Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said.

The shuttering of petrol stations came as demonstrators again took to the street across the country, keeping up their three-week-long movement against a political class regarded as inefficient and corrupt.&nbsp;

"The petrol stations that opened today are the ones that still have reserves. They will close down as soon as supply runs out," said Sami Brax, the head of the Syndicate of Gas Station Owners.

He said if officials do not facilitate access to dollars by Tuesday, "we will be forced to stop imports and close down all petrol stations."

Petrol stations receive payment from customers in Lebanese pounds but have to pay importers and suppliers in dollars.&nbsp;

For two decades, the Lebanese pound has been pegged to the US dollar, with both currencies used interchangeably in daily life.

But banks have been reducing access to dollars since the end of the summer, following fears of a shortage in central bank dollar reserves.

In recent days, banks halted all ATM withdrawals in dollars and severely restricted conversions from Lebanese pounds.

Many Lebanese have had to instead buy dollars from money changers at a higher exchange rate, in what amounts to a de-facto devaluation of the local currency that has sparked price hikes.

The official exchange rate has remained fixed at 1,507 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, but the rate in the parallel market has surpassed 1,800.

"The banks are under pressure from people, both inside Lebanon and abroad," said economist Naseeb Ghabreel, after many rushed to withdraw their dollar savings or convert Lebanese pound accounts.

Since September, petrol station owners have accused banks of failing to provide them with the dollars they need and threatened strikes.&nbsp;

In response, the central bank last month pledged to facilitate access to the greenback for importers of petroleum products, wheat and medicine.

But the measure has not yet gone into effect.&nbsp;

Lebanon has since October 17 witnessed an unprecedented popular uprising against everything from power cuts and poor social security to alleged state corruption.

The government yielded to popular pressure and stepped down last month, with the World Bank urging for the quick formation of a new cabinet to prevent the economy from further deteriorating.

Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said.

Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said. The shuttering of petrol stations came as demonstrators again took to the street across the country, keeping up their three-week-long movement against a political class regarded as inefficient and corrupt. "The petrol stations that opened today are the ones that still have reserves. They will close down as soon as supply runs out," said Sami Brax, the head of the Syndicate of Gas Station Owners. He said if officials do not facilitate access to dollars by Tuesday, "we will be forced to stop imports and close down all petrol stations." Petrol stations receive payment from customers in Lebanese pounds but have to pay importers and suppliers in dollars. For two decades, the Lebanese pound has been pegged to the US dollar, with both currencies used interchangeably in daily life. But banks have been reducing access to dollars since the end of the summer, following fears of a shortage in central bank dollar reserves. In recent days, banks halted all ATM withdrawals in dollars and severely restricted conversions from Lebanese pounds. Many Lebanese have had to instead buy dollars from money changers at a higher exchange rate, in what amounts to a de-facto devaluation of the local currency that has sparked price hikes. The official exchange rate has remained fixed at 1,507 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, but the rate in the parallel market has surpassed 1,800. "The banks are under pressure from people, both inside Lebanon and abroad," said economist Naseeb Ghabreel, after many rushed to withdraw their dollar savings or convert Lebanese pound accounts. Since September, petrol station owners have accused banks of failing to provide them with the dollars they need and threatened strikes. In response, the central bank last month pledged to facilitate access to the greenback for importers of petroleum products, wheat and medicine. But the measure has not yet gone into effect. Lebanon has since October 17 witnessed an unprecedented popular uprising against everything from power cuts and poor social security to alleged state corruption. The government yielded to popular pressure and stepped down last month, with the World Bank urging for the quick formation of a new cabinet to prevent the economy from further deteriorating.

Petrol pumps shut down in protest-hit Lebanon over dollar shortage

Social movement "Occupy Tundikhel" has been launched in Nepal to protect one of the largest parade squares of South Asia. 
 
The movement was announced in Kathmandu on Saturday morning and a human chain was formed around the open space of Tundikhel to draw attention to the issue and raise awareness amongst people. 
 
Activists and people who formed the human chain to preserve Tundikhel, one of the last surviving open spaces in the heart of Kathmandu, carried placards and banners asking the government to preserve the open area which is now shrinking. 
 
