Locals on Friday staged a protest outside the Shadnagar Police Station here against the alleged rape and murder of a woman veterinary doctor on Thursday. 
 
Scores of locals gathered outside the police station and raised slogans against the police. Demanding justice for the victim, locals pressed for prompt police action and fast proceeding of the case. 
 
The burnt body of the veterinary doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district on Thursday. 
 
The body was later identified as that of a veterinary doctor from the city. As per the preliminary probe, the police suspect that the doctor was sexually assaulted before being charred to death. 
 
The Police on Friday arrested four accused persons involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the woman veterinary doctor. 
 
According to the police sources, the accused that were arrested by the police are a lorry driver and cleaners.

Locals on Friday staged a protest outside the Shadnagar Police Station here against the alleged rape and murder of a woman veterinary doctor on Thursday. Scores of locals gathered outside the police station and raised slogans against the police.

Locals on Friday staged a protest outside the Shadnagar Police Station here against the alleged rape and murder of a woman veterinary doctor on Thursday. Scores of locals gathered outside the police station and raised slogans against the police. Demanding justice for the victim, locals pressed for prompt police action and fast proceeding of the case. The burnt body of the veterinary doctor was found at Shadnagar outskirts in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district on Thursday. The body was later identified as that of a veterinary doctor from the city. As per the preliminary probe, the police suspect that the doctor was sexually assaulted before being charred to death. The Police on Friday arrested four accused persons involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the woman veterinary doctor. According to the police sources, the accused that were arrested by the police are a lorry driver and cleaners.

Telangana: Locals protest over rape, murder of veterinary doctor

One of Hong Kong's main highway links, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, reopened early on Wednesday as a lockdown of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-searched-one-protester-found-264625">nearby Polytechnic University</a> appeared to be drawing to a close with teams still combing the campus for remaining protesters.

Hong Kong authorities hope that a lull in clashes over the weekend during local elections, where pro-democracy candidates grabbed a landslide victory, can translate into more calm after nearly six months of turmoil.

Chinese authorities reiterated a need "to stop the violence and restore order" after the election.

Reuters also reported that China's leaders had set up a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sets-up-hong-kong-crisis-centre-in-mainland-open-to-replacing-chief-liaison-264564">crisis command centre</a> in the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong, to deal with protests that have become the biggest populist challenge since China's leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.

Despite the euphoria among protesters over the electoral victory, in which democracy advocates swept around 86 per cent of the 452 district council seats, fresh protests are planned for the weekend, including a "no teargas to children march".

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-media-say-hong-kong-elections-skewed-264514">city-wide elections</a> drew a record turnout and were seen as a vote of no-confidence against Beijing-backed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam over her handling of the financial hub's worst crisis in decades.

The restoration of vehicular traffic through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in the early hours of Wednesday came after anti-government protesters barricaded themselves in the Polytechnic University and blocked the tunnel mouth almost two weeks ago.

Toll booths were smashed, fires lit and bricks concreted onto the highway, severely disrupting traffic between Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula.

Hong Kong television showed a steady flow of vehicles surging into the tunnel when it reopened.

Police still guarded the perimeter of the Polytechnic University as a security team prepared to scour the campus for a second day, seeking protesters who may still be hiding in the maze of buildings.

The red-brick university was turned into a battleground in mid-November when nearly a thousand protesters barricaded themselves inside and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas.

Police later formed a security cordon around the campus to trap those inside, eventually making hundreds of arrests. A small number are still believed to be inside.

One Hong Kong newspaper, Sing Pao, published a front-page spread for the second successive day calling for Lam's resignation. "Hong Kong people had enough, Carrie Lam quit," it read.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

China denies interfering and says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula put in place at that time.

One of Hong Kong's main highway links, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, reopened early on Wednesday as a lockdown of the nearby Polytechnic University appeared to be drawing to a close with teams still combing the campus for remaining protesters.

One of Hong Kong's main highway links, the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, reopened early on Wednesday as a lockdown of the nearby Polytechnic University appeared to be drawing to a close with teams still combing the campus for remaining protesters. Hong Kong authorities hope that a lull in clashes over the weekend during local elections, where pro-democracy candidates grabbed a landslide victory, can translate into more calm after nearly six months of turmoil. Chinese authorities reiterated a need "to stop the violence and restore order" after the election. Reuters also reported that China's leaders had set up a crisis command centre in the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong, to deal with protests that have become the biggest populist challenge since China's leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. Despite the euphoria among protesters over the electoral victory, in which democracy advocates swept around 86 per cent of the 452 district council seats, fresh protests are planned for the weekend, including a "no teargas to children march". The city-wide elections drew a record turnout and were seen as a vote of no-confidence against Beijing-backed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam over her handling of the financial hub's worst crisis in decades. The restoration of vehicular traffic through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in the early hours of Wednesday came after anti-government protesters barricaded themselves in the Polytechnic University and blocked the tunnel mouth almost two weeks ago. Toll booths were smashed, fires lit and bricks concreted onto the highway, severely disrupting traffic between Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula. Hong Kong television showed a steady flow of vehicles surging into the tunnel when it reopened. Police still guarded the perimeter of the Polytechnic University as a security team prepared to scour the campus for a second day, seeking protesters who may still be hiding in the maze of buildings. The red-brick university was turned into a battleground in mid-November when nearly a thousand protesters barricaded themselves inside and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. Police later formed a security cordon around the campus to trap those inside, eventually making hundreds of arrests. A small number are still believed to be inside. One Hong Kong newspaper, Sing Pao, published a front-page spread for the second successive day calling for Lam's resignation. "Hong Kong people had enough, Carrie Lam quit," it read. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering and says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula put in place at that time.

Hong Kong: Major highway reopens, authorities appeal for calm

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-awakened-graffiti-across-shattered-city-reflects-protest-intensity-264674">Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations"</a> as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests.

The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago.

"We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco.

The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">a series of reforms</a> to help prevent police misconduct.

Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-security-forces-intentionally-attacked-protesters-to-punish-them-amnesty-263950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders."

Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training.

"We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights.

She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force. HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests. The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago. "We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco. The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending a series of reforms to help prevent police misconduct. Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders." Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training. "We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights. She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

'Serious' human rights violations occurred during Chile protests: Human Rights Watch

Protesters&nbsp;remained&nbsp;defiant&nbsp;Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful.

Demonstrators demanding a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-see-real-independence-coming-as-lebanon-turns-76-263919">complete government overhaul</a> have stayed mobilised since protests began on October 17, but a bitterly divided political class has yet to find a way forward.

Frustrated by the stalemate,&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;had called for roadblocks and a general strike on Monday, but an&nbsp;attack&nbsp;by supporters of allied parties&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal on Sunday night weakened the turnout.

Political parties "are trying to instil fear in us as a people, so we don't progress and stay at home," said Dany Ayyash,&nbsp;21, who was blocking a key road in Beirut's Hamra district.

But "the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;gave us all,&nbsp;at least the ones here right now,&nbsp;a sense of determination," Ayyash said.

At around midnight on Sunday, backers of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal attacked demonstrators at a flyover near the capital's main protest camp.&nbsp;

Brandishing party flags, they hurled stones at demonstrators and taunted them as riot police deployed to contain the violence.

The attackers also ravaged a nearby encampment, tearing down tents and damaging storefronts in their most serious assault on&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;so far.

At least 10 demonstrators were injured, civil defence said.

On Monday evening, supporters of the two Shiite parties drove by Beirut's Martyrs' Square, where the main protest camp is located, pelting tents with stones before speeding away on motorcycles, an AFP correspondent said.

The UN Security Council called for all actors to maintain "the peaceful character of the protests by avoiding violence and respecting the right to peaceful assembly in protest".

Watch: Hezbollah accuses US of interference in Lebanon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-protest-hezbollah-accuses-the-us-of-interference-in-lebanon-264155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tense aftermath

UN Special Coordinator for&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;Jan Kubis earlier called for restraint.

"I urge all Lebanese political forces to control their supporters, to avoid using the national protests for pursuing their political agenda," he tweeted.

The state-run National News Agency said authorities have begun an investigation into Sunday's night incident.

Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal, called on security forces to keep roads open to avoid "civil strife".&nbsp;

On Monday morning, scattered stones, shattered glass and mangled tents littered the camp at Martyrs' Square. Nearby car windows had been smashed with rocks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deploys-security-forces-in-beirut-before-parliamentary-session-263099">Security forces tried to disperse&nbsp;protesters</a>&nbsp;in a neighbouring Beirut district and removed other demonstrator barricades deployed in the north and east of the country.

The army detained nine people north of Beirut at dawn after they tried to block roads, but freed them later, the military and NNA said.

They also arrested four other "rioters", releasing three shortly afterwards.

The security forces have come under fresh criticism following Sunday's&nbsp;attack, with&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;accusing them of being lax with&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal supporters, most of whom were allowed to walk away.

"The thugs throw stones and insult security forces but they don't confront them," said Elie, 24, who was among the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;attacked.

"They don't arrest them the way they arrest us."

Such criticism prompted Interior Minister Raya al-Hasan to say the army and police remain the only "guarantors of the country's stability".

Political paralysis

Late Monday, hundreds of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and Amal supporters rallied in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">capital's Shiite southern suburbs</a> after a man and woman were killed in a car accident earlier the same day.

A video of the incident showed a car-ramming at high speed into a metal barrier before catching on fire, in an incident, both Shiite parties have blamed on a protester roadblock.

The demonstrators, however, denied any responsibility, publishing a map of their roadblocks on social media.

Political leaders have failed to elect a new government nearly a month since Prime Minister Saad Hariri's cabinet resigned under popular pressure.

President Michel Aoun, whose powers include initiating parliamentary consultations to appoint new premier, said he was open to a government that would include technocrats and representatives of the popular movement,&nbsp;both key demands of the&nbsp;protesters.

But demonstrators say they reject any government that would also include representatives of established political parties.&nbsp;

The United States, France, the World Bank, and credit rating agencies have all urged officials to accelerate cabinet formation, warning of a deteriorating economic and political crisis.&nbsp;

In the latest diplomatic push, senior British Foreign Office official Richard Moore was in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Monday to meet top officials and "underline&nbsp;the urgent need to form a government", the British embassy said.&nbsp;

"The people of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been clear in their demand for improved governance, and they should be heard," Moore was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

Protesters remained defiant Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful.

Protesters remained defiant Monday after supporters of main Shiite groups Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators overnight, sparking a UN call to keep protests peaceful. Demonstrators demanding a complete government overhaul have stayed mobilised since protests began on October 17, but a bitterly divided political class has yet to find a way forward. Frustrated by the stalemate, protesters had called for roadblocks and a general strike on Monday, but an attack by supporters of allied parties Hezbollah and Amal on Sunday night weakened the turnout. Political parties "are trying to instil fear in us as a people, so we don't progress and stay at home," said Dany Ayyash, 21, who was blocking a key road in Beirut's Hamra district. But "the attack gave us all, at least the ones here right now, a sense of determination," Ayyash said. At around midnight on Sunday, backers of Hezbollah and Amal attacked demonstrators at a flyover near the capital's main protest camp. Brandishing party flags, they hurled stones at demonstrators and taunted them as riot police deployed to contain the violence. The attackers also ravaged a nearby encampment, tearing down tents and damaging storefronts in their most serious assault on protesters so far. At least 10 demonstrators were injured, civil defence said. On Monday evening, supporters of the two Shiite parties drove by Beirut's Martyrs' Square, where the main protest camp is located, pelting tents with stones before speeding away on motorcycles, an AFP correspondent said. The UN Security Council called for all actors to maintain "the peaceful character of the protests by avoiding violence and respecting the right to peaceful assembly in protest". Watch: Hezbollah accuses US of interference in Lebanon Tense aftermath UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis earlier called for restraint. "I urge all Lebanese political forces to control their supporters, to avoid using the national protests for pursuing their political agenda," he tweeted. The state-run National News Agency said authorities have begun an investigation into Sunday's night incident. Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads Amal, called on security forces to keep roads open to avoid "civil strife". On Monday morning, scattered stones, shattered glass and mangled tents littered the camp at Martyrs' Square. Nearby car windows had been smashed with rocks. Security forces tried to disperse protesters in a neighbouring Beirut district and removed other demonstrator barricades deployed in the north and east of the country. The army detained nine people north of Beirut at dawn after they tried to block roads, but freed them later, the military and NNA said. They also arrested four other "rioters", releasing three shortly afterwards. The security forces have come under fresh criticism following Sunday's attack, with protesters accusing them of being lax with Hezbollah and Amal supporters, most of whom were allowed to walk away. "The thugs throw stones and insult security forces but they don't confront them," said Elie, 24, who was among the protesters attacked. "They don't arrest them the way they arrest us." Such criticism prompted Interior Minister Raya al-Hasan to say the army and police remain the only "guarantors of the country's stability". Political paralysis Late Monday, hundreds of Hezbollah and Amal supporters rallied in the capital's Shiite southern suburbs after a man and woman were killed in a car accident earlier the same day. A video of the incident showed a car-ramming at high speed into a metal barrier before catching on fire, in an incident, both Shiite parties have blamed on a protester roadblock. The demonstrators, however, denied any responsibility, publishing a map of their roadblocks on social media. Political leaders have failed to elect a new government nearly a month since Prime Minister Saad Hariri's cabinet resigned under popular pressure. President Michel Aoun, whose powers include initiating parliamentary consultations to appoint new premier, said he was open to a government that would include technocrats and representatives of the popular movement, both key demands of the protesters. But demonstrators say they reject any government that would also include representatives of established political parties. The United States, France, the World Bank, and credit rating agencies have all urged officials to accelerate cabinet formation, warning of a deteriorating economic and political crisis. In the latest diplomatic push, senior British Foreign Office official Richard Moore was in Lebanon on Monday to meet top officials and "underline the urgent need to form a government", the British embassy said. "The people of Lebanon have been clear in their demand for improved governance, and they should be heard," Moore was quoted as saying.

Lebanon protesters continue defiance despite Hezbollah attack

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-congress-approves-law-for-new-elections-without-morales-264143">after weeks of disruptive protests</a>, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales.

Traffic was heavy in La Paz, the epicentre of demonstrations that have raged since a disputed October 20 presidential election, after gas stations were able to replenish fuel supplies.

Schools re-opened while most supermarkets and restaurants were operating normally in the seat of government as shortages eased.

"We are returning to normal after something very hard and very dramatic," interim President Jeanine Anez told reporters Monday, a day after signing a law authorizing new elections seen as crucial to ending unrest in the landlocked country.&nbsp;

Mother-of-two Jazmin Chavez said her children were pleased to be back at school after nearly a month stuck at home.&nbsp;

"They are happy, they have returned to class, they have seen their friends again," Chavez, 34, told AFP.

Blockades on major transport routes have been mostly removed, officials said, except in the central coca-growing region of Chapare, where farmers loyal to Morales continue obstructing a key highway.

They are demanding justice for nine protesters killed during clashes with police on November 15.&nbsp;

"There are still roadblocks at different points despite an agreement signed" Sunday with the government to lift them, Franz Celis, a deputy police commander in Cochabamba, told reporters. &nbsp;

Ongoing talks between the caretaker government and opposition groups in La Paz aimed at ending the country's worst crisis in 16 years appear to be defusing tensions.&nbsp;

"I've felt a peace that we haven't been able to find for a month," Silvia Maita, an auditor, told AFP.&nbsp;

"I'm happy going back to work and working normal hours. We hope it stays like this."

