,&nbsp;from students to pensioners. Even white-collar professionals, like those in Chater park, have sometimes blocked roads in recent weeks, leading to face-offs with police.

Monday's rally appeared aimed specifically at bringing in more workers from advertising agencies to help build publicity.

Fred, a 24-year-old advertising professional said he and his colleagues had helped create promotional materials in their own time for the so-called "yellow economy", the businesses seen as supporting the pro-democracy movement.

Many pro-democracy protesters have adopted the colour yellow and yellow balloons have been seen at rallies.

"From the advertising perspective, we can help promote the brands that speak out for Hong Kong," said Fred.

Another protester in the park said his advertising agency had closed for the week in solidarity and hoped other agencies would do likewise.

"We are trying to come out and be the first industry to come out and stop working for five days," said 28-year-old Ryan.

"We are just stopping work for companies. But the advertising talent will keep advertising for the movement, designing posters and leaflets."

Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-march-for-five-demands-265555/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tear gas

During Sunday's protest, police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pensioners-and-students-gather-for-hong-kong-protest-265423">anti-government protesters</a>, some of whom chanted "revolution of our time" and "liberate Hong Kong". That followed a period of relative calm after November 24 district elections delivered an overwhelming victory to pro-democracy candidates.

The protest in the busy shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui followed a "thanksgiving" march by hundreds to the US&nbsp;consulate.

Shops and businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui closed early as police sprayed volleys of tear gas at demonstrators, arresting some and forcing hundreds to flee towards the harbour.

The protesters' demands include an end to Beijing's alleged meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, universal suffrage and an inquiry into police use of force.

The unrest since June has at times forced the closure of government offices, businesses, schools and the international airport, helping drive the city into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.

Hundreds of office workers in Hong Kong's business district gathered on Monday for the first in a week of lunchtime protests backing the pro-democracy movement after its resounding victory in district polls held last week in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hundreds of office workers in Hong Kong's business district gathered on Monday for the first in a week of lunchtime protests backing the pro-democracy movement after its resounding victory in district polls held last week in the Chinese-ruled city. A day earlier police again resorted to firing tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, after first going to the US consulate on Hong Kong island to show gratitude for Washington's support. There was no such confrontation at the two-hour rally in the central business district on Monday, as some people went back to their offices after their demonstration of solidarity. Others said they would be striking for the full five days. The gathering in Chater Garden probably drew Hong Kong's best-dressed protesters, and organisers have called on them to come out every day this week. Protests over the last six months have drawn a wide swathe of Hong Kong society, from students to pensioners. Even white-collar professionals, like those in Chater park, have sometimes blocked roads in recent weeks, leading to face-offs with police. Monday's rally appeared aimed specifically at bringing in more workers from advertising agencies to help build publicity. Fred, a 24-year-old advertising professional said he and his colleagues had helped create promotional materials in their own time for the so-called "yellow economy", the businesses seen as supporting the pro-democracy movement. Many pro-democracy protesters have adopted the colour yellow and yellow balloons have been seen at rallies. "From the advertising perspective, we can help promote the brands that speak out for Hong Kong," said Fred. Another protester in the park said his advertising agency had closed for the week in solidarity and hoped other agencies would do likewise. "We are trying to come out and be the first industry to come out and stop working for five days," said 28-year-old Ryan. "We are just stopping work for companies. But the advertising talent will keep advertising for the movement, designing posters and leaflets." Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands' Tear gas During Sunday's protest, police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters, some of whom chanted "revolution of our time" and "liberate Hong Kong". That followed a period of relative calm after November 24 district elections delivered an overwhelming victory to pro-democracy candidates. The protest in the busy shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui followed a "thanksgiving" march by hundreds to the US consulate. Shops and businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui closed early as police sprayed volleys of tear gas at demonstrators, arresting some and forcing hundreds to flee towards the harbour. The protesters' demands include an end to Beijing's alleged meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, universal suffrage and an inquiry into police use of force. The unrest since June has at times forced the closure of government offices, businesses, schools and the international airport, helping drive the city into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.

Hong Kong: Series of week-long lunchtime protests begin

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