In an ANI exclusive, environment activist, Rupa Joshi said, "Seeing Kathmandu Valley shrink-shrink-and-shrink with concrete and less and less open space, and with my children- now, I have four grandchildren I look at their future; I am in my 60s and how many years do I have? But when I look at the younger ones and what are we leaving for them? Where are the open spaces?" 
 
"There is so much greed for space that people are just grabbing land whether it belongs to a school or any other open space to build a mall or for any other purpose. How many malls do we need, how many shops do we need? How is that important for the children and young people?" she added. 
 
Tundikhel, which also covers the Army Pavilion, dates back to at least the early 18th Century during the Malla period. It then served as a military parade ground, horse race track, spot for religious festivals, as well as a public park and grazing ground. 
 
But over the years, it has shrunk in size and is still being encroached. It was used to dump rubble from the 2015 earthquake and even today debris from government construction activities that are underway is deposited here. 
 
In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, thousands of people took shelter in the open space of the square for a long time. 
 
Analysts claim that the movement is a step to preserve history, as it was once the largest parade ground of South Asia. 
 
"After the earthquake of 2015, the youths of Kathmandu witnessed the loss of heritage sites. Then understanding about the preservation of their heritage developed amongst them. It led them to start the campaign to preserve temples and other cultural aspects," said Sudeep Shrestha, a journalist from the Kathmandu Valley.

Social movement "Occupy Tundikhel" has been launched in Nepal to protect one of the largest parade squares of South Asia. The movement was announced in Kathmandu on Saturday morning and a human chain was formed around the open space of Tundikhel to draw attention to the issue and raise awareness amongst people.

Social movement "Occupy Tundikhel" has been launched in Nepal to protect one of the largest parade squares of South Asia. The movement was announced in Kathmandu on Saturday morning and a human chain was formed around the open space of Tundikhel to draw attention to the issue and raise awareness amongst people. Activists and people who formed the human chain to preserve Tundikhel, one of the last surviving open spaces in the heart of Kathmandu, carried placards and banners asking the government to preserve the open area which is now shrinking. In an ANI exclusive, environment activist, Rupa Joshi said, "Seeing Kathmandu Valley shrink-shrink-and-shrink with concrete and less and less open space, and with my children- now, I have four grandchildren I look at their future; I am in my 60s and how many years do I have? But when I look at the younger ones and what are we leaving for them? Where are the open spaces?" "There is so much greed for space that people are just grabbing land whether it belongs to a school or any other open space to build a mall or for any other purpose. How many malls do we need, how many shops do we need? How is that important for the children and young people?" she added. Tundikhel, which also covers the Army Pavilion, dates back to at least the early 18th Century during the Malla period. It then served as a military parade ground, horse race track, spot for religious festivals, as well as a public park and grazing ground. But over the years, it has shrunk in size and is still being encroached. It was used to dump rubble from the 2015 earthquake and even today debris from government construction activities that are underway is deposited here. In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, thousands of people took shelter in the open space of the square for a long time. Analysts claim that the movement is a step to preserve history, as it was once the largest parade ground of South Asia. "After the earthquake of 2015, the youths of Kathmandu witnessed the loss of heritage sites. Then understanding about the preservation of their heritage developed amongst them. It led them to start the campaign to preserve temples and other cultural aspects," said Sudeep Shrestha, a journalist from the Kathmandu Valley.

Thousands join 'Occupy Tundikhel' campaign to protect Nepal's biggest parade square

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-retake-key-bridges-from-protesters-report-260956">Iraq's</a> political class has reached a consensus to protect Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government against protests sweeping the country's capital and south for weeks, sources told AFP on Saturday.

The agreement is the product of a series of meetings, including gatherings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Qods Force.

He has met with top leaders in Najaf and Baghdad, piling on the pressure to close ranks around Abdel Mahdi.

A source present at some of those meetings told AFP Soleimani had met with populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had vocally backed the protests, and Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

"Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said.&nbsp;

Public anger erupted into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">demonstrations</a> on October 1 against corruption and a lack of jobs, escalating into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned.

Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year, pledging to tackle both corruption and unemployment.&nbsp;

But he has become the target of protesters' rage, accused of commandeering a bloody crackdown that has left nearly 300 dead since protests broke out.&nbsp;

Another source said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-crude-stuck-at-field-for-third-day-as-protests-cut-roads-260728">political factions agreed this week</a> to move forward on reforms if the premier and government stayed in place.

"Most of the heads of major blocs agreed in a meeting to keep Adel Abdel Mahdi and maintain power in exchange for reforms on corruption and constitutional amendments," said the source, a high-ranking member of a party that was represented at the gathering.

"They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," the official said.

Overnight, security forces began clearing out protest camps in Baghdad, the port city of Basra and the holy city of Karbala.

Iraq's political class has reached a consensus to protect Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government against protests sweeping the country's capital and south for weeks, sources told AFP on Saturday.

Iraq's political class has reached a consensus to protect Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government against protests sweeping the country's capital and south for weeks, sources told AFP on Saturday. The agreement is the product of a series of meetings, including gatherings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, the Qods Force. He has met with top leaders in Najaf and Baghdad, piling on the pressure to close ranks around Abdel Mahdi. A source present at some of those meetings told AFP Soleimani had met with populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had vocally backed the protests, and Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. "Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said. Public anger erupted into demonstrations on October 1 against corruption and a lack of jobs, escalating into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned. Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year, pledging to tackle both corruption and unemployment. But he has become the target of protesters' rage, accused of commandeering a bloody crackdown that has left nearly 300 dead since protests broke out. Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms if the premier and government stayed in place. "Most of the heads of major blocs agreed in a meeting to keep Adel Abdel Mahdi and maintain power in exchange for reforms on corruption and constitutional amendments," said the source, a high-ranking member of a party that was represented at the gathering. "They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," the official said. Overnight, security forces began clearing out protest camps in Baghdad, the port city of Basra and the holy city of Karbala.

Iraq factions reach deal to save government, protests to end soon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/guy-fawkes-the-global-symbol-of-protest-to-take-over-hong-kong-streets-260105">Hong Kong</a> protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory.

The centre of violence appeared to be on Nathan Road, in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, one of the most densely populated locations in the world, where activists set street fires, built barricades and trashed an entrance to the metro station.

Chow Tsz-lok, who studied at the University of Science and Technology (UST), fell on Monday from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in months of rallies.

Chow, 22, died on graduation day for many UST students. His death is likely to fuel anger at police, who are under pressure over accusations of excessive force as the former British colony grapples with its worst political crisis in decades.

UST students trashed a campus branch of Starbucks, part of a franchise perceived to be pro-Beijing, and rallies are expected across the territory over the weekend.

"Condemn police brutality," they wrote on the restaurant's glass wall.

Hundreds of students, most in masks and carrying candles, then lined up in silence at UST to lay white flowers in tribute to Chow.

Thousands also left flowers at the spot where he fell at the car park in Tseung Kwan O, to the east of the Kowloon peninsula, occasionally singing hymns. Some people initiated a chant of "Hong Kong people, revenge" but were stopped by others saying: "We are not here to protest."

In the shopping district of Causeway Bay, hundreds lined the streets in silence, with the eerie hum of the city in the background.

Then the mood changed.

People started shouting abuse at "black police", referring to perceived brutality, and blocked streets in Causeway Bay.

In Mong Kok, dozens of activists barricaded off Nathan Road, which leads to the harbour to the south. They vandalised a closed metro entrance, throwing in bricks and pouring oil through the metal grill, and destroyed a phone booth in a small explosion. There were clashes in the New Territories town of Sha Tin.

Chow's friend and fellow UST student, Ben, 25, said the computer science undergraduate liked playing netball and basketball.

"We played netball together for a year," he told Reuters in tears. "I hope he can rest in peace. I really miss him."

Spiral of violence

Students and young people have been at the forefront of the hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets since June to seek greater democracy, among other demands, and rally against perceived <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-violence-flares-in-hong-kong-a-look-at-controversial-anti-mask-ban-253884">Chinese meddling in the Asian financial hub</a>.

The protests were ignited by a now-scrapped extradition bill allowing people to be sent to mainland China for trial, but have evolved into wider calls for democracy. They pose one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took charge in 2012.