Hydrocarbons Minister Victor Hugo Zamora said Monday 700,000 propane gas cylinders were available in La Paz and El Alto, which had suffered severe shortages after protesters blocked a key fuel plant.&nbsp;

"We are normalizing fuel distribution," Zamora said.

"We want to convey calm and avoid the worry and despair of users." &nbsp;

Watch: Citizens go hungry as protests snarl cities in Bolivia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolivians-citizens-go-hungry-as-protests-snarl-cities-263283/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-police-use-tear-gas-against-protesters-carrying-coffins-263772">Dozens of people have been killed</a> since the disputed October 20 election, many of them in clashes with security forces.&nbsp;

Morales claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results had been rigged.

He fled to Mexico, where he was granted political asylum following his November 10 resignation, after losing the support of the police and military.&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday gave a green light for a new vote without Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president. He had been seeking a fourth term after nearly 14 years as leader of the poor but resource-rich country.

Anez, a right-wing senator who declared herself interim leader after Morales quit, signed the bill into law Sunday, vowing "clean, fair and transparent" elections.

The law annuls the results of the October 20 vote and bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position.

That prevents Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot.

The next step will be for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-president-asks-congress-to-approve-law-for-new-elections-263484">Congress to agree on a new seven-member electoral court</a> after members of the previous panel were removed for allegedly manipulating results.

The tribunal will be tasked with setting a date for the new vote, which Anez said previously she wants to happen as soon as possible.

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening after weeks of disruptive protests, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales.

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening after weeks of disruptive protests, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales. Traffic was heavy in La Paz, the epicentre of demonstrations that have raged since a disputed October 20 presidential election, after gas stations were able to replenish fuel supplies. Schools re-opened while most supermarkets and restaurants were operating normally in the seat of government as shortages eased. "We are returning to normal after something very hard and very dramatic," interim President Jeanine Anez told reporters Monday, a day after signing a law authorizing new elections seen as crucial to ending unrest in the landlocked country. Mother-of-two Jazmin Chavez said her children were pleased to be back at school after nearly a month stuck at home. "They are happy, they have returned to class, they have seen their friends again," Chavez, 34, told AFP. Blockades on major transport routes have been mostly removed, officials said, except in the central coca-growing region of Chapare, where farmers loyal to Morales continue obstructing a key highway. They are demanding justice for nine protesters killed during clashes with police on November 15. "There are still roadblocks at different points despite an agreement signed" Sunday with the government to lift them, Franz Celis, a deputy police commander in Cochabamba, told reporters. Ongoing talks between the caretaker government and opposition groups in La Paz aimed at ending the country's worst crisis in 16 years appear to be defusing tensions. "I've felt a peace that we haven't been able to find for a month," Silvia Maita, an auditor, told AFP. "I'm happy going back to work and working normal hours. We hope it stays like this." Hydrocarbons Minister Victor Hugo Zamora said Monday 700,000 propane gas cylinders were available in La Paz and El Alto, which had suffered severe shortages after protesters blocked a key fuel plant. "We are normalizing fuel distribution," Zamora said. "We want to convey calm and avoid the worry and despair of users." Watch: Citizens go hungry as protests snarl cities in Bolivia Elections Dozens of people have been killed since the disputed October 20 election, many of them in clashes with security forces. Morales claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results had been rigged. He fled to Mexico, where he was granted political asylum following his November 10 resignation, after losing the support of the police and military. Congress on Saturday gave a green light for a new vote without Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president. He had been seeking a fourth term after nearly 14 years as leader of the poor but resource-rich country. Anez, a right-wing senator who declared herself interim leader after Morales quit, signed the bill into law Sunday, vowing "clean, fair and transparent" elections. The law annuls the results of the October 20 vote and bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position. That prevents Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot. The next step will be for Congress to agree on a new seven-member electoral court after members of the previous panel were removed for allegedly manipulating results. The tribunal will be tasked with setting a date for the new vote, which Anez said previously she wants to happen as soon as possible.

Bolivia returns to 'normal' as protests quelled

Thousands of people clashed with the government over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-demand-5-million-from-mexicos-pemex-in-cyberattack-261778">Mexican</a> authorities' failure to end violence against women.

Thousands of women took to the streets of the capital for the protest marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the latest in a series of large marches over soaring rates of femicide and rape in Mexico.

Masked demonstrators with sledgehammers shattered the glass panes of bus stops and advertising billboards, tore down barricades, lit a bonfire and painted messages such as "How many more need to die?" on monuments lining Paseo de la Reforma, the city's most famous street.

Hundreds of riot police, &nbsp;mostly women, given that protest organisers had warned any men would face attacks, responded by firing pepper spray.

The movement has been dubbed the "Glitter Revolution," after protesters doused the Mexico City security minister in pink glitter at one demonstration.

The latest unrest came despite the fact that Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, an ally of leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, recently declared a "gender violence alert" in the capital, paving the way for more funding and security and other emergency measures.

Nineteen of Mexico's 32 states have now declared such alerts since 2007.

A protester from neighbouring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-trove-of-mammoth-skeletons-found-in-mexico-260517">Mexico</a> state, one of the deadliest in the country for women, said she was sceptical the measure would change anything.

"In Mexico state, we've had a gender violence alert for four years running, and it hasn't done anything. They keep killing women," said Valeria Arevalo, 18.

"It's just a technique to appease us," she told AFP.

Some men joined the march too.

One, Benjamin Vargas, carried a picture of his 22-year-old daughter, Sol, who was murdered last year along with his wife. The killer, allegedly Sol's spurned admirer,&nbsp;then burned both bodies.

"It's a step forward," Vargas said of the gender violence alert.

"But they need to do more... The situation for women is getting worse every day. It just doesn't stop," he added, his voice breaking.

Mexico has the most femicides of any country in Latin America, according to Amnesty International.

More than nine women are murdered here every day.

Two in three Mexican women say they have been victims of violence in some form, according to the National Statistics Institute.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people clashed with the government over Mexican authorities' failure to end violence against women. Thousands of women took to the streets of the capital for the protest marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the latest in a series of large marches over soaring rates of femicide and rape in Mexico.

Thousands of people clashed with the government over Mexican authorities' failure to end violence against women. Thousands of women took to the streets of the capital for the protest marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the latest in a series of large marches over soaring rates of femicide and rape in Mexico. Masked demonstrators with sledgehammers shattered the glass panes of bus stops and advertising billboards, tore down barricades, lit a bonfire and painted messages such as "How many more need to die?" on monuments lining Paseo de la Reforma, the city's most famous street. Hundreds of riot police, mostly women, given that protest organisers had warned any men would face attacks, responded by firing pepper spray. The movement has been dubbed the "Glitter Revolution," after protesters doused the Mexico City security minister in pink glitter at one demonstration. The latest unrest came despite the fact that Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, an ally of leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, recently declared a "gender violence alert" in the capital, paving the way for more funding and security and other emergency measures. Nineteen of Mexico's 32 states have now declared such alerts since 2007. A protester from neighbouring Mexico state, one of the deadliest in the country for women, said she was sceptical the measure would change anything. "In Mexico state, we've had a gender violence alert for four years running, and it hasn't done anything. They keep killing women," said Valeria Arevalo, 18. "It's just a technique to appease us," she told AFP. Some men joined the march too. One, Benjamin Vargas, carried a picture of his 22-year-old daughter, Sol, who was murdered last year along with his wife. The killer, allegedly Sol's spurned admirer, then burned both bodies. "It's a step forward," Vargas said of the gender violence alert. "But they need to do more... The situation for women is getting worse every day. It just doesn't stop," he added, his voice breaking. Mexico has the most femicides of any country in Latin America, according to Amnesty International. More than nine women are murdered here every day. Two in three Mexican women say they have been victims of violence in some form, according to the National Statistics Institute. (With inputs from agencies)

'Glitter Revolution': Protesters demand end to violence against women in Mexico

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-us-ambassador-over-hong-kong-rights-bill-264512">Hong Kong elections</a> that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment.

Local elections in the semi-autonomous city revealed broad public support for a protest movement that has stirred months of violence, as candidates seeking to loosen control by China seized an overwhelming majority of the 452 elected seats.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-carrie-lam-thanks-residents-for-orderly-voting-after-district-elections-264504">election winners were not mentioned in Chinese-language state media</a> on Tuesday, including official broadcaster CCTV and Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily.

The People's Daily said, "social unrest... has seriously disrupted the electoral process."

An editorial in the English-language version of China Daily said the poll was "skewed by intimidation" and "dirty tricks".

The editorial said, "violent intimidation tactics were intended to reduce the exposure and visibility of pro-establishment candidates".

"External forces that have helped stoke the months-long anti-government campaign in the special administrative region also contributed greatly to damaging the election chances of pro-establishment candidates," it said.

A commentary in English on official news agency Xinhua said that the election "fell victim" to "rioters".

"Campaigns of some patriotic candidates were seriously disrupted, and their offices were trashed and set ablaze," it said Tuesday.

"One candidate was injured in an attack. Harassment on patriotic candidates occurred on the voting day."

The commentary went on to give its support to city leader Carrie Lam, and said the "Hong Kong community should also correctly understand the relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland".

The Tuesday front page of the nationalistic Global Times said the election had sparked "reflection" but warned it was "highly politicized amid ongoing social unrest".

The article went on to quote experts saying there was "no need to over-interpret the victory of pan-democrats".

Global Times said that "under the plurality voting system... the opposition won 80 per cent of seats with only 60 per cent of the vote".

On Monday evening, the flagship Chinese news programme Xinwen Lianbo also did not mention the Hong Kong elections.

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of Hong Kong elections that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment.

Chinese state media on Tuesday sought to downplay and discredit the results of Hong Kong elections that delivered a stunning victory for pro-democracy candidates and a stinging rebuke to the pro-Beijing establishment. Local elections in the semi-autonomous city revealed broad public support for a protest movement that has stirred months of violence, as candidates seeking to loosen control by China seized an overwhelming majority of the 452 elected seats. But the election winners were not mentioned in Chinese-language state media on Tuesday, including official broadcaster CCTV and Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily. The People's Daily said, "social unrest... has seriously disrupted the electoral process." An editorial in the English-language version of China Daily said the poll was "skewed by intimidation" and "dirty tricks". The editorial said, "violent intimidation tactics were intended to reduce the exposure and visibility of pro-establishment candidates". "External forces that have helped stoke the months-long anti-government campaign in the special administrative region also contributed greatly to damaging the election chances of pro-establishment candidates," it said. A commentary in English on official news agency Xinhua said that the election "fell victim" to "rioters". "Campaigns of some patriotic candidates were seriously disrupted, and their offices were trashed and set ablaze," it said Tuesday. "One candidate was injured in an attack. Harassment on patriotic candidates occurred on the voting day." The commentary went on to give its support to city leader Carrie Lam, and said the "Hong Kong community should also correctly understand the relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland". The Tuesday front page of the nationalistic Global Times said the election had sparked "reflection" but warned it was "highly politicized amid ongoing social unrest". The article went on to quote experts saying there was "no need to over-interpret the victory of pan-democrats". Global Times said that "under the plurality voting system... the opposition won 80 per cent of seats with only 60 per cent of the vote". On Monday evening, the flagship Chinese news programme Xinwen Lianbo also did not mention the Hong Kong elections.

Chinese state media say Hong Kong elections 'skewed'

Colombia&nbsp;said Monday it is expelling&nbsp;59&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;for taking&nbsp;part&nbsp;in street&nbsp;protests, as conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-colombia-protest-against-policies-of-president-ivan-duque-263769">President Ivan Duque</a> gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government&nbsp;protests.

Demonstrators planned another big march on Monday despite Duque's launch of a national dialogue on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes.

The&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said.

Since last Thursday&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;has been hit by unprecedented mass&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth.&nbsp;

They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal&nbsp;with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many Colombians.

Fleeing Venezuela

Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown</a>.

Christian Kruger, the director of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;Migration, said the country had welcomed the&nbsp;59&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;now due for expulsion as it did so many people from their beleaguered country.

"But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement.

He said the actions of these&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking&nbsp;Venezuelans.

Kruger told reporters later that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern&nbsp;Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return.

"While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people&nbsp;who&nbsp;are in those marches," he said.

Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday 29&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order.

Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked entry to the country of a Chilean and a Venezuelan&nbsp;who, according to "intelligence information" had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country.

Duque&nbsp;took&nbsp;part&nbsp;Sunday in the launch of a national dialogue with mayors and other government officials to address the grievances of the protesters,&nbsp;who&nbsp;were not represented in that initial session.

The 43-year-old president had warned on the eve of a general strike and massive protest last Thursday, that&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;was at risk of the same social convulsions which had shaken Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile in recent weeks.

People marched again Sunday and another big procession has been called for Monday by a major trade union.

Colombia said Monday it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests, as conservative President Ivan Duque gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government protests.

Colombia said Monday it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests, as conservative President Ivan Duque gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government protests. Demonstrators planned another big march on Monday despite Duque's launch of a national dialogue on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes. The Venezuelans have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said. Since last Thursday Colombia has been hit by unprecedented mass protests against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth. They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many Colombians. Fleeing Venezuela Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown. Christian Kruger, the director of Colombia Migration, said the country had welcomed the 59 Venezuelans now due for expulsion as it did so many people from their beleaguered country. "But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement. He said the actions of these Venezuelans triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking Venezuelans. Kruger told reporters later that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return. "While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people who are in those marches," he said. Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday 29 Venezuelans were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order. Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked entry to the country of a Chilean and a Venezuelan who, according to "intelligence information" had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country. Duque took part Sunday in the launch of a national dialogue with mayors and other government officials to address the grievances of the protesters, who were not represented in that initial session. The 43-year-old president had warned on the eve of a general strike and massive protest last Thursday, that Colombia was at risk of the same social convulsions which had shaken Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile in recent weeks. People marched again Sunday and another big procession has been called for Monday by a major trade union.

Colombia expels 59 Venezuelans who participated in protests

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../police-in-georgia-detain-protesters-demanding- early-election-263008"> Georgia</a> on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters.

Waving Georgian and European Union flags, and chanting "Change!" and "Resign!" protesters marched on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare before gathering outside the parliament building.

Opposition leaders said at the rally that mass protests will continue until their demands for electoral reforms, the government's resignation and snap legislative elections are met.

"Georgian people and the entire opposition spectrum is trying to force the ruling party to introduce a fair electoral system in the country," the leader of opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP.

"Mass protests will continue until our demands are met," he added.

Braving sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of protesters -- who were mostly young -- stayed at the protest overnight, many dancing to electronic music.&nbsp;

They blocked entrances to parliament, vowing to prevent lawmakers from entering the building where a plenary session is set to be held on Tuesday.

In the early hours on Tuesday, police arrested five protesters and briefly detained prominent opposition MPs, Giga Bokeria of the European Georgia party, and Tengiz Gunava of Georgia's main opposition force, the United National Movement.

"The government has lost popular support and only relies on police force," one of the protesters, Elene Mikadze, 21, told AFP.

"That means its end is coming."

Pro-opposition Mtavari TV station reported that riot police has been deployed in numbers in parliament's underground compound and in the prime minister's office.

The demonstrators have held a series of mass protests after MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party voted down on November 14 legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system.

Opposition parties have called the rallies after forming a rare united front against Georgian Dream led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom they accuse of orchestrating the bill's failure.

"Rejected compromise"&nbsp; 
Protesters say that the current voting system unfairly favours the ruling party, which won nearly 77 percent of seats in the 2016 parliamentary election despite garnering only 48.7 per cent of the vote.

Georgian Dream has ruled out early polls and on Monday rejected the opposition's new compromise initiative of legislative amendments that would create a level playing field for all the political forces in the tiny Black Sea nation.

Last Monday, riot police used water cannons to disperse protesters and arrested several dozen people outside the parliament building.

Ten demonstrators have been jailed for terms ranging from four to 13 days for "disobeying police orders".

Georgia's public defender said at the time that the prosecution of the peaceful protesters "failed to meet minimum judicial standards."

In a joint statement last week, the embassies of the United States and European Union criticised Georgian Dream's failure to introduce the electoral reform and expressed solidarity with the protesters.

Ivanishvili had promised "large-scale political reform" following a summer of protests that saw 240 people injured in a police crackdown.

Two protesters including a teenage girl lost an eye.

In power since 2012, the ruling party has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy.

Critics accuse Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be the man in charge in Georgia,&nbsp;of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government decision-making.

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters.

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters. Waving Georgian and European Union flags, and chanting "Change!" and "Resign!" protesters marched on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare before gathering outside the parliament building. Opposition leaders said at the rally that mass protests will continue until their demands for electoral reforms, the government's resignation and snap legislative elections are met. "Georgian people and the entire opposition spectrum is trying to force the ruling party to introduce a fair electoral system in the country," the leader of opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP. "Mass protests will continue until our demands are met," he added. Braving sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of protesters -- who were mostly young -- stayed at the protest overnight, many dancing to electronic music. They blocked entrances to parliament, vowing to prevent lawmakers from entering the building where a plenary session is set to be held on Tuesday. In the early hours on Tuesday, police arrested five protesters and briefly detained prominent opposition MPs, Giga Bokeria of the European Georgia party, and Tengiz Gunava of Georgia's main opposition force, the United National Movement. "The government has lost popular support and only relies on police force," one of the protesters, Elene Mikadze, 21, told AFP. "That means its end is coming." Pro-opposition Mtavari TV station reported that riot police has been deployed in numbers in parliament's underground compound and in the prime minister's office. The demonstrators have held a series of mass protests after MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party voted down on November 14 legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system. Opposition parties have called the rallies after forming a rare united front against Georgian Dream led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom they accuse of orchestrating the bill's failure. "Rejected compromise" Protesters say that the current voting system unfairly favours the ruling party, which won nearly 77 percent of seats in the 2016 parliamentary election despite garnering only 48.7 per cent of the vote. Georgian Dream has ruled out early polls and on Monday rejected the opposition's new compromise initiative of legislative amendments that would create a level playing field for all the political forces in the tiny Black Sea nation. Last Monday, riot police used water cannons to disperse protesters and arrested several dozen people outside the parliament building. Ten demonstrators have been jailed for terms ranging from four to 13 days for "disobeying police orders". Georgia's public defender said at the time that the prosecution of the peaceful protesters "failed to meet minimum judicial standards." In a joint statement last week, the embassies of the United States and European Union criticised Georgian Dream's failure to introduce the electoral reform and expressed solidarity with the protesters. Ivanishvili had promised "large-scale political reform" following a summer of protests that saw 240 people injured in a police crackdown. Two protesters including a teenage girl lost an eye. In power since 2012, the ruling party has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy. Critics accuse Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be the man in charge in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government decision-making.

Defiant Georgia opposition stages fresh protest despite crackdown

Elections took place in Hong Kong amid Intensifying protests. 1,090 Candidates are contesting for the district elections.

Voting for District Elections Underway in Hong Kong

Patrick Fok on District Elections in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong police are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-scared-to-escape-isolated-protesters-hold-out-on-trashed-hong-kong-campus-263740">pursuing arrests as students continue to hole up</a> in the ravaged Polytechnic University in the Kowloon peninsula. Today, eight students were arrested after they surrendered to the riot police who had surrounded the campus.

The siege at the university on the Kowloon peninsula appeared to be nearing an end with the number of protesters dwindling to less than 100, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June.

The mood on the nearly deserted campus was rather calm today after a night of protesting roaming the grounds looking for undercover officers. Others hid, terrified they would be arrested by infiltrators.

"We are feeling a little tired. All of us feel tired but we will not give up trying to get out," said a 23-year-old demonstrator who gave his name only as Shiba as he ate noodles with egg and sausage in the protesters' canteen.

"We spent yesterday trying to find ways to get outside but failed, so we came for some breakfast," he said.

A Reuters reporter saw six black-clad protesters holding hands walk towards police lines, while a first aid worker said two more surrendered later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-china-diplomat-says-beijing-will-never-allow-anyone-to-destroy-hong-kongs-stability-263609">Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling</a> in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and are calling for full democracy, among other demands.

Watch: China slams US'&nbsp;Bill on Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-china-slams-us-bill-on-hong-kong-263458/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-trying-to-settle-university-scuffle-peacefully-one-country-two-systems-to-be-upheld-263534">Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems"</a> formula under which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in Hong Kong affairs and accuses foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, of stirring up trouble.

One older protester, who estimated only around 30 demonstrators remained, said some had given up looking for escape routes and were now making new weapons to protect themselves in case police stormed the campus.

The Chinese-ruled city has enjoyed two days and nights of relative calm ahead of district council elections that are due to take place on Sunday.

The government has said it is committed to proceeding with the elections and is monitoring the situation to ensure the election can be held safely.

All polling stations will be guarded by armed officers in riot gear for the first time in the history of local elections, the South China Morning Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hong Kong police are pursuing arrests as students continue to hole up in the ravaged Polytechnic University in the Kowloon peninsula. Today, eight students were arrested after they surrendered to the riot police who had surrounded the campus.

The Hong Kong police are pursuing arrests as students continue to hole up in the ravaged Polytechnic University in the Kowloon peninsula. Today, eight students were arrested after they surrendered to the riot police who had surrounded the campus. The siege at the university on the Kowloon peninsula appeared to be nearing an end with the number of protesters dwindling to less than 100, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June. The mood on the nearly deserted campus was rather calm today after a night of protesting roaming the grounds looking for undercover officers. Others hid, terrified they would be arrested by infiltrators. "We are feeling a little tired. All of us feel tired but we will not give up trying to get out," said a 23-year-old demonstrator who gave his name only as Shiba as he ate noodles with egg and sausage in the protesters' canteen. "We spent yesterday trying to find ways to get outside but failed, so we came for some breakfast," he said. A Reuters reporter saw six black-clad protesters holding hands walk towards police lines, while a first aid worker said two more surrendered later. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and are calling for full democracy, among other demands. Watch: China slams US' Bill on Hong Kong Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in Hong Kong affairs and accuses foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, of stirring up trouble. One older protester, who estimated only around 30 demonstrators remained, said some had given up looking for escape routes and were now making new weapons to protect themselves in case police stormed the campus. The Chinese-ruled city has enjoyed two days and nights of relative calm ahead of district council elections that are due to take place on Sunday. The government has said it is committed to proceeding with the elections and is monitoring the situation to ensure the election can be held safely. All polling stations will be guarded by armed officers in riot gear for the first time in the history of local elections, the South China Morning Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong university siege: 8 students arrested after surrender

Tens of&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing&nbsp;government.

There were reports of clashes and arrests as trade unions, students, opposition parties and the South American country's indigenous organisations challenged the full gamut of Duque's economic, social and security policies.

"It is an accumulation of situations that we hope to see reviewed after today, including a great national dialogue of conciliation," Robert Gomez, president of the main workers' union, told AFP.

The&nbsp;protest&nbsp;comes amid social upheaval across South America, as a wave of unrest over the past two months has battered governments in Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador.

The popularity of Duque's right-wing&nbsp;government, a key US ally, has been on the wane since his election 18 months ago, as it deals with hosting 1.4 million refugees from neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown as well as the complex fallout of a 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels and rampant drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Troops deployed

Troops were deployed in the capital and other cities to protect "strategic facilities," authorities said.

The Colombian office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the deployment, saying states must limit the use of military forces "for the control of internal disturbances."

Spokesmen for several organizations backing the protests said more than one million people had marched nationwide, while Interior Minister Nancy Patricia Gutierrez counted some 207,000 protesters by the middle of the afternoon.

While authorities said the protests were largely peaceful, eight people were arrested in various cities, the interior&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;said.

Isolated clashes in Bogota and the western city of Cali injured seven protesters and 28 policemen. Blocked roads in some areas snarled transportation, and the mayor of Cali declared a curfew from 7:00 pm.

The&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was widely followed in big cities like Bucaramanga in the northeast and Medellin in the northwest, along with Bogota where riot police used stun grenades to turn back&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of students walking towards the international airport, an AFP journalist said.

Several separate marches converged on Bolivar Square, the historic centre of the capital close to the presidency.

"We are marching because in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;we are tired of corruption, of impunity, that the&nbsp;government&nbsp;does nothing for the poor," Olga Canon, 55, told AFP.

By the end of the afternoon, most of the protesters had dispersed though some activists called for continued mobilization.

Organizations that participated in the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;take issue with Duque's security policy as well as attempts to introduce a more flexible labour market, weaken public pension funds and raise the retirement age.

Students are demanding more funding for education, while indigenous communities insist on greater protection in remote areas where 134 activists have been killed since Duque came to power in August 2018.

'Afraid to march'

"We are very afraid to march in the streets but we do it anyway because the state is spreading so much fear with its militarization and by closing the borders," political science student Valentina Gaitan, 21, told AFP.&nbsp;

Duque admitted some of the criticisms were legitimate in a televised speech on the eve of the&nbsp;strike but said the campaign against his&nbsp;government&nbsp;was based on lies seeking to provoke violence.

"We recognize the value of peaceful protests, but also guarantee order," he said.

The borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela were closed until Friday to avoid any threat to "public order and security," authorities said.

Political analyst Jason&nbsp;Marczak said the outrage against the&nbsp;government, the target of several demonstrations in recent months, is part of a "considerable&nbsp;demonstration&nbsp;of discontent in the region."

"The unsatisfied claims and deep polarisation are the basis for this massive event," said Marczak, of the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a general strike to protest the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government.

Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a general strike to protest the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government. There were reports of clashes and arrests as trade unions, students, opposition parties and the South American country's indigenous organisations challenged the full gamut of Duque's economic, social and security policies. "It is an accumulation of situations that we hope to see reviewed after today, including a great national dialogue of conciliation," Robert Gomez, president of the main workers' union, told AFP. The protest comes amid social upheaval across South America, as a wave of unrest over the past two months has battered governments in Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. The popularity of Duque's right-wing government, a key US ally, has been on the wane since his election 18 months ago, as it deals with hosting 1.4 million refugees from neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown as well as the complex fallout of a 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels and rampant drug trafficking. Troops deployed Troops were deployed in the capital and other cities to protect "strategic facilities," authorities said. The Colombian office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the deployment, saying states must limit the use of military forces "for the control of internal disturbances." Spokesmen for several organizations backing the protests said more than one million people had marched nationwide, while Interior Minister Nancy Patricia Gutierrez counted some 207,000 protesters by the middle of the afternoon. While authorities said the protests were largely peaceful, eight people were arrested in various cities, the interior ministry said. Isolated clashes in Bogota and the western city of Cali injured seven protesters and 28 policemen. Blocked roads in some areas snarled transportation, and the mayor of Cali declared a curfew from 7:00 pm. The general strike was widely followed in big cities like Bucaramanga in the northeast and Medellin in the northwest, along with Bogota where riot police used stun grenades to turn back thousands of students walking towards the international airport, an AFP journalist said. Several separate marches converged on Bolivar Square, the historic centre of the capital close to the presidency. "We are marching because in Colombia we are tired of corruption, of impunity, that the government does nothing for the poor," Olga Canon, 55, told AFP. By the end of the afternoon, most of the protesters had dispersed though some activists called for continued mobilization. Organizations that participated in the strike take issue with Duque's security policy as well as attempts to introduce a more flexible labour market, weaken public pension funds and raise the retirement age. Students are demanding more funding for education, while indigenous communities insist on greater protection in remote areas where 134 activists have been killed since Duque came to power in August 2018. 'Afraid to march' "We are very afraid to march in the streets but we do it anyway because the state is spreading so much fear with its militarization and by closing the borders," political science student Valentina Gaitan, 21, told AFP. Duque admitted some of the criticisms were legitimate in a televised speech on the eve of the strike but said the campaign against his government was based on lies seeking to provoke violence. "We recognize the value of peaceful protests, but also guarantee order," he said. The borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela were closed until Friday to avoid any threat to "public order and security," authorities said. Political analyst Jason Marczak said the outrage against the government, the target of several demonstrations in recent months, is part of a "considerable demonstration of discontent in the region." "The unsatisfied claims and deep polarisation are the basis for this massive event," said Marczak, of the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Thousands in Colombia protest against policies of President Ivan Duque

The ongoing district elections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">Hong Kong</a> have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city.

Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.5 million votes for district councillors, in a ballot seen as a gauge of the popularity of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government.

First-time candidate Kwan Siu Lun says campaigning for this weekend's district elections in Hong Kong has been a dangerous business in the white heat of the city's political crisis.

In normal times, district elections are tame, hyper-local affairs dominated by candidates allied to the China-backed government with a remit over rubbish collections and planning decisions.&nbsp;

But with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-scared-to-escape-isolated-protesters-hold-out-on-trashed-hong-kong-campus-263740">protests coursing through the city</a>, pro-democracy candidates are hoping for a dramatic swing in their favour.

The&nbsp;protest movement needs a big turnout,&nbsp;it was 47 per cent the last time around in 2015,&nbsp;to give the unpopular government a bloody nose at the ballot box.

The signs point in their favour with 4.1 million Hong Kongers registering to vote,&nbsp;nearly 400,000 more than in 2015.

There are no disruptive actions planned so far for Sunday, while a "HOW TO CAST A VOTE" airdrop is urging young voters to turn up early, bring their ID and "avoid wearing black shirts and masks" or accidentally spoiling ballots.

In a city beset by violence, candidate Kwan says he has tried to tip-toe around the conflicting political opinions.

"I try to focus on local community issues," says the 38-year-old architect running as an independent on the pro-democracy side&nbsp;in his working-class constituency of Hung Hom.

"But of course some voters ask what my political views are... some people have sworn at me and thrown my leaflets to the ground."

The poll to choose 452 councillors across 18 districts is the closest voters in Hong Kong get to direct representation.

By contrast, members of the city's legislature are elected by a combination of the popular vote and industry groups stacked with Beijing loyalists, while the city's chief executive is chosen by a similarly pro-establishment committee.&nbsp;

This year it is "a kind of referendum" on the Hong Kong government's handling "of the riots over the extradition (bill), democracy and the conflicts between the people and the police", says political analyst Dixon Sing.

Watch: Hong Kong police storm university

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-hong-kong-police-storm-university-262997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Deeply touched'&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-china-diplomat-says-beijing-will-never-allow-anyone-to-destroy-hong-kongs-stability-263609">political unrest of recent months</a> has overshadowed what would normally be a calm campaign.

A pro-democracy candidate had his ear bitten off, while 17 other candidates of all stripes -- some seeking re-election -- have been arrested over protest-related activities.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, election authorities banned democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll over his political views espousing "self-determination" for the Chinese-ruled city.

Kwan says he did not plan to run. Then protests unfurled on June 9 against an extradition bill to China. They have not stopped since. &nbsp;

"I never thought about running before... I have a day job and I have a new-born baby," he told AFP, the pavement dug up around him by protesters seeking projectiles to hurl at police.

But "I felt deeply touched" by the protest movement, he said, explaining he sees district power as a way to help young people.