Two pro-Beijing newspapers ran full-page ads, commissioned by "a group of Hong Kong people," calling for a postponement of the lowest-tier district council elections set for Nov.24, a move that would infuriate those calling for democracy.

Since June, protesters have thrown petrol bombs and vandalised banks, stores and metro stations. Police have fired rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and, in some cases, live ammunition.

In June, Marco Leung, 35, fell to his death from construction scaffolding after unfurling banners against the extradition bill. Several young people who have taken their own lives have been linked to the protests.

The university called for an independent investigation into Chow's death, saying an ambulance was blocked by police cars and ambulance officers had to walk to the scene, causing a delay of 20 minutes.

The government expressed "great sorrow and regret". A police spokeswoman, tears in her eyes, said officers would find out the truth as soon as possible and urged the public to be "calm and rational".

Police have denied blocking an ambulance. The car park said it would release CCTV footage as soon as possible.

Protests scheduled over the weekend include rallies in shopping malls, some of which have previously descended into chaos as riot police stormed areas crowded with families and children. Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday morning and for people to block public transport. Such calls have come to nothing in the past.

Last weekend, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-colonial-era-law-that-gives-hong-kong-leader-sweeping-powers-253741">anti-government protesters</a> crowded a shopping mall in running clashes with police that saw a man slash people with a knife and bite off part of the ear of a local politician.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, allowing it colonial freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

China denies interfering in Hong Kong and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory.

Hong Kong protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory. The centre of violence appeared to be on Nathan Road, in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, one of the most densely populated locations in the world, where activists set street fires, built barricades and trashed an entrance to the metro station. Chow Tsz-lok, who studied at the University of Science and Technology (UST), fell on Monday from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in months of rallies. Chow, 22, died on graduation day for many UST students. His death is likely to fuel anger at police, who are under pressure over accusations of excessive force as the former British colony grapples with its worst political crisis in decades. UST students trashed a campus branch of Starbucks, part of a franchise perceived to be pro-Beijing, and rallies are expected across the territory over the weekend. "Condemn police brutality," they wrote on the restaurant's glass wall. Hundreds of students, most in masks and carrying candles, then lined up in silence at UST to lay white flowers in tribute to Chow. Thousands also left flowers at the spot where he fell at the car park in Tseung Kwan O, to the east of the Kowloon peninsula, occasionally singing hymns. Some people initiated a chant of "Hong Kong people, revenge" but were stopped by others saying: "We are not here to protest." In the shopping district of Causeway Bay, hundreds lined the streets in silence, with the eerie hum of the city in the background. Then the mood changed. People started shouting abuse at "black police", referring to perceived brutality, and blocked streets in Causeway Bay. In Mong Kok, dozens of activists barricaded off Nathan Road, which leads to the harbour to the south. They vandalised a closed metro entrance, throwing in bricks and pouring oil through the metal grill, and destroyed a phone booth in a small explosion. There were clashes in the New Territories town of Sha Tin. Chow's friend and fellow UST student, Ben, 25, said the computer science undergraduate liked playing netball and basketball. "We played netball together for a year," he told Reuters in tears. "I hope he can rest in peace. I really miss him." Spiral of violence Students and young people have been at the forefront of the hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets since June to seek greater democracy, among other demands, and rally against perceived Chinese meddling in the Asian financial hub. The protests were ignited by a now-scrapped extradition bill allowing people to be sent to mainland China for trial, but have evolved into wider calls for democracy. They pose one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took charge in 2012. Two pro-Beijing newspapers ran full-page ads, commissioned by "a group of Hong Kong people," calling for a postponement of the lowest-tier district council elections set for Nov.24, a move that would infuriate those calling for democracy. Since June, protesters have thrown petrol bombs and vandalised banks, stores and metro stations. Police have fired rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and, in some cases, live ammunition. In June, Marco Leung, 35, fell to his death from construction scaffolding after unfurling banners against the extradition bill. Several young people who have taken their own lives have been linked to the protests. The university called for an independent investigation into Chow's death, saying an ambulance was blocked by police cars and ambulance officers had to walk to the scene, causing a delay of 20 minutes. The government expressed "great sorrow and regret". A police spokeswoman, tears in her eyes, said officers would find out the truth as soon as possible and urged the public to be "calm and rational". Police have denied blocking an ambulance. The car park said it would release CCTV footage as soon as possible. Protests scheduled over the weekend include rallies in shopping malls, some of which have previously descended into chaos as riot police stormed areas crowded with families and children. Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday morning and for people to block public transport. Such calls have come to nothing in the past. Last weekend, anti-government protesters crowded a shopping mall in running clashes with police that saw a man slash people with a knife and bite off part of the ear of a local politician. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, allowing it colonial freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. China denies interfering in Hong Kong and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong vigils for dead student become violent as activists set streets ablaze