The challenges of campaigning during a political crisis cuts across colours.

Michelle Tang, an independent candidate affiliated with the pro-establishment camp, is seeking re-election in her constituency of Tsim Sha Tsui East.

The now-trashed Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus stands in her district, scene of an ongoing siege of pro-democracy protesters by police.

"Some shops have refused to put up my poster even though the owners privately support me" she said, explaining they are worried about provoking the protesters.

In the hurly-burly of a political crisis, it is also hard to predict who is likely to triumph in Sunday's poll.

But there is a strategic imperative for a protest movement that has brought millions onto the street to also flood the polling booths.

Under the <a href="wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-trying-to-settle-university-scuffle-peacefully-one-country-two-systems-to-be-upheld-263534">city's convoluted China-scripted electoral system</a>, seats on the district council could translate into 117 votes in the Election Committee,&nbsp;the mechanism by which a Chief Executive is chosen.

A big win at the grassroots level in the city's most free vote could help mobilise the pro-democracy bloc for next year's parliamentary elections, says analyst Sing.

Back on the city's febrile streets, candidates have the choice of fending off barrages of abuse or running muted campaigns.

"Some pro-establishment voters come to me and call me a 'cockroach', or a 'rioter'," says Isaac Ho, a pro-democracy candidate&nbsp;running for the first time in a government-allied stronghold in Kowloon.&nbsp;

"I just answer with a smile," he says.

The ongoing district elections in Hong Kong have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city. Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.

The ongoing district elections in Hong Kong have been dangerous owing to the anti-government protests in the city. Polling stations are due to open across Hong Kong on Sunday morning as the semi-autonomous city of 7.5 million votes for district councillors, in a ballot seen as a gauge of the popularity of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government. First-time candidate Kwan Siu Lun says campaigning for this weekend's district elections in Hong Kong has been a dangerous business in the white heat of the city's political crisis. In normal times, district elections are tame, hyper-local affairs dominated by candidates allied to the China-backed government with a remit over rubbish collections and planning decisions. But with protests coursing through the city, pro-democracy candidates are hoping for a dramatic swing in their favour. The protest movement needs a big turnout, it was 47 per cent the last time around in 2015, to give the unpopular government a bloody nose at the ballot box. The signs point in their favour with 4.1 million Hong Kongers registering to vote, nearly 400,000 more than in 2015. There are no disruptive actions planned so far for Sunday, while a "HOW TO CAST A VOTE" airdrop is urging young voters to turn up early, bring their ID and "avoid wearing black shirts and masks" or accidentally spoiling ballots. In a city beset by violence, candidate Kwan says he has tried to tip-toe around the conflicting political opinions. "I try to focus on local community issues," says the 38-year-old architect running as an independent on the pro-democracy side in his working-class constituency of Hung Hom. "But of course some voters ask what my political views are... some people have sworn at me and thrown my leaflets to the ground." The poll to choose 452 councillors across 18 districts is the closest voters in Hong Kong get to direct representation. By contrast, members of the city's legislature are elected by a combination of the popular vote and industry groups stacked with Beijing loyalists, while the city's chief executive is chosen by a similarly pro-establishment committee. This year it is "a kind of referendum" on the Hong Kong government's handling "of the riots over the extradition (bill), democracy and the conflicts between the people and the police", says political analyst Dixon Sing. Watch: Hong Kong police storm university 'Deeply touched' The political unrest of recent months has overshadowed what would normally be a calm campaign. A pro-democracy candidate had his ear bitten off, while 17 other candidates of all stripes -- some seeking re-election -- have been arrested over protest-related activities. Meanwhile, election authorities banned democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll over his political views espousing "self-determination" for the Chinese-ruled city. Kwan says he did not plan to run. Then protests unfurled on June 9 against an extradition bill to China. They have not stopped since. "I never thought about running before... I have a day job and I have a new-born baby," he told AFP, the pavement dug up around him by protesters seeking projectiles to hurl at police. But "I felt deeply touched" by the protest movement, he said, explaining he sees district power as a way to help young people. The challenges of campaigning during a political crisis cuts across colours. Michelle Tang, an independent candidate affiliated with the pro-establishment camp, is seeking re-election in her constituency of Tsim Sha Tsui East. The now-trashed Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus stands in her district, scene of an ongoing siege of pro-democracy protesters by police. "Some shops have refused to put up my poster even though the owners privately support me" she said, explaining they are worried about provoking the protesters. In the hurly-burly of a political crisis, it is also hard to predict who is likely to triumph in Sunday's poll. But there is a strategic imperative for a protest movement that has brought millions onto the street to also flood the polling booths. Under the city's convoluted China-scripted electoral system, seats on the district council could translate into 117 votes in the Election Committee, the mechanism by which a Chief Executive is chosen. A big win at the grassroots level in the city's most free vote could help mobilise the pro-democracy bloc for next year's parliamentary elections, says analyst Sing. Back on the city's febrile streets, candidates have the choice of fending off barrages of abuse or running muted campaigns. "Some pro-establishment voters come to me and call me a 'cockroach', or a 'rioter'," says Isaac Ho, a pro-democracy candidate running for the first time in a government-allied stronghold in Kowloon. "I just answer with a smile," he says.

Hong Kong set to vote for district councillors amid anti-government protests

The Hong Kong police said on Wednesday that they intend to stick to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-rights-bill-president-trump-expected-to-sign-263483">peaceful solutions</a> to the standoff at&nbsp;the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

Ho Yeung-sing, Chief Superintendent and Commander of Yau Tsim District of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the statement outside the PolyU campus, calling protesters to drop their weapons and leave the campus in a peaceful manner.

Additionally, Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will uphold the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and will work to rebuild its image, during a press conference inside the Chinese embassy in London Wednesday.

The chief superintendent said the police that they had names of around 300 people under the age of 18 who had left the university. He added that while 700 protesters&nbsp;had been arrested, there was still a small group which was refusing to come out.

He said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-sewer-escape-thwarted-as-rows-with-uk-us-grow-263389">efforts are being made to clear obstructions</a> and police are keeping maintaining communication with the leaders of different groups. He noted ambulances and first-aid staff are allowed to do their work, and police are now waiting for the remaining protesters to leave the campus voluntarily.

Watch: US House passes Hong Kong rights bill

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''Apart from peaceful means, we also adopt a feasible approach to solve the problem. In this regard, we made a special arrangement for underage people. As long as they give up their weapons and leave the campus in a peaceful manner, we do our best in this regard, but we'll record their personal details and then let them go. But, of course, we will reserve the rights to pursue a case later," said Ho.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">protesters gathered at the PolyU campus</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 11, committing violent acts such as hurling gasoline bombs and shooting arrows at police and government supporters.

"Increasing violence in Hong Kong has continuously affected our core values and the international community's confidence in Hong Kong. This impacts Hong Kong's rule of law. Only through fortifying the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle by ourselves and rebuild our home, can we see the Hong Kong that we know once again," said Cheng.

Initially, the protests were triggered by a controversial bill that would have allowed extradition to China, but eventually morphed into a full-fledged movement asking for democracy in Hong Kong.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Hong Kong police said on Wednesday that they intend to stick to peaceful solutions to the standoff at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Ho Yeung-sing, Chief Superintendent and Commander of Yau Tsim District of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the statement outside the PolyU campus, calling protesters to drop their weapons and leave the campus in a peaceful manner.

The Hong Kong police said on Wednesday that they intend to stick to peaceful solutions to the standoff at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Ho Yeung-sing, Chief Superintendent and Commander of Yau Tsim District of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the statement outside the PolyU campus, calling protesters to drop their weapons and leave the campus in a peaceful manner. Additionally, Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will uphold the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and will work to rebuild its image, during a press conference inside the Chinese embassy in London Wednesday. The chief superintendent said the police that they had names of around 300 people under the age of 18 who had left the university. He added that while 700 protesters had been arrested, there was still a small group which was refusing to come out. He said efforts are being made to clear obstructions and police are keeping maintaining communication with the leaders of different groups. He noted ambulances and first-aid staff are allowed to do their work, and police are now waiting for the remaining protesters to leave the campus voluntarily. Watch: US House passes Hong Kong rights bill ''Apart from peaceful means, we also adopt a feasible approach to solve the problem. In this regard, we made a special arrangement for underage people. As long as they give up their weapons and leave the campus in a peaceful manner, we do our best in this regard, but we'll record their personal details and then let them go. But, of course, we will reserve the rights to pursue a case later," said Ho. The protesters gathered at the PolyU campus on November 11, committing violent acts such as hurling gasoline bombs and shooting arrows at police and government supporters. "Increasing violence in Hong Kong has continuously affected our core values and the international community's confidence in Hong Kong. This impacts Hong Kong's rule of law. Only through fortifying the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle by ourselves and rebuild our home, can we see the Hong Kong that we know once again," said Cheng. Initially, the protests were triggered by a controversial bill that would have allowed extradition to China, but eventually morphed into a full-fledged movement asking for democracy in Hong Kong. (With inputs from Reuters)

Give up weapons and leave campus peacefully, Hong Kong police chief appeals to students

The legislation supporting human rights and democracy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-sewer-escape-thwarted-as-rows-with-uk-us-grow-263389">Hong Kong</a> was passed in the United States yesterday. The House, by 417 votes to 0, also approved Senate-cleared legislation that would ban sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces.&nbsp;

It shall now be forwarded to US President Donald Trump.

The White House has not threatened to veto the measure and Trump is expected to sign it, reported AFP.

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed the House of Representatives by 417 to 0, one day after the Senate unanimously passed the measure, provoking the threat of ''countermeasures'' by Beijing.

According to the bill, the United States president shall annually review the trade status that the US grants to Hong Kong, with sanctions and threats to be imposed in case there are human rights and democracy violations in the city.&nbsp;

The House, by 417 votes to 0, also approved Senate-cleared legislation that would ban sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces.

Owing to this bill, the two economic superpowers could jeopardise a major trade deal with has been in the works for months.

Watch: China slams US bill on Hong Kong

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">Beijing expressed anger earlier</a> Wednesday after the Senate's unanimous vote, warning of "strong countermeasures" if the bill becomes law, and summoning acting US charge d'affaires William Klein to lodge a protest.

The votes marked an unusually strong show of bipartisanship in divided Washington.

"China is taking aggressive action to impose total control through surveillance, political pressure and, as we saw this weekend, brute force," said Kevin McCarthy, Top House Republican said.

Congress voted, he added, "to protect American interests and hold China accountable for its misconduct."

"For 24 consecutive weeks, the people of Hong Kong have been asking for their democracy, freedoms and promised autonomy to be respected," Senate Democrat Ben Cardin said in a statement.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio said that as the Chinese Communist Party violates "basic rights" of the Hong Kong people, "the United States must make clear that we continue to stand with Hong Kongers fighting for their long-cherished freedoms."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-united-states-with-countermeasures-over-hong-kong-human-rights-and-democracy-act-263353">The rights bill passed</a> as dozens of pro-democracy protesters stood firm inside a besieged Hong Kong university, where a four-day standoff against police has caught the world's attention.

(With inputs from agencies)

The legislation supporting human rights and democracy in Hong Kong was passed in the United States yesterday. The House, by 417 votes to 0, also approved Senate-cleared legislation that would ban sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces.

The legislation supporting human rights and democracy in Hong Kong was passed in the United States yesterday. The House, by 417 votes to 0, also approved Senate-cleared legislation that would ban sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces. It shall now be forwarded to US President Donald Trump. The White House has not threatened to veto the measure and Trump is expected to sign it, reported AFP. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed the House of Representatives by 417 to 0, one day after the Senate unanimously passed the measure, provoking the threat of ''countermeasures'' by Beijing. According to the bill, the United States president shall annually review the trade status that the US grants to Hong Kong, with sanctions and threats to be imposed in case there are human rights and democracy violations in the city. The House, by 417 votes to 0, also approved Senate-cleared legislation that would ban sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces. Owing to this bill, the two economic superpowers could jeopardise a major trade deal with has been in the works for months. Watch: China slams US bill on Hong Kong Beijing expressed anger earlier Wednesday after the Senate's unanimous vote, warning of "strong countermeasures" if the bill becomes law, and summoning acting US charge d'affaires William Klein to lodge a protest. The votes marked an unusually strong show of bipartisanship in divided Washington. "China is taking aggressive action to impose total control through surveillance, political pressure and, as we saw this weekend, brute force," said Kevin McCarthy, Top House Republican said. Congress voted, he added, "to protect American interests and hold China accountable for its misconduct." "For 24 consecutive weeks, the people of Hong Kong have been asking for their democracy, freedoms and promised autonomy to be respected," Senate Democrat Ben Cardin said in a statement. Republican Senator Marco Rubio said that as the Chinese Communist Party violates "basic rights" of the Hong Kong people, "the United States must make clear that we continue to stand with Hong Kongers fighting for their long-cherished freedoms." The rights bill passed as dozens of pro-democracy protesters stood firm inside a besieged Hong Kong university, where a four-day standoff against police has caught the world's attention. (With inputs from agencies)

US House passes Hong Kong rights bill, President Trump expected to sign

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-till-2pm-after-uproar-over-jnu-fee-hike-issue-263097">Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)</a> visually impaired students' forum has called for a demonstration on Wednesday in front of Delhi Police Headquarters against alleged lathi charge by police on the students of the University and to demand justice for persons with disabilities. 
 
The demonstration is scheduled in the front of the Police Headquarter on Jaisingh Road near the Parliament. 
 
"The JNU Visually Challenged Students' Forum calls for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-administration-to-take-stringent-action-against-students-over-criminal-vandalism-262743">demonstration</a> against the brutal lathi charge of Delhi Police and demand for justice for persons with disabilities," Shaikh Mohammad Kaish, JNU Visually Challenged Students' Forum, said in a statement. 
 
On November 18, Delhi Police had denied allegations of lathi-charge levelled by some students during the protest organised to demand complete fee rollback. 
 
However, the Forum said that the lathi charge by police was a clear cut violation of the United Nation's Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006 and Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2016 act. 
 
The forum demanded delegation-level talks with the Chief Commissioner of Delhi Police and full protection of persons with disabilities anywhere in the national capital with an immediate effect.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) visually impaired students' forum has called for a demonstration on Wednesday in front of Delhi Police Headquarters against alleged lathi charge by police on the students of the University and to demand justice for persons with disabilities.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) visually impaired students' forum has called for a demonstration on Wednesday in front of Delhi Police Headquarters against alleged lathi charge by police on the students of the University and to demand justice for persons with disabilities. The demonstration is scheduled in the front of the Police Headquarter on Jaisingh Road near the Parliament. "The JNU Visually Challenged Students' Forum calls for a demonstration against the brutal lathi charge of Delhi Police and demand for justice for persons with disabilities," Shaikh Mohammad Kaish, JNU Visually Challenged Students' Forum, said in a statement. On November 18, Delhi Police had denied allegations of lathi-charge levelled by some students during the protest organised to demand complete fee rollback. However, the Forum said that the lathi charge by police was a clear cut violation of the United Nation's Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006 and Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2016 act. The forum demanded delegation-level talks with the Chief Commissioner of Delhi Police and full protection of persons with disabilities anywhere in the national capital with an immediate effect.

JNU: Visually impaired students' forum calls for protest against police brutality

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">Hong Kong</a> Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs. 
 
"This bill neglects facts and the truth. It applies double standards and it is overt meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs. This is a serious violation of the international law and fundamental norms regulating international relations. China condemns this and speaks out against this decisively," Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang&nbsp;said in a statement. 
 
His statement came hours after the Senate approved a separate bill banning the export of certain kinds of munition to the Hong Kong police and its own version of the act. 
 
The Senate and the House of Representatives, which has approved its version, now have to settle differences, after which the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for consideration. 
 
China is calling on the US to abolish such a policy toward Hong Kong "until it is too late" and to "immediately take measures to prevent the bill from becoming law", Geng said. 
 
"China will be forced to take resolute countermeasures for protecting its national sovereignty, and its security and development interests," he added. 
 
If signed into law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government as carrying out alleged human rights abuses.

Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong

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The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desperate-hong-kong-protesters-explore-sewers-in-campus-escape-bid-263209">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory.

The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months.

China had expressed its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-decries-hong-kong-protesters-violence-calls-263164">"strong indignation" last month</a>&nbsp;when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure.

Large-scale protests, triggered by a now-withdrawn controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing in Hong Kong since early June, with the police detaining nearly 4,500 people so far. 
 
Over 1,500 people have been hospitalised after sustaining wounds in clashes and over 400 police officers have been injured. 
 
Tensions have escalated over the past few days, with a violent standoff unfolding at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 
 
Beijing has repeatedly stated that the situation in Hong Kong is a result of foreign interference in China's domestic affairs and expressed full support for the actions of the local authorities.

The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs.

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs. "This bill neglects facts and the truth. It applies double standards and it is overt meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs. This is a serious violation of the international law and fundamental norms regulating international relations. China condemns this and speaks out against this decisively," Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang said in a statement. His statement came hours after the Senate approved a separate bill banning the export of certain kinds of munition to the Hong Kong police and its own version of the act. The Senate and the House of Representatives, which has approved its version, now have to settle differences, after which the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for consideration. China is calling on the US to abolish such a policy toward Hong Kong "until it is too late" and to "immediately take measures to prevent the bill from becoming law", Geng said. "China will be forced to take resolute countermeasures for protecting its national sovereignty, and its security and development interests," he added. If signed into law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government as carrying out alleged human rights abuses. Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in Hong Kong and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory. The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months. China had expressed its "strong indignation" last month when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure. Large-scale protests, triggered by a now-withdrawn controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing in Hong Kong since early June, with the police detaining nearly 4,500 people so far. Over 1,500 people have been hospitalised after sustaining wounds in clashes and over 400 police officers have been injured. Tensions have escalated over the past few days, with a violent standoff unfolding at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Beijing has repeatedly stated that the situation in Hong Kong is a result of foreign interference in China's domestic affairs and expressed full support for the actions of the local authorities. The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong. (With inputs from agencies)

China threatens United States with 'countermeasures' over Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

Public Anger Has Fuelled Protests In Several Countries Across The World

Gravitas: Protests escalate across the world

By Amanda Tattersall

While thousands of Hong Kongers have protested “like water” for the past six months – flowing through the city with seemingly spontaneous movements – the past week has seen a shift in strategy. Last week, students escalated their actions yet again by occupying most of Hong Kong’s universities.

The last remaining occupation at Polytechnic University remains under siege by the police force. Police say surrender is the only option for the students and have threatened to use live ammunition if they are attacked.

Why universities are sanctified spaces

The siege comes off the back of months of ratcheting police violence in response to the protests, including the use of live rounds, water cannons and nearly 6,000 canisters of tear gas.

The protesters, meanwhile, have remained mobile and flexible, which has allowed them to keep going for so long. This adherence to being “like water” has helped overcome the limitations that demonstrators faced in previous protests.

The government, for example, was able to wait out the 79-day Umbrella Movement in 2014, banking that protesters would eventually find the daily grind of occupying city streets too difficult.

The Tiananmen Square occupation in 1989, likewise, was vulnerable to a Chinese military crackdown because the protesters were congregated in a central place.

The current university occupations in Hong Kong – and the shift away from “being water” – happened not out of choice but necessity.

Universities are sanctified spaces in Hong Kong. As education providers, they are symbols of freedom and are formally protected under Hong Kong law. In a city of limited democracy, the law deems universities to be private property, meaning there is a protocol preventing police from entering campuses unless it’s an emergency.

When several police officers were found inside the University of Hong Kong in July, for example, the police issued an apology .

Hong Kong’s universities also represent what the protesters are fighting for. They are a space for democracy-building, and it’s no secret that many students have used the protection of campuses to organise. Some dormitories have become spaces for storing medical supplies and equipment to respond to police violence.

Then, last week, these safe spaces were threatened when police officers began moving on several campuses across the city to make arrests. The subsequent student occupations arose as a defensive posture to protect universities - and everything they represent - from state intervention.

Students have been actively supported by academic and administrative staff, who have closed campuses in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, acted as mediators with police and criticised the government for its “ineffective” response to the protests.

But unlike the fluid occupations of Hong Kong streets, shopping malls and the airport of previous months, the students found themselves fixed inside the universities. The police soon sensed an advantage, and at Polytechnic University they formed barricades around the campus.

Using arrest as a form of intimidation

The siege has had a military quality. For the first time, police deployed a LRAD sound device, a controversial weapon previously used in the Iraq war.

The students, meanwhile, have retaliated with petrol bombs and bows and arrows. When some have tried to flee, they have been bombed with tear gas and pushed back onto campus.

As of today, the university is still blockaded with more than 100 students believed to be inside. There have been multiple police invasions and retreats. New flanks of protesters have surrounded the police cordon. Older residents are forming human chains to get medical supplies to the site.

Police have threatened that every person left inside the university will be arrested. Protesters have been told they will be charged with rioting, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail.

Mass arrest has been used in an attempt to force protesters to back down for a while now. Hong Kong police reported this week the total number of arrests for the duration of the protests is so far 4,491 (more than 750 of them children).

Everyone arrested is subject to at least 48 hours detention. Some have been held in a controversial, remote detention facility, where detainees have alleged abuse in custody.

One explanation for all the arrests is that police are trying to remove key leaders from the front lines. Academics also see it as a form of intimidation.

As Ray Yep Kin-man, a City University political scientist, has noted, "In the past two months, some arrests were made even without strong evidence. I think police are adopting the strategy of arresting people to deter others from taking part in the protests."

Beyond arrest, the students have reason to be concerned. Many occupiers have written letters to their loved ones, fearing they will die. Democracy supporters and religious leaders are pleading for them to be released safely. They fear some protesters may refuse to leave, choosing instead to make a last stand.

The Hong Kong government’s approach is to try to deescalate the protests through fear. But the university siege, the now-overturned ban on wearing masks and the threats of live ammunition all show that Hong Kong’s protesters will not back down based on threats or violence.

Only meaningful changes to how the police work and how the government operates will end this battle for Hong Kong.

(Amanda Tattersall is Postdoc in Urban Geography and Research Lead at Sydney Policy Lab. Host of ChangeMakers Podcast., University of Sydney)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/university-under-siege-a-dangerous-new-phase-for-the-hong-kong-protests-127228">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Amanda Tattersall While thousands of Hong Kongers have protested “like water” for the past six months – flowing through the city with seemingly spontaneous movements – the past week has seen a shift in strategy.

By Amanda Tattersall While thousands of Hong Kongers have protested “like water” for the past six months – flowing through the city with seemingly spontaneous movements – the past week has seen a shift in strategy. Last week, students escalated their actions yet again by occupying most of Hong Kong’s universities. The last remaining occupation at Polytechnic University remains under siege by the police force. Police say surrender is the only option for the students and have threatened to use live ammunition if they are attacked. Why universities are sanctified spaces The siege comes off the back of months of ratcheting police violence in response to the protests, including the use of live rounds, water cannons and nearly 6,000 canisters of tear gas. The protesters, meanwhile, have remained mobile and flexible, which has allowed them to keep going for so long. This adherence to being “like water” has helped overcome the limitations that demonstrators faced in previous protests. The government, for example, was able to wait out the 79-day Umbrella Movement in 2014, banking that protesters would eventually find the daily grind of occupying city streets too difficult. The Tiananmen Square occupation in 1989, likewise, was vulnerable to a Chinese military crackdown because the protesters were congregated in a central place. The current university occupations in Hong Kong – and the shift away from “being water” – happened not out of choice but necessity. Universities are sanctified spaces in Hong Kong. As education providers, they are symbols of freedom and are formally protected under Hong Kong law. In a city of limited democracy, the law deems universities to be private property, meaning there is a protocol preventing police from entering campuses unless it’s an emergency. When several police officers were found inside the University of Hong Kong in July, for example, the police issued an apology . Hong Kong’s universities also represent what the protesters are fighting for. They are a space for democracy-building, and it’s no secret that many students have used the protection of campuses to organise. Some dormitories have become spaces for storing medical supplies and equipment to respond to police violence. Then, last week, these safe spaces were threatened when police officers began moving on several campuses across the city to make arrests. The subsequent student occupations arose as a defensive posture to protect universities - and everything they represent - from state intervention. Students have been actively supported by academic and administrative staff, who have closed campuses in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, acted as mediators with police and criticised the government for its “ineffective” response to the protests. But unlike the fluid occupations of Hong Kong streets, shopping malls and the airport of previous months, the students found themselves fixed inside the universities. The police soon sensed an advantage, and at Polytechnic University they formed barricades around the campus. Using arrest as a form of intimidation The siege has had a military quality. For the first time, police deployed a LRAD sound device, a controversial weapon previously used in the Iraq war. The students, meanwhile, have retaliated with petrol bombs and bows and arrows. When some have tried to flee, they have been bombed with tear gas and pushed back onto campus. As of today, the university is still blockaded with more than 100 students believed to be inside. There have been multiple police invasions and retreats. New flanks of protesters have surrounded the police cordon. Older residents are forming human chains to get medical supplies to the site. Police have threatened that every person left inside the university will be arrested. Protesters have been told they will be charged with rioting, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail. Mass arrest has been used in an attempt to force protesters to back down for a while now. Hong Kong police reported this week the total number of arrests for the duration of the protests is so far 4,491 (more than 750 of them children). Everyone arrested is subject to at least 48 hours detention. Some have been held in a controversial, remote detention facility, where detainees have alleged abuse in custody. One explanation for all the arrests is that police are trying to remove key leaders from the front lines. Academics also see it as a form of intimidation. As Ray Yep Kin-man, a City University political scientist, has noted, "In the past two months, some arrests were made even without strong evidence. I think police are adopting the strategy of arresting people to deter others from taking part in the protests." Beyond arrest, the students have reason to be concerned. Many occupiers have written letters to their loved ones, fearing they will die. Democracy supporters and religious leaders are pleading for them to be released safely. They fear some protesters may refuse to leave, choosing instead to make a last stand. The Hong Kong government’s approach is to try to deescalate the protests through fear. But the university siege, the now-overturned ban on wearing masks and the threats of live ammunition all show that Hong Kong’s protesters will not back down based on threats or violence. Only meaningful changes to how the police work and how the government operates will end this battle for Hong Kong. (Amanda Tattersall is Postdoc in Urban Geography and Research Lead at Sydney Policy Lab. Host of ChangeMakers Podcast., University of Sydney) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A dangerous new phase for the Hong Kong protests

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">police and protesters</a> that had caused chaos across Hong Kong.&nbsp;Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters.

"There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment.

"The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added.

China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated.

After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning.

"Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok.

China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997.

However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018.

According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it.

Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14.

Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity".&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets.

Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-mask-law-to-quell-protests-unconstitutional-hong-kong-high-court-262838">face masks</a>, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court.

Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">cancelled flights</a> to Hong Kong.

(With inputs from AFP)

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''. The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between police and protesters that had caused chaos across Hong Kong. Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters. "There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment. "The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added. China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated. After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning. "Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok. China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997. However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018. According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it. Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14. Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity". Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets. Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court. Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have cancelled flights to Hong Kong. (With inputs from AFP)

China defends deploying soldiers in Hong Kong, calls it 'most pressing task'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police</a> fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday to force back anti-government protesters trying to escape a university where hundreds are holed up with petrol bombs and other homemade weapons amid fears of a bloody crackdown.

Dozens tried to flee the Polytechnic University after a night of mayhem in the Chinese-ruled city in which major roads were blocked and a bridge was set on fire and a police officer was shot by a bow and arrow.

Many were arrested near the university on Monday, public broadcaster RTHK reported, while in the nearby commercial area of Nathan Road activists stopped traffic and forced shopping malls and stores to shut.

"We've been trapped here for too long. We need all&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kongers to know we need help," said Dan, a 19-year-old protester on the campus, as he burst into tears.

"I don't know how much longer we can go on like this. We may need international help."

Protesters tried to make another run for it in the afternoon but were met with more volleys of tear gas.

Thirty-eight people were wounded overnight on Sunday, the city's Hospital Authority said. Reuters witnesses saw some protesters suffering from burns from chemicals in jets fired from police water cannons.

"Remember you have life in your hands. Why do you need to push us to death?" one person shouted at police from a campus rooftop as protesters wearing gas masks and clutching umbrellas looked for ways to escape.

Police urged protesters to "drop their weapons" and leave.

"Police appeal to everyone inside the Polytechnic University to drop their weapons and dangerous items, remove their gas masks and leave via the top level of Cheong Wan Road South Bridge in an orderly manner," they said in a statement.

"They should follow police instructions and must not charge at police cordons."

Live video showed protesters with their hands tied behind their backs sitting cross-legged on a road as riot police stood guard in one of the busiest commercial and tourist districts in the former British colony.

Police said they fired three live rounds when "rioters" attacked two officers who were attempting to arrest a woman. No one was wounded and the woman escaped amid a dramatic escalation of the unrest that has plunged the Asian financial hub into chaos for almost six months.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's promised freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are responding to excessive use of force by police.

China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;autonomy, with the city's police accusations they use undue violence.

'Unjustified'

The United States condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">"unjustified use of force" in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong</a>&nbsp;and called on Beijing to protect&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's freedom, a senior official in President Donald Trump's administration said.

Chinese soldiers in a base close to the university were seen on Sunday monitoring developments at the university with binoculars, some dressed in riot gear.

Chinese troops in shorts and T-shirts, some carrying red plastic buckets or brooms, emerged from their barracks on Saturday in a rare public appearance to help clean up debris.

Chinese troops have appeared on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's streets only once since 1997, to help clear up after a typhoon last year.

Asked about the clean-up operation, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said their efforts were welcomed by&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;citizens.

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;garrison “has the determination, confidence and capabilities to safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in accordance with the Basic Law and the Garrison Law and to ensure long term prosperity and stability in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong”, Wu said, speaking on the sidelines of a defence conference in Bangkok.

The Basic Law is the mini-constitution setting the terms for the formula under which the former colony returned to China.

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government involved a colonial-era emergency law in October banning faced masks commonly used by protesters. The High Court ruled on Monday the ban was "incompatible with the Basic Law".

'We need to fight'

The city's Cross-Harbour Tunnel, next to the Polytechnic University, linking&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Island to the Kowloon peninsula, remained closed after protesters torched a bridge above the toll booths on Sunday.

Some train services and many roads across the Kowloon peninsula were closed. All schools were shut.

As police approached the barricaded front gate of the university in the predawn hours, protesters retreated into the campus and started fires at the gate and a footbridge.

Some protesters discussed trying to leave, while others reinforced barricades and carried boxes of petrol bombs to positions around the complex.

Thousands of residents and protesters flocked to districts around the university including Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, to try to penetrate the riot-police lines to rescue the trapped students.

"If we can only hold on until dawn, more might come," said one young activist in the university.