Patience is wearing thin among some residents of the Pakistani capital enduring another round of anti-government protests, with tens of thousands of opposition supporters showing no sign of giving up despite the onset of winter rain.

Huge crowds descended on Islamabad from various parts of the country a week ago, denouncing the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan as illegitimate and calling for him to step down.

It is the first concerted challenge that the cricket star-turned-politician has faced since he won a general election last year promising to end corruption and create jobs for the poor.

Khan has dismissed the calls to resign and his government, which the opposition says won power after a fraudulent election with the support of the military, has denounced the protests as a threat to democracy.

The military denies favouring any party saying it supports the constitution.

The protesters are occupying a large open area alongside one of Islamabad's main roads, the latest in a succession of drawn-out sit-ins over recent years, including one Khan himself led against the previous government.

"This is the third sit-in since 2014 in Islamabad - it has to stop if this country wants to progress,” said office worker Ghazanfar Ali, 47.

The capital's sole public transport system, which runs by the protest site, has been suspended and Ali said he had to spend twice as much getting to work.

Student Zeeshan Azeem, 17, said the internet had been down at his home all week, which he blamed on government attempts to disrupt the protesters' communications.

"We're forced to travel a considerable distance from the protest site to use the internet," said Azeem, clutching his books as he headed home from school.

"When we complain to the service provider, they said they have down-graded the service on the government's instructions."

The government has not confirmed any such order but it is a regular tactic in Pakistan, and staff at providers have said they had been told to suspend services in some areas.

The protests are being led by one of the country's main conservative religious parties, with the support of the two main parties. The huge crowd is almost exclusively made up of bearded men, waving flags and chanting slogans.

They have set up a tent city with plastic sheets, and cook and rest when their leaders are not giving speeches. The mood has been cheerful and there has been no significant trouble.

The biggest problem has been the onset of cold rain.

Khan said on Twitter this week he had directed city authorities to assess what help could be provided for the protesters.

Opposition leaders declined the offer.

Patience is wearing thin among some residents of the Pakistani capital enduring another round of anti-government protests, with tens of thousands of opposition supporters showing no sign of giving up despite the onset of winter rain.

Patience is wearing thin among some residents of the Pakistani capital enduring another round of anti-government protests, with tens of thousands of opposition supporters showing no sign of giving up despite the onset of winter rain. Huge crowds descended on Islamabad from various parts of the country a week ago, denouncing the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan as illegitimate and calling for him to step down. It is the first concerted challenge that the cricket star-turned-politician has faced since he won a general election last year promising to end corruption and create jobs for the poor. Khan has dismissed the calls to resign and his government, which the opposition says won power after a fraudulent election with the support of the military, has denounced the protests as a threat to democracy. The military denies favouring any party saying it supports the constitution. The protesters are occupying a large open area alongside one of Islamabad's main roads, the latest in a succession of drawn-out sit-ins over recent years, including one Khan himself led against the previous government. "This is the third sit-in since 2014 in Islamabad - it has to stop if this country wants to progress,” said office worker Ghazanfar Ali, 47. The capital's sole public transport system, which runs by the protest site, has been suspended and Ali said he had to spend twice as much getting to work. Student Zeeshan Azeem, 17, said the internet had been down at his home all week, which he blamed on government attempts to disrupt the protesters' communications. "We're forced to travel a considerable distance from the protest site to use the internet," said Azeem, clutching his books as he headed home from school. "When we complain to the service provider, they said they have down-graded the service on the government's instructions." The government has not confirmed any such order but it is a regular tactic in Pakistan, and staff at providers have said they had been told to suspend services in some areas. The protests are being led by one of the country's main conservative religious parties, with the support of the two main parties. The huge crowd is almost exclusively made up of bearded men, waving flags and chanting slogans. They have set up a tent city with plastic sheets, and cook and rest when their leaders are not giving speeches. The mood has been cheerful and there has been no significant trouble. The biggest problem has been the onset of cold rain. Khan said on Twitter this week he had directed city authorities to assess what help could be provided for the protesters. Opposition leaders declined the offer.