University President Teng Jin-Guang said he had brokered a truce with police to allow protesters to leave the campus peacefully, however it was unclear whether a truce was taking effect.

Some of those trapped on the sprawling red-brick campus close to the city's harbour said they would never surrender.

"We need to fight until the end. If we don’t fight,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-mask-law-to-quell-protests-unconstitutional-hong-kong-high-court-262838">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;will be over</a>," said Ah Lung, 19.

The unrest in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Xi has said he is confident&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's government can resolve the crisis.

Beijing denies interfering in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's affairs and has blamed Western countries for stirring up unrest.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs announced that due to “ongoing disruption” in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, it was postponing a party at its regional headquarters in the city to mark the firm’s 150th anniversary. CEO David Solomon was due to attend.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday to force back anti-government protesters trying to escape a university where hundreds are holed up with petrol bombs and other homemade weapons amid fears of a bloody crackdown.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday to force back anti-government protesters trying to escape a university where hundreds are holed up with petrol bombs and other homemade weapons amid fears of a bloody crackdown. Dozens tried to flee the Polytechnic University after a night of mayhem in the Chinese-ruled city in which major roads were blocked and a bridge was set on fire and a police officer was shot by a bow and arrow. Many were arrested near the university on Monday, public broadcaster RTHK reported, while in the nearby commercial area of Nathan Road activists stopped traffic and forced shopping malls and stores to shut. "We've been trapped here for too long. We need all Hong Kongers to know we need help," said Dan, a 19-year-old protester on the campus, as he burst into tears. "I don't know how much longer we can go on like this. We may need international help." Protesters tried to make another run for it in the afternoon but were met with more volleys of tear gas. Thirty-eight people were wounded overnight on Sunday, the city's Hospital Authority said. Reuters witnesses saw some protesters suffering from burns from chemicals in jets fired from police water cannons. "Remember you have life in your hands. Why do you need to push us to death?" one person shouted at police from a campus rooftop as protesters wearing gas masks and clutching umbrellas looked for ways to escape. Police urged protesters to "drop their weapons" and leave. "Police appeal to everyone inside the Polytechnic University to drop their weapons and dangerous items, remove their gas masks and leave via the top level of Cheong Wan Road South Bridge in an orderly manner," they said in a statement. "They should follow police instructions and must not charge at police cordons." Live video showed protesters with their hands tied behind their backs sitting cross-legged on a road as riot police stood guard in one of the busiest commercial and tourist districts in the former British colony. Police said they fired three live rounds when "rioters" attacked two officers who were attempting to arrest a woman. No one was wounded and the woman escaped amid a dramatic escalation of the unrest that has plunged the Asian financial hub into chaos for almost six months. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in Hong Kong's promised freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are responding to excessive use of force by police. China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong autonomy, with the city's police accusations they use undue violence. 'Unjustified' The United States condemned the "unjustified use of force" in Hong Kong and called on Beijing to protect Hong Kong's freedom, a senior official in President Donald Trump's administration said. Chinese soldiers in a base close to the university were seen on Sunday monitoring developments at the university with binoculars, some dressed in riot gear. Chinese troops in shorts and T-shirts, some carrying red plastic buckets or brooms, emerged from their barracks on Saturday in a rare public appearance to help clean up debris. Chinese troops have appeared on Hong Kong's streets only once since 1997, to help clear up after a typhoon last year. Asked about the clean-up operation, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens. The Hong Kong garrison “has the determination, confidence and capabilities to safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests of Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law and the Garrison Law and to ensure long term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong”, Wu said, speaking on the sidelines of a defence conference in Bangkok. The Basic Law is the mini-constitution setting the terms for the formula under which the former colony returned to China. The Hong Kong government involved a colonial-era emergency law in October banning faced masks commonly used by protesters. The High Court ruled on Monday the ban was "incompatible with the Basic Law". 'We need to fight' The city's Cross-Harbour Tunnel, next to the Polytechnic University, linking Hong Kong Island to the Kowloon peninsula, remained closed after protesters torched a bridge above the toll booths on Sunday. Some train services and many roads across the Kowloon peninsula were closed. All schools were shut. As police approached the barricaded front gate of the university in the predawn hours, protesters retreated into the campus and started fires at the gate and a footbridge. Some protesters discussed trying to leave, while others reinforced barricades and carried boxes of petrol bombs to positions around the complex. Thousands of residents and protesters flocked to districts around the university including Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, to try to penetrate the riot-police lines to rescue the trapped students. "If we can only hold on until dawn, more might come," said one young activist in the university. University President Teng Jin-Guang said he had brokered a truce with police to allow protesters to leave the campus peacefully, however it was unclear whether a truce was taking effect. Some of those trapped on the sprawling red-brick campus close to the city's harbour said they would never surrender. "We need to fight until the end. If we don’t fight, Hong Kong will be over," said Ah Lung, 19. The unrest in Hong Kong poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Xi has said he is confident Hong Kong's government can resolve the crisis. Beijing denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and has blamed Western countries for stirring up unrest. Investment bank Goldman Sachs announced that due to “ongoing disruption” in Hong Kong, it was postponing a party at its regional headquarters in the city to mark the firm’s 150th anniversary. CEO David Solomon was due to attend.

Hong Kong police fire rubber bullets at university protesters

Brazil's left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged his followers to continue "the fight" Sunday evening at his first major rally since his release from prison a week ago.

"The fight isn't over," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-brazil-newly-freed-lula-sets-up-clash-with-bolsonaros-right-wing-261094">former president</a> chanted to several tens of thousands of cheering supporters in the northeastern city of Recife.

"After seeing so many people mobilize across the country, I want to say: 'The fight is not over.' The fight cannot end because we still want more," Lula said, referring to the thousands of left-wing activists who mobilized across Brazil during his 580-day incarceration.

"The 'Free Lula' campaign must become something even bigger!" he added, as the crowd welcomed him with cries of, "Lula, warrior for the Brazilian people!"

Lula, who held presidential office from 2003-2010, was arrested in April 2018 for corruption, though he said he was innocent. He was sentenced to 8 years and 10 months in prison.

The 74-year-old was released on November 8 in a politically sensitive Supreme Court ruling that could free thousands of convicts.

On Sunday, he returned to Recife, the capital of his home state Pernambuco, to take part in a music festival organized in his honor.

Though he claimed multiple times he didn't want to discuss politics during a music festival, Lula viciously attacked his political rival, right-wing President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-asks-brazilians-not-to-give-ammunition-to-lula-261036">Jair Bolsonaro</a>, during his speech.

"You can be sure that every minute of the rest of my life will be devoted to freeing our country from this gang of militiamen who have seized it," he said, referring to the Bolsonaro family's suspected links with paramilitary groups.

Lula has already given three public speeches since his release from prison, but the one in Recife was the first time he had spoken to such a large crowd.

Brazil's left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged his followers to continue "the fight" Sunday evening at his first major rally since his release from prison a week ago.

Brazil's left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged his followers to continue "the fight" Sunday evening at his first major rally since his release from prison a week ago. "The fight isn't over," the former president chanted to several tens of thousands of cheering supporters in the northeastern city of Recife. "After seeing so many people mobilize across the country, I want to say: 'The fight is not over.' The fight cannot end because we still want more," Lula said, referring to the thousands of left-wing activists who mobilized across Brazil during his 580-day incarceration. "The 'Free Lula' campaign must become something even bigger!" he added, as the crowd welcomed him with cries of, "Lula, warrior for the Brazilian people!" Lula, who held presidential office from 2003-2010, was arrested in April 2018 for corruption, though he said he was innocent. He was sentenced to 8 years and 10 months in prison. The 74-year-old was released on November 8 in a politically sensitive Supreme Court ruling that could free thousands of convicts. On Sunday, he returned to Recife, the capital of his home state Pernambuco, to take part in a music festival organized in his honor. Though he claimed multiple times he didn't want to discuss politics during a music festival, Lula viciously attacked his political rival, right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, during his speech. "You can be sure that every minute of the rest of my life will be devoted to freeing our country from this gang of militiamen who have seized it," he said, referring to the Bolsonaro family's suspected links with paramilitary groups. Lula has already given three public speeches since his release from prison, but the one in Recife was the first time he had spoken to such a large crowd.

Brazil's recently freed former president Lula urges supporters to continue 'the fight'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-threatens-one-country-two-systems-xi-jinping-262146">The Hong Kong government</a> condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful".

A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng.

"The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement.

The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations.

A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family.

Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-arm-themselves-for-showdown-amid-talk-of-curfew-262065">The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill</a> that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands.

Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests.

The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll.

Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful". A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground. Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng. "The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement. The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations. A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family. Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence. The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands. Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests. The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll. Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

Hong Kong condemns London 'attack' on justice secretary as protests continue

By Henry F (Chip) Carey

Numerous anti-government protests have paralyzed cities across the globe for months, from La Paz, Bolivia, to Santiago, Chile, and Monrovia, Liberia, to Beirut.

Each protest in this worldwide wave of unrest has its own local dynamic and cause. But they also share certain characteristics: Fed up with rising inequality, corruption and slow economic growth, angry citizens worldwide are demanding an end to corruption and the restoration of a democratic rule of law.

It is no accident, as Foreign Affairs recently observed, that Latin America – which has seen the most countries explode into the longest-lasting violent protests – has the slowest regional growth in the world, with only 0.2% expected in 2019. Latin America is also the world’s region with the most inequality.

Bolivia’s once-powerful president, Evo Morales – whose support was strongest in rural areas – was forced out on Nov. 11 by a military response to mass urban unrest after alleged electoral fraud.

In October, Lebanon’s prime minister also resigned after mass protests.

One under-covered factor in these demonstrations, I would observe as a scholar of migration, is domestic, rural-to-urban migration. All these capital cities gripped by protest have huge populations of desperately poor formerly rural people pushed out of the countryside and into the city by climate change, national policies that hurt small farmers or a global trade system that impoverishes local agriculture.

Rapid urban growth 
 
Cities worldwide have been growing at an unsustainable pace over the past seven decades.

In 1950, the New York metropolitan area and Tokyo were the world’s only megacities – cities with more than 10 million people. By 1995, 14 megacities had emerged. Today, there are 25. Of the 7.6 billion people in the world, 4.2 billion, or 55%, live in cities and other urban settlements. Another 2.5 billion people will move into cities in poor countries by 2050, according to the United Nations.

Most modern megacities are in the developing regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. There, natural population increases in cities are aggravated by surges in rural migrants in search of a better life.

What they find, instead, are sprawling informal settlements, frequently called urban slums.

These marginalized parts of cities in the developing world – called “favelas” in Brazil, “bidonvilles” in Haiti and “villas miserias” in Argentina – look remarkably similar across the globe. Ignored by the municipal government, they usually lack sanitation, clean drinking water, electricity, health care facilities and schools. Informal urban settlements are usually precariously located, near flood-prone waterfronts or on steep, unstable mountainsides.

Their economy and, to a significant degree, politics, are infiltrated by gangs – organized crime groups that profit off the illegal trafficking of drugs, people and weapons. These gangs, in turn, may be linked to political parties, serving as their armed enforcers.

Many rural migrants, who lack identity documentation, social entitlements, housing and financial services, are forced to work in these illicit labor markets.

This system replicates in a predatory, illegal form the patron-client relationship still common in many developing countries, in which a rural economic elite provides employment, loans, seeds, cash or protection for farmers in exchange for “taxes” – usually a share of the farmer’s produce – and political fealty.

In the unstable market economy of the urban slum, gangs are the patron.

A staging ground for discontent

The injustices of this daily life underlie the anger of many of today’s protesters. From Quito, Ecuador, to Beirut, the extreme marginalization of so many people living in big, dysfunctional and dangerous places has boiled over into deadly unrest.

In Haiti, for example, the majority of demonstrators who’ve staged nine straight weeks of massive protests against documented official corruption, gasoline shortages and food scarcity are extremely poor Port-au-Prince residents. They are highly motivated to keep protesting because they are facing starvation.

Even Chile, which technically is the wealthiest Latin American country, has an awful lot of very poor people struggling to get by. Its current protests, which began in mid-October with a hike in the Santiago subway fare, are disproportionately composed of youth and rural migrants from Santiago’s poor outskirts. Among Latin American countries, Chile has the second-highest rate of internal migration in all of Latin America, second only to Panama. Bolivia ranks fifth in the region.

It is not the actual movement of rural people into cities that creates social upheaval, according to a 2015 analysis of 20 years of data on internal migration, poverty and inequality for 34 cities in Africa and Asia. Rather, it’s the overall poor and unequal educational and housing opportunities that rural-to-urban migrants face in cities – coupled with their socioeconomic marginalization – that spurs urban discontent.

People who fled impoverished countryside only to find poverty in the city, too, are demanding more. Two centuries after the peasant rebellions that toppled monarchies across Europe, cities have become the stage for the kind of resentment and frustration that can destabilize entire nations. 
 
(Henry F. (Chip) Carey is Associate Professor, Political Science, Georgia State University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-unrest-propels-global-wave-of-protests-126306">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Henry F (Chip) Carey Numerous anti-government protests have paralyzed cities across the globe for months, from La Paz, Bolivia, to Santiago, Chile, and Monrovia, Liberia, to Beirut.

By Henry F (Chip) Carey Numerous anti-government protests have paralyzed cities across the globe for months, from La Paz, Bolivia, to Santiago, Chile, and Monrovia, Liberia, to Beirut. Each protest in this worldwide wave of unrest has its own local dynamic and cause. But they also share certain characteristics: Fed up with rising inequality, corruption and slow economic growth, angry citizens worldwide are demanding an end to corruption and the restoration of a democratic rule of law. It is no accident, as Foreign Affairs recently observed, that Latin America – which has seen the most countries explode into the longest-lasting violent protests – has the slowest regional growth in the world, with only 0.2% expected in 2019. Latin America is also the world’s region with the most inequality. Bolivia’s once-powerful president, Evo Morales – whose support was strongest in rural areas – was forced out on Nov. 11 by a military response to mass urban unrest after alleged electoral fraud. In October, Lebanon’s prime minister also resigned after mass protests. One under-covered factor in these demonstrations, I would observe as a scholar of migration, is domestic, rural-to-urban migration. All these capital cities gripped by protest have huge populations of desperately poor formerly rural people pushed out of the countryside and into the city by climate change, national policies that hurt small farmers or a global trade system that impoverishes local agriculture. Rapid urban growth Cities worldwide have been growing at an unsustainable pace over the past seven decades. In 1950, the New York metropolitan area and Tokyo were the world’s only megacities – cities with more than 10 million people. By 1995, 14 megacities had emerged. Today, there are 25. Of the 7.6 billion people in the world, 4.2 billion, or 55%, live in cities and other urban settlements. Another 2.5 billion people will move into cities in poor countries by 2050, according to the United Nations. Most modern megacities are in the developing regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. There, natural population increases in cities are aggravated by surges in rural migrants in search of a better life. What they find, instead, are sprawling informal settlements, frequently called urban slums. These marginalized parts of cities in the developing world – called “favelas” in Brazil, “bidonvilles” in Haiti and “villas miserias” in Argentina – look remarkably similar across the globe. Ignored by the municipal government, they usually lack sanitation, clean drinking water, electricity, health care facilities and schools. Informal urban settlements are usually precariously located, near flood-prone waterfronts or on steep, unstable mountainsides. Their economy and, to a significant degree, politics, are infiltrated by gangs – organized crime groups that profit off the illegal trafficking of drugs, people and weapons. These gangs, in turn, may be linked to political parties, serving as their armed enforcers. Many rural migrants, who lack identity documentation, social entitlements, housing and financial services, are forced to work in these illicit labor markets. This system replicates in a predatory, illegal form the patron-client relationship still common in many developing countries, in which a rural economic elite provides employment, loans, seeds, cash or protection for farmers in exchange for “taxes” – usually a share of the farmer’s produce – and political fealty. In the unstable market economy of the urban slum, gangs are the patron. A staging ground for discontent The injustices of this daily life underlie the anger of many of today’s protesters. From Quito, Ecuador, to Beirut, the extreme marginalization of so many people living in big, dysfunctional and dangerous places has boiled over into deadly unrest. In Haiti, for example, the majority of demonstrators who’ve staged nine straight weeks of massive protests against documented official corruption, gasoline shortages and food scarcity are extremely poor Port-au-Prince residents. They are highly motivated to keep protesting because they are facing starvation. Even Chile, which technically is the wealthiest Latin American country, has an awful lot of very poor people struggling to get by. Its current protests, which began in mid-October with a hike in the Santiago subway fare, are disproportionately composed of youth and rural migrants from Santiago’s poor outskirts. Among Latin American countries, Chile has the second-highest rate of internal migration in all of Latin America, second only to Panama. Bolivia ranks fifth in the region. It is not the actual movement of rural people into cities that creates social upheaval, according to a 2015 analysis of 20 years of data on internal migration, poverty and inequality for 34 cities in Africa and Asia. Rather, it’s the overall poor and unequal educational and housing opportunities that rural-to-urban migrants face in cities – coupled with their socioeconomic marginalization – that spurs urban discontent. People who fled impoverished countryside only to find poverty in the city, too, are demanding more. Two centuries after the peasant rebellions that toppled monarchies across Europe, cities have become the stage for the kind of resentment and frustration that can destabilize entire nations. (Henry F. (Chip) Carey is Associate Professor, Political Science, Georgia State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Urban unrest propels global wave of protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-brings-hong-kong-to-brink-of-total-breakdown-metro-suspends-operations-261570">Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters</a> fought intense battles with riot police on a university campus and paralysed the city's upmarket business district Tuesday, extending one of the most violent stretches of unrest seen in more than five months of political chaos.

The confrontations followed a particularly brutal day on Monday, when police shot a protester and a man was set on fire, prompting calls from western powers for compromise but further fury in China against any challenge to its rule.

The city's universities emerged as a new flashpoint throughout Tuesday with sustained clashes at major campuses for the first time.&nbsp;

The epicentre was the Chinese University of Hong Kong where the usually placid hillside grounds were turned into a battlefield.

Police fired repeated volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets at hundreds of protesters who had built barricades ending an hours-long standoff between the two sides.

Protesters responded with bricks and petrol bombs, while a vehicle used in a barricade was set alight.

After a brief hiatus in which faculty staff tried to mediate, new clashes broke in the evening with flames lighting up the night sky and fresh rounds of tear gas whizzing through the air.

Police used a water cannon truck in an attempt to dislodge protesters but they remained behind their makeshift shield walls.

There were smaller clashes on at least three other university campuses throughout the day.

Change of tactics

After months of largely confining their most disruptive protests to the weekends, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-carrie-lam-says-violence-exceeded-calls-for-democracy-police-defend-officers-who-shot-at-protesters-261394">online groups used by protesters</a> have been pushing new tactics targeting the working week.

For the last two days flashmob protesters have blocked roads during the morning rush hour, thrown objects onto rail tracks and held up subway trains, sparking transport chaos throughout the city.

In Central, a district that is home to many blue-chip international firms and luxury shops, thousands of office workers occupied roads for hours on Tuesday chanting: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong!".

Hundreds of hardcore protesters threw bricks and other objects before retreating when riot police fired tear gas in the shadows of high-end stores.

But the streets filled with protesters once more as people left work for the evening, prompting police to carry out another dispersal operation with tear gas.

The scenes in Central were a vivid illustration of how ordinary people are continuing to back the pro-democracy movement -- even as the radicals adopt more violent tactics.

Authorities have offered repeated condemnation but been unable or unwilling to find a solution to the crisis.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's rule of law has been pushed to the brink of total collapse," police spokesman Kong Wing-cheung told a press conference on Tuesday as he defended the force against seething public anger.

Watch: Hong Kong protest - Another day of chaos in Hong Kong

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China tightening control

China has ruled Hong Kong under a "one country, two systems" framework, which allows the city greater freedoms than on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997.

The protest movement has been fuelled by Beijing's tightening control over Hong Kong.

Protesters are demanding a right to freely elect their leaders, as well as an independent inquiry in what they see as police brutality.

But China has steadfastly refused to give any concessions to the protesters, and instead warned of even tougher security measures.

Beijing has repeatedly signalled that it would be prepared to send mainland security forces into Hong Kong.

Chinese state media on Tuesday again raised the spectre of the People's Liberation Army being deployed to end the crisis.

The warnings were in response to Monday's violence, in which a man was doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by a masked assailant following an argument with pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;

Chinese authorities, as well as state-run media, have said the attack was an example of protesters' violent tactics, although the assailant has not been arrested and his identity remains unknown.

"This kind of hair-raising behaviour has caused terror and anxiety among the broader Hong Kong public," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing.

"We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties,&nbsp;police and protesters,&nbsp;to exercise restraint," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

They were reacting in fury to a police officer shooting a 21-year-old protester on Monday morning, with that incident broadcast live on Facebook by a bystander.&nbsp;

Both the man set alight and the shot protester remained in critical condition on Tuesday, hospital authorities said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watching-situation-in-hong-kong-with-grave-concern-us-261489">Tensions had initially spiked</a> following the death last week of a young man who fell from a multi-storey car park during clashes with police.&nbsp;

He was the first student to die in the five months of protests, and protests over the weekend then escalated at the start of the working week.&nbsp;

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters fought intense battles with riot police on a university campus and paralysed the city's upmarket business district Tuesday, extending one of the most violent stretches of unrest seen in more than five months of political chaos.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters fought intense battles with riot police on a university campus and paralysed the city's upmarket business district Tuesday, extending one of the most violent stretches of unrest seen in more than five months of political chaos. The confrontations followed a particularly brutal day on Monday, when police shot a protester and a man was set on fire, prompting calls from western powers for compromise but further fury in China against any challenge to its rule. The city's universities emerged as a new flashpoint throughout Tuesday with sustained clashes at major campuses for the first time. The epicentre was the Chinese University of Hong Kong where the usually placid hillside grounds were turned into a battlefield. Police fired repeated volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets at hundreds of protesters who had built barricades ending an hours-long standoff between the two sides. Protesters responded with bricks and petrol bombs, while a vehicle used in a barricade was set alight. After a brief hiatus in which faculty staff tried to mediate, new clashes broke in the evening with flames lighting up the night sky and fresh rounds of tear gas whizzing through the air. Police used a water cannon truck in an attempt to dislodge protesters but they remained behind their makeshift shield walls. There were smaller clashes on at least three other university campuses throughout the day. Change of tactics After months of largely confining their most disruptive protests to the weekends, online groups used by protesters have been pushing new tactics targeting the working week. For the last two days flashmob protesters have blocked roads during the morning rush hour, thrown objects onto rail tracks and held up subway trains, sparking transport chaos throughout the city. In Central, a district that is home to many blue-chip international firms and luxury shops, thousands of office workers occupied roads for hours on Tuesday chanting: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong!". Hundreds of hardcore protesters threw bricks and other objects before retreating when riot police fired tear gas in the shadows of high-end stores. But the streets filled with protesters once more as people left work for the evening, prompting police to carry out another dispersal operation with tear gas. The scenes in Central were a vivid illustration of how ordinary people are continuing to back the pro-democracy movement -- even as the radicals adopt more violent tactics. Authorities have offered repeated condemnation but been unable or unwilling to find a solution to the crisis. "Hong Kong's rule of law has been pushed to the brink of total collapse," police spokesman Kong Wing-cheung told a press conference on Tuesday as he defended the force against seething public anger. Watch: Hong Kong protest - Another day of chaos in Hong Kong China tightening control China has ruled Hong Kong under a "one country, two systems" framework, which allows the city greater freedoms than on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997. The protest movement has been fuelled by Beijing's tightening control over Hong Kong. Protesters are demanding a right to freely elect their leaders, as well as an independent inquiry in what they see as police brutality. But China has steadfastly refused to give any concessions to the protesters, and instead warned of even tougher security measures. Beijing has repeatedly signalled that it would be prepared to send mainland security forces into Hong Kong. Chinese state media on Tuesday again raised the spectre of the People's Liberation Army being deployed to end the crisis. The warnings were in response to Monday's violence, in which a man was doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by a masked assailant following an argument with pro-democracy protesters. Chinese authorities, as well as state-run media, have said the attack was an example of protesters' violent tactics, although the assailant has not been arrested and his identity remains unknown. "This kind of hair-raising behaviour has caused terror and anxiety among the broader Hong Kong public," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing. "We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties, police and protesters, to exercise restraint," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. They were reacting in fury to a police officer shooting a 21-year-old protester on Monday morning, with that incident broadcast live on Facebook by a bystander. Both the man set alight and the shot protester remained in critical condition on Tuesday, hospital authorities said. Tensions had initially spiked following the death last week of a young man who fell from a multi-storey car park during clashes with police. He was the first student to die in the five months of protests, and protests over the weekend then escalated at the start of the working week.

Hong Kong unrest: Clashes continue on university campus, business district

Banks and schools were closed in Lebanon on Tuesday as protesters tried to prevent employees from clocking in at state institutions nearly one month into an anti-graft street movement.

Unprecedented protests erupted across Lebanon on October 17, demanding the ouster of a generation of politicians seen by demonstrators as inefficient and corrupt.

The government stepped down on October 29 but it remains in a caretaker capacity as no overt efforts have been made to form a new one.

Dozens of protesters gathered near the Palace of Justice in central Beirut on Tuesday morning, demanding an independent judiciary as they tried to prevent judges and lawyers from going to work, an AFP correspondent said.

In the town of Aley east of Beirut, in the southern city of Tyre, and the eastern town of Baalbek, demonstrators held sit-ins outside or inside the offices of the state telecommunications provider, local media reported.

Many schools and universities were closed, as were banks after their employees called for a general strike over alleged mistreatment by customers last week.

Banks have restricted access to dollars since the start of the protests, sparking fears of the devaluation of the local currency and discontent among account holders.

The central bank on Monday, however, insisted the Lebanese pound would remain pegged to the dollar and said it had asked banks to lift restrictions on withdrawals.

Students, who have emerged as key players in the uprising, were expected to hold further demonstrations later in the day ahead of a presidential address in the evening.

The leaderless protest movement first erupted after a proposed tax on calls via free phone applications, but it has since morphed into an unprecedented cross-sectarian outcry against everything from perceived state corruption to rampant electricity cuts.

People in the street say they are fed up with the same political families dominating government institutions since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.

Protesters are demanding a fresh cabinet include independent experts not affiliated to traditional political parties, but no date has yet been set for required parliamentary consultations.

Government formation typically takes months in Lebanon, with protracted debate on how to best maintain a fragile balance between religious communities.

The World Bank says around a third of Lebanese live in poverty and has warned the country's struggling economy could further deteriorate if a new cabinet is not formed rapidly.

Banks and schools were closed in Lebanon on Tuesday as protesters tried to prevent employees from clocking in at state institutions nearly one month into an anti-graft street movement.

Banks and schools were closed in Lebanon on Tuesday as protesters tried to prevent employees from clocking in at state institutions nearly one month into an anti-graft street movement. Unprecedented protests erupted across Lebanon on October 17, demanding the ouster of a generation of politicians seen by demonstrators as inefficient and corrupt. The government stepped down on October 29 but it remains in a caretaker capacity as no overt efforts have been made to form a new one. Dozens of protesters gathered near the Palace of Justice in central Beirut on Tuesday morning, demanding an independent judiciary as they tried to prevent judges and lawyers from going to work, an AFP correspondent said. In the town of Aley east of Beirut, in the southern city of Tyre, and the eastern town of Baalbek, demonstrators held sit-ins outside or inside the offices of the state telecommunications provider, local media reported. Many schools and universities were closed, as were banks after their employees called for a general strike over alleged mistreatment by customers last week. Banks have restricted access to dollars since the start of the protests, sparking fears of the devaluation of the local currency and discontent among account holders. The central bank on Monday, however, insisted the Lebanese pound would remain pegged to the dollar and said it had asked banks to lift restrictions on withdrawals. Students, who have emerged as key players in the uprising, were expected to hold further demonstrations later in the day ahead of a presidential address in the evening. The leaderless protest movement first erupted after a proposed tax on calls via free phone applications, but it has since morphed into an unprecedented cross-sectarian outcry against everything from perceived state corruption to rampant electricity cuts. People in the street say they are fed up with the same political families dominating government institutions since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. Protesters are demanding a fresh cabinet include independent experts not affiliated to traditional political parties, but no date has yet been set for required parliamentary consultations. Government formation typically takes months in Lebanon, with protracted debate on how to best maintain a fragile balance between religious communities. The World Bank says around a third of Lebanese live in poverty and has warned the country's struggling economy could further deteriorate if a new cabinet is not formed rapidly.

Lebanese banks, schools shut as protesters push on

Hong Kong's police watchdog is unequipped to investigate the force's handling of months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-on-24th-weekend-of-unrest-261153">pro-democracy protests</a>, a panel of international experts appointed by the city's own government has found.

The embarrassing verdict came as fresh unrest broke out on Sunday with activists and police clashing in multiple neighbourhoods after protesters held flashmob protests and vandalism sprees inside malls.

In one incident broadcast live on Now TV, an officer fired a tear gas canister from a moving police van at people who were heckling law enforcement from a pedestrian bridge in the district of Tsuen Wan.&nbsp;

The projectile struck a female reporter for the channel, leaving an angry welt on her arm.

A group of masked protesters also trashed a Chinese banquet restaurant run by a conglomerate that has been repeatedly targeted by activists because the owner's daughter has praised the police and Beijing.&nbsp;

Water cannon was used on Sunday evening against protesters who blocked roads in Mongkok district, which has seen frequent clashes.

Hong Kong has been upended by five months of huge and increasingly violent rallies, but Beijing has refused to give in to most of the movement's demands.

One of the core demands, alongside fully free elections,&nbsp;is an independent enquiry into the police, who have been left to battle protesters for 24 consecutive weeks and are now loathed by large chunks of the deeply polarised population.

City leader Carrie Lam has repeatedly dismissed an independent probe, saying the current watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC),&nbsp;is up to the job.

Protesters argue the IPCC lacks adequate investigatory powers, is stacked with pro-establishment figures and has previously been toothless when it comes to holding the police to account.

'Shortfall'

In September, the IPCC announced it had asked a panel of independent experts to provide advice.

Chaired by Sir Dennis O'Connor, who was tasked by the UK government to look at police tactics following the 2011 London riots, the panel includes policing specialists from Britain, New Zealand and Canada.

It has now issued a damning assessment of the IPCC's ability to investigate such a long summer of unrest and suggested a fully independent enquiry would be better suited for the task.

The report, dated November 8, found "a shortfall in IPCC powers, capacity and independent investigative capability necessary to match the scale of events and the standards required of an international police watchdog operating in a city that values freedoms and rights".

The panel said if resources were enhanced, the IPCC might be able to issue an interim report "with limited, but sufficient facts" on the cause of the protests and the handling by authorities.