Islamabad: Another round of protests begin as part of 'Azadi March', asking for the resignation of Imran Khan

By Monica Clua Losada and David J Bailey

People across the world are demonstrating their discontent in increasingly creative and disruptive ways.

The past year has seen schoolchildren across the world join the Fridays for Future strikes, witnessing mass walkouts from schools across the globe. In Chile, coordinated fare-dodging protests on public transport – also led by school pupils – has now grown into mass unrest against the rising cost of living. During the past two weeks, protests have erupted across Lebanon in opposition to rising taxes, involving road blockades and a human chain across the country to illustrate the unity of the people.

Something notable about these protests, from Chile to Lebanon to Catalonia, is that protesters are mobilising around far more than single issues. Their primary demands – from economic issues to climate change – are set against a backdrop of questioning the status quo more broadly. And it’s not just demands that are expanding: the ways in which civil disobedience and direct action are carried out is also becoming increasingly novel.

A closer look at the continuing demonstrations in Catalonia illustrates the significance of this.

Tsunami Democràtic

In September, a new initiative was created in Catalonia: Tsunami Democràtic. Nobody fully seems to know where it came from or who was the organising force behind it. Those initially sharing its tweets came from different political families, including all three pro-independence parties, as well as some of those who had been imprisoned as a result of their involvement in the Catalan independence movement.

Following its initial announcement, little was heard from Tsunami Democràtic besides occasional tweets highlighting the effectiveness of peaceful civil resistance. This changed on October 11 – the day the Supreme Court sentence against the Catalan leaders was expected – when Tsunami Democràtic released a song: “La Força de la Gent” (The Strength of the People). This echoed the spirit of the song “Agafant l’Horitzó” (Let’s take the Horizon), which was released prior to the independence referendum of October 1 2017. The group then started organising protests.

So far, Tsunami Democràtic has only called three of the countless protests we’ve witnessed since Monday October 14, when sentences were announced against the seven government ministers as well as the speaker of the House and two civil society leaders.

The first – and largest – protest was the occupation of Barcelona airport on the same day the sentences were announced. Some 155 flights were cancelled and the disruption caused to the airport was considerable, as the blocking of roads and of one of the terminals lasted well over six hours. On October 21 Tsunami Democràtic called another protest, with only a few hours’ notice, prompted by a surprise visit to Barcelona by Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez. The protest had a simple demand – #SpainSitandTalk – following the weekend’s refusal by Sanchez to answer the Catalan president’s calls.

High-tech protests

The group’s great success in calling and enacting enormous protests at the drop of a hat has been enabled, to a large degree, by technology. It has used the messaging app Telegram with particular success, gathering over 385,000 subscribers. Telegram channels (which are designed to send information from a single source to subscribers) have become crucial sources of information and organising around the world.

Tsunami Democràtic has also developed a new app designed to coordinate protests in real time depending on people’s locations. This proved so popular that its systems collapsed during the first few hours, as so many people tried to download it.

The app, which has not been put to use yet, is accessible using QR codes that are shareable among up to ten users. This means that if one of the codes (or nodes) is acting suspiciously, the whole chain can be removed. It is designed to organise users (called water drops) into actions to create a “tsunami”. This could include the occupation of transport hubs (such as train stations or aiports), but also the coordination of demonstrations against specific events. The idea is quite a novelty, and has already gathered interest among tech communities.

Tsunami Democràtic has already made waves. The Spanish Home Office has labelled it a terrorist organisation. Last week, the Guardia Civil (Spain’s paramilitary police force), closed down the Tsunami Democràtic website, and the home office minister announced that they are investigating who is behind it. So far, except for the musicians that appear in the song, and football manager Pep Guardiola’s video reading Tsunami’s manifesto, there are no other public faces.