But it also said there was "a compelling case" for a "deeper more comprehensive enquiry... by an independent body with requisite powers".

The report was not available on the IPCC's website.

But it was posted on Twitter late Saturday by one of the panel members, UK-based academic Clifford Stott.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-hong-kong-rally-after-student-dies-and-lawmakers-arrested-261105">The Hong Kong government</a> declined to address the findings directly but said the IPCC should be given time to do its investigation.&nbsp;

'Damning' statement

The panel's conclusion is an embarrassment for Lam as she battles record-low approval ratings and tries to face down calls for an independent enquiry.

"For them to come out with a statement effectively saying that IPCC is not up to the task is quite damning and only reinforces the urgency of an independent enquiry," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong-based lawyer who wrote a book about the city's pro-democracy movement, told AFP.

Beijing and Lam appear determined to wait out the protests and have shown little appetite for any further compromises.&nbsp;

Over the weekend a senior party official in Beijing called for Hong Kong to implement tough national security laws, an issue that sparked massive protests in 2003.&nbsp;

While crowd numbers are smaller than earlier this summer when millions marched, rallies and increasingly violent clashes are still a weekly occurrence.

Tensions soared this week when a 22-year-old student died from a fall during clashes with police in unclear and disputed circumstances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-lawmakers-arrested-as-tensions-soar-260957">Tens of thousands of people</a> attended a peaceful vigil Saturday evening, one of the few large gatherings in recent months to be granted police permission.

Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday but it is unclear whether they will be able to muster enough numbers to create the kind of transport paralysis caused by widespread strikes in the summer.

Hong Kong's police watchdog is unequipped to investigate the force's handling of months of pro-democracy protests, a panel of international experts appointed by the city's own government has found.

Hong Kong's police watchdog is unequipped to investigate the force's handling of months of pro-democracy protests, a panel of international experts appointed by the city's own government has found. The embarrassing verdict came as fresh unrest broke out on Sunday with activists and police clashing in multiple neighbourhoods after protesters held flashmob protests and vandalism sprees inside malls. In one incident broadcast live on Now TV, an officer fired a tear gas canister from a moving police van at people who were heckling law enforcement from a pedestrian bridge in the district of Tsuen Wan. The projectile struck a female reporter for the channel, leaving an angry welt on her arm. A group of masked protesters also trashed a Chinese banquet restaurant run by a conglomerate that has been repeatedly targeted by activists because the owner's daughter has praised the police and Beijing. Water cannon was used on Sunday evening against protesters who blocked roads in Mongkok district, which has seen frequent clashes. Hong Kong has been upended by five months of huge and increasingly violent rallies, but Beijing has refused to give in to most of the movement's demands. One of the core demands, alongside fully free elections, is an independent enquiry into the police, who have been left to battle protesters for 24 consecutive weeks and are now loathed by large chunks of the deeply polarised population. City leader Carrie Lam has repeatedly dismissed an independent probe, saying the current watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), is up to the job. Protesters argue the IPCC lacks adequate investigatory powers, is stacked with pro-establishment figures and has previously been toothless when it comes to holding the police to account. 'Shortfall' In September, the IPCC announced it had asked a panel of independent experts to provide advice. Chaired by Sir Dennis O'Connor, who was tasked by the UK government to look at police tactics following the 2011 London riots, the panel includes policing specialists from Britain, New Zealand and Canada. It has now issued a damning assessment of the IPCC's ability to investigate such a long summer of unrest and suggested a fully independent enquiry would be better suited for the task. The report, dated November 8, found "a shortfall in IPCC powers, capacity and independent investigative capability necessary to match the scale of events and the standards required of an international police watchdog operating in a city that values freedoms and rights". The panel said if resources were enhanced, the IPCC might be able to issue an interim report "with limited, but sufficient facts" on the cause of the protests and the handling by authorities. But it also said there was "a compelling case" for a "deeper more comprehensive enquiry... by an independent body with requisite powers". The report was not available on the IPCC's website. But it was posted on Twitter late Saturday by one of the panel members, UK-based academic Clifford Stott. The Hong Kong government declined to address the findings directly but said the IPCC should be given time to do its investigation. 'Damning' statement The panel's conclusion is an embarrassment for Lam as she battles record-low approval ratings and tries to face down calls for an independent enquiry. "For them to come out with a statement effectively saying that IPCC is not up to the task is quite damning and only reinforces the urgency of an independent enquiry," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong-based lawyer who wrote a book about the city's pro-democracy movement, told AFP. Beijing and Lam appear determined to wait out the protests and have shown little appetite for any further compromises. Over the weekend a senior party official in Beijing called for Hong Kong to implement tough national security laws, an issue that sparked massive protests in 2003. While crowd numbers are smaller than earlier this summer when millions marched, rallies and increasingly violent clashes are still a weekly occurrence. Tensions soared this week when a 22-year-old student died from a fall during clashes with police in unclear and disputed circumstances. Tens of thousands of people attended a peaceful vigil Saturday evening, one of the few large gatherings in recent months to be granted police permission. Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday but it is unclear whether they will be able to muster enough numbers to create the kind of transport paralysis caused by widespread strikes in the summer.

Hong Kong police watchdog unequipped to probe own force's handling of protests: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-dead-in-iraq-as-security-forces-clear-protest-sites-261082">Iraqi protesters</a> struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath".

Seven protesters died on Saturday in Baghdad and the southern city of Basra in the latest violence to hit the wave of popular protests that have shaken the country since early October.

The United Nations warned of a spreading "climate of fear" and its top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said it was receiving "daily reports of killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, beatings and intimidation of protesters".

Security forces early Sunday deployed tear gas in the southern city of Nasiriyah to keep back a crowd trying to shut down the education directorate.&nbsp;

University students in Diwaniyah were able to gather for a protest, but police blocked school children from walking out of class to join.&nbsp;

Those in Hillah and Kut had more success, with government offices and schools still shuttered.&nbsp;

And in Basra further south, some 30 protesters marched to reach their usual protest site outside the port city's provincial headquarters but were also kept about 600 metres away by police.

The previous day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">security forces</a> had cleared out the Basra sit-in location, leaving three dead, and detained scores of demonstrators.

They also cracked down in Baghdad, where four protesters were killed Saturday around the central protest site of Tahrir (Liberation) Square.

On Sunday morning, security forces erected concrete barriers sealing off Tahrir from a nearby square, where the air was thick with tear gas, an AFP correspondent said.

Rights group Amnesty International said Baghdad "must immediately rein in security forces" following the previous evening's sweep through the capital.

"This is turning into nothing short of a bloodbath,&nbsp;all government promises of reforms or investigations ring hollow while security forces continue to shoot and kill protesters," said Amnesty's regional director Heba Morayef.

The demonstrations broke out in Iraq's capital and its south on October 1 in outrage at corruption, lack of jobs and poor public services.

But they quickly spiralled into calls to uproot the entire governing system, which is widely blamed for perpetuating graft and clientelism.

The government has suggested a series of reforms, the bulk of them hiring drives and welfare plans.

The protests initially shook the government but political leaders have since closed rank around embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi.

Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to a toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqi protesters struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath".

Iraqi protesters struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath". Seven protesters died on Saturday in Baghdad and the southern city of Basra in the latest violence to hit the wave of popular protests that have shaken the country since early October. The United Nations warned of a spreading "climate of fear" and its top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said it was receiving "daily reports of killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, beatings and intimidation of protesters". Security forces early Sunday deployed tear gas in the southern city of Nasiriyah to keep back a crowd trying to shut down the education directorate. University students in Diwaniyah were able to gather for a protest, but police blocked school children from walking out of class to join. Those in Hillah and Kut had more success, with government offices and schools still shuttered. And in Basra further south, some 30 protesters marched to reach their usual protest site outside the port city's provincial headquarters but were also kept about 600 metres away by police. The previous day, security forces had cleared out the Basra sit-in location, leaving three dead, and detained scores of demonstrators. They also cracked down in Baghdad, where four protesters were killed Saturday around the central protest site of Tahrir (Liberation) Square. On Sunday morning, security forces erected concrete barriers sealing off Tahrir from a nearby square, where the air was thick with tear gas, an AFP correspondent said. Rights group Amnesty International said Baghdad "must immediately rein in security forces" following the previous evening's sweep through the capital. "This is turning into nothing short of a bloodbath, all government promises of reforms or investigations ring hollow while security forces continue to shoot and kill protesters," said Amnesty's regional director Heba Morayef. The demonstrations broke out in Iraq's capital and its south on October 1 in outrage at corruption, lack of jobs and poor public services. But they quickly spiralled into calls to uproot the entire governing system, which is widely blamed for perpetuating graft and clientelism. The government has suggested a series of reforms, the bulk of them hiring drives and welfare plans. The protests initially shook the government but political leaders have since closed rank around embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi. Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to a toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqis struggle to continue protests after deadly crackdown by authorities

Seven protesters were killed Saturday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites</a> in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means.

The leaders, sources told AFP, also agreed to put an end to rallies rocking Iraq's capital and its south since October 1 and demanding an overhaul of the political system.&nbsp;

The crackdown began in the morning when security forces wrested back control from demonstrators of three bridges spanning the River Tigris&nbsp;in the heart of Baghdad.&nbsp;

Iraqi forces then moved towards Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change, firing live rounds and tear gas.

Three demonstrators died from bullet wounds and a fourth when a tear gas canister pierced his skull, medics and police sources told AFP.

"The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP.

"We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded."&nbsp;

Three protesters were killed and dozens wounded in the southern city of Basra, medical sources said, as security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters.

Security forces also rounded up demonstrators in Basra.

And in the revered Shiite holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them.&nbsp;

'Any means possible'

The bloodshed came after political leaders agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-factions-reach-deal-to-save-government-protests-to-end-soon-261015">rally around Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi</a>, whose embattled government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades.

Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network.

When the protests first erupted in October, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government.&nbsp;

But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm.

Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings.&nbsp;

"Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said.&nbsp;

Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran.

The source also told AFP Soleimani met Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

But on Saturday Sistani's office issued a statement denying that cleric "was part of a deal for the current government to stay and the protests to end".&nbsp;

Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place.

"They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of a party represented at the gathering.

Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced.&nbsp;

And on Saturday parliament convened to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts.

Protesters despair

Meanwhile, the streets around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-retake-key-bridges-from-protesters-report-260956">Tahrir were in chaos</a>.&nbsp;

"The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted.

"But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work."

Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the closest to Tahrir.

"Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester.

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, the World Bank says.

Those staggering rates sparked the first wave of protests on October 1, and public anger quickly spiralled into calls for the overhaul of the entire ruling system.

Protesters say the current framework allows political parties to dole out government jobs based on affiliation and bribes, choking out independents in a country with a weak private sector.

They are demanding profound reform and constitutional amendments.

Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Seven protesters were killed Saturday in Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means.

Seven protesters were killed Saturday in Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means. The leaders, sources told AFP, also agreed to put an end to rallies rocking Iraq's capital and its south since October 1 and demanding an overhaul of the political system. The crackdown began in the morning when security forces wrested back control from demonstrators of three bridges spanning the River Tigris in the heart of Baghdad. Iraqi forces then moved towards Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change, firing live rounds and tear gas. Three demonstrators died from bullet wounds and a fourth when a tear gas canister pierced his skull, medics and police sources told AFP. "The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP. "We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded." Three protesters were killed and dozens wounded in the southern city of Basra, medical sources said, as security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters. Security forces also rounded up demonstrators in Basra. And in the revered Shiite holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them. 'Any means possible' The bloodshed came after political leaders agreed to rally around Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose embattled government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades. Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network. When the protests first erupted in October, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government. But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm. Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings. "Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said. Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran. The source also told AFP Soleimani met Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. But on Saturday Sistani's office issued a statement denying that cleric "was part of a deal for the current government to stay and the protests to end". Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place. "They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of a party represented at the gathering. Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced. And on Saturday parliament convened to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts. Protesters despair Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos. "The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted. "But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work." Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the closest to Tahrir. "Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, the World Bank says. Those staggering rates sparked the first wave of protests on October 1, and public anger quickly spiralled into calls for the overhaul of the entire ruling system. Protesters say the current framework allows political parties to dole out government jobs based on affiliation and bribes, choking out independents in a country with a weak private sector. They are demanding profound reform and constitutional amendments. Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Seven dead in Iraq as security forces clear protest sites

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-factions-reach-deal-to-save-government-protests-to-end-soon-261015">Baghdad's main anti-government protest</a> camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means,&nbsp;including force.

Gunfire and steady booms of stun grenades and tear gas rang out as security units approached Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change.&nbsp;

On Saturday afternoon, AFP correspondents saw people shot in the chest collapse to the pavement before being carried away by tuk-tuks.&nbsp;

"The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP.

"We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded."

Earlier, security forces wrested back control of three bridges over the River Tigris&nbsp;in the heart of Baghdad that had been partially occupied by protesters.

In Karbala, a revered Shiite holy city south of the capital, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them.&nbsp;

And in the southern city of Basra, security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters.

Three people were killed and dozens wounded, according to medical sources, and security forces began rounding up demonstrators.&nbsp;

'Any means possible'

The crackdown came after political chiefs agreed to rally around embattled Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades.

Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network.

When the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-retake-key-bridges-from-protesters-report-260956">protests erupted</a>, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government.&nbsp;

But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm.

Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met with Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings.&nbsp;

"Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said.&nbsp;

Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran.

Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place.

"They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of one party represented at the gathering.

Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced.&nbsp;

Parliament convened Saturday afternoon to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts.

Protesters despair

Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos.&nbsp;

"The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted.

"But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work," he vowed.&nbsp;

Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the southernmost of the capital's bridges and the closest to Tahrir.

"Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester, his face wrapped in a black scarf with a white skull. &nbsp;

Public anger erupted last month over widespread corruption and a lack of jobs, then escalated into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned.

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

It is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International.

An initial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">six-day wave of protests</a> was met with brutal force that left at least 157 dead, according to an official probe, most of them protesters shot dead in Baghdad.

Since protests resumed on October 24, the deaths have nearly doubled to almost 300, according to a toll compiled by AFP as the government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards Baghdad's main anti-government protest camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means, including force.

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards Baghdad's main anti-government protest camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means, including force. Gunfire and steady booms of stun grenades and tear gas rang out as security units approached Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change. On Saturday afternoon, AFP correspondents saw people shot in the chest collapse to the pavement before being carried away by tuk-tuks. "The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP. "We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded." Earlier, security forces wrested back control of three bridges over the River Tigris in the heart of Baghdad that had been partially occupied by protesters. In Karbala, a revered Shiite holy city south of the capital, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them. And in the southern city of Basra, security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters. Three people were killed and dozens wounded, according to medical sources, and security forces began rounding up demonstrators. 'Any means possible' The crackdown came after political chiefs agreed to rally around embattled Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades. Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network. When the protests erupted, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government. But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm. Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met with Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings. "Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said. Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran. Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place. "They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of one party represented at the gathering. Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced. Parliament convened Saturday afternoon to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts. Protesters despair Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos. "The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted. "But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work," he vowed. Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the southernmost of the capital's bridges and the closest to Tahrir. "Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester, his face wrapped in a black scarf with a white skull. Public anger erupted last month over widespread corruption and a lack of jobs, then escalated into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. It is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. An initial six-day wave of protests was met with brutal force that left at least 157 dead, according to an official probe, most of them protesters shot dead in Baghdad. Since protests resumed on October 24, the deaths have nearly doubled to almost 300, according to a toll compiled by AFP as the government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraq forces clear protest sites as leaders reach deal to end rallies

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