Changing seas

We live in a time when protests are growing on a worldwide basis, often in response to undemocratic actions of governments.

In this light, the actions of Tsunami Democràtic are notable: they demonstrate a tendency for a growing proportion of people to turn to creative forms of disruptive protest. These methods are typically open, fluid, without rigid structures. They represent novel attempts to articulate a voice when it appears that those in power are increasingly uninterested in listening.

The rise in mass civil disobedience movements such as Tsunami Democràtic is often talked about in relation to the idea, put forward by the political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan, that a campaign which attracts 3.5 per cent or more of the population will bring about change. This is in no small part thanks to Extinction Rebellion’s popularisation of this claim.

Whether or not this is true, in the case of Catalonia, the proportion of the population engaging in protest is already much higher than 3.5%. Conservative local police estimates indicate that there were more than 500,000 people participating in the marches for freedom during the last general strike: about 14 per cent of the Catalonian population.

Enabled by technology, such movements are becoming more organised and creative than ever. While there is no guarantee that these novel forms of protest will be successful, the recent news that fracking will be banned in the UK highlights the way that persistent, ongoing, coordinated and novel efforts to challenge those in power can result in surprisingly positive outcomes.

 
(Monica Clua Losada is Associate Professor in Global Political Economy, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; David J Bailey&nbsp;Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-future-of-protest-is-high-tech-just-look-at-the-catalan-independence-movement-125776">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 Monica Clua Losada and David J Bailey People across the world are demonstrating their discontent in increasingly creative and disruptive ways. The past year has seen schoolchildren across the world join the Fridays for Future strikes, witnessing mass walkouts from schools across the globe.

By Monica Clua Losada and David J Bailey People across the world are demonstrating their discontent in increasingly creative and disruptive ways. The past year has seen schoolchildren across the world join the Fridays for Future strikes, witnessing mass walkouts from schools across the globe. In Chile, coordinated fare-dodging protests on public transport – also led by school pupils – has now grown into mass unrest against the rising cost of living. During the past two weeks, protests have erupted across Lebanon in opposition to rising taxes, involving road blockades and a human chain across the country to illustrate the unity of the people. Something notable about these protests, from Chile to Lebanon to Catalonia, is that protesters are mobilising around far more than single issues. Their primary demands – from economic issues to climate change – are set against a backdrop of questioning the status quo more broadly. And it’s not just demands that are expanding: the ways in which civil disobedience and direct action are carried out is also becoming increasingly novel. A closer look at the continuing demonstrations in Catalonia illustrates the significance of this. Tsunami Democràtic In September, a new initiative was created in Catalonia: Tsunami Democràtic. Nobody fully seems to know where it came from or who was the organising force behind it. Those initially sharing its tweets came from different political families, including all three pro-independence parties, as well as some of those who had been imprisoned as a result of their involvement in the Catalan independence movement. Following its initial announcement, little was heard from Tsunami Democràtic besides occasional tweets highlighting the effectiveness of peaceful civil resistance. This changed on October 11 – the day the Supreme Court sentence against the Catalan leaders was expected – when Tsunami Democràtic released a song: “La Força de la Gent” (The Strength of the People). This echoed the spirit of the song “Agafant l’Horitzó” (Let’s take the Horizon), which was released prior to the independence referendum of October 1 2017. The group then started organising protests. So far, Tsunami Democràtic has only called three of the countless protests we’ve witnessed since Monday October 14, when sentences were announced against the seven government ministers as well as the speaker of the House and two civil society leaders. The first – and largest – protest was the occupation of Barcelona airport on the same day the sentences were announced. Some 155 flights were cancelled and the disruption caused to the airport was considerable, as the blocking of roads and of one of the terminals lasted well over six hours. On October 21 Tsunami Democràtic called another protest, with only a few hours’ notice, prompted by a surprise visit to Barcelona by Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez. The protest had a simple demand – #SpainSitandTalk – following the weekend’s refusal by Sanchez to answer the Catalan president’s calls. High-tech protests The group’s great success in calling and enacting enormous protests at the drop of a hat has been enabled, to a large degree, by technology. It has used the messaging app Telegram with particular success, gathering over 385,000 subscribers. Telegram channels (which are designed to send information from a single source to subscribers) have become crucial sources of information and organising around the world. Tsunami Democràtic has also developed a new app designed to coordinate protests in real time depending on people’s locations. This proved so popular that its systems collapsed during the first few hours, as so many people tried to download it. The app, which has not been put to use yet, is accessible using QR codes that are shareable among up to ten users. This means that if one of the codes (or nodes) is acting suspiciously, the whole chain can be removed. It is designed to organise users (called water drops) into actions to create a “tsunami”. This could include the occupation of transport hubs (such as train stations or aiports), but also the coordination of demonstrations against specific events. The idea is quite a novelty, and has already gathered interest among tech communities. Tsunami Democràtic has already made waves. The Spanish Home Office has labelled it a terrorist organisation. Last week, the Guardia Civil (Spain’s paramilitary police force), closed down the Tsunami Democràtic website, and the home office minister announced that they are investigating who is behind it. So far, except for the musicians that appear in the song, and football manager Pep Guardiola’s video reading Tsunami’s manifesto, there are no other public faces. Changing seas We live in a time when protests are growing on a worldwide basis, often in response to undemocratic actions of governments. In this light, the actions of Tsunami Democràtic are notable: they demonstrate a tendency for a growing proportion of people to turn to creative forms of disruptive protest. These methods are typically open, fluid, without rigid structures. They represent novel attempts to articulate a voice when it appears that those in power are increasingly uninterested in listening. The rise in mass civil disobedience movements such as Tsunami Democràtic is often talked about in relation to the idea, put forward by the political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan, that a campaign which attracts 3.5 per cent or more of the population will bring about change. This is in no small part thanks to Extinction Rebellion’s popularisation of this claim. Whether or not this is true, in the case of Catalonia, the proportion of the population engaging in protest is already much higher than 3.5%. Conservative local police estimates indicate that there were more than 500,000 people participating in the marches for freedom during the last general strike: about 14 per cent of the Catalonian population. Enabled by technology, such movements are becoming more organised and creative than ever. While there is no guarantee that these novel forms of protest will be successful, the recent news that fracking will be banned in the UK highlights the way that persistent, ongoing, coordinated and novel efforts to challenge those in power can result in surprisingly positive outcomes. (Monica Clua Losada is Associate Professor in Global Political Economy, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; David J Bailey Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Birmingham) (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)

The future of protest is high tech

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-people-killed-as-security-forces-use-live-rounds-on-iraqi-protesters-260084">Iraqi security forces</a> shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier.

More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran.

Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days.

The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy.

He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go.

'Continued bloodshed'

Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability</a>. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia.

A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent&nbsp;from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters.

Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad.

By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds.

At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday.

Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said.

Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr.

A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad.

Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm&nbsp;on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895">Clashes continued into Tuesday morning</a>, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession.

"Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government. After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier. More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran. Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days. The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy. He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go. 'Continued bloodshed' Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education. Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia. A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters. Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad. By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds. At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday. Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said. Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr. A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad. Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary. Clashes continued into Tuesday morning, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession. "Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue." Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

At least 13 killed as Iraq resumes live gunfire against protesters

Security forces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895">killed at least two people</a> when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades.

Security forces killed two people and wounded 12 in Shatra, 45 km&nbsp;north of the southern city of Nasiriya, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head.

The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said.

Separately, at least one protester was killed and 34 others wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr.

The sit-in has halted operations at the port near the oil city of Basra since last Wednesday.

Basra security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm&nbsp;on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary.

More than 250 Iraqis have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">killed in demonstrations</a> since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests.

Monday night's deaths were in addition to at least six protesters killed in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra on Monday.

U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert denounced the violence in a tweet on Monday night.

"Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," she tweeted. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

Security forces killed at least two people when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades.

Security forces killed at least two people when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades. Security forces killed two people and wounded 12 in Shatra, 45 km north of the southern city of Nasiriya, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said. Separately, at least one protester was killed and 34 others wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr. The sit-in has halted operations at the port near the oil city of Basra since last Wednesday. Basra security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary. More than 250 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. Monday night's deaths were in addition to at least six protesters killed in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra on Monday. U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert denounced the violence in a tweet on Monday night. "Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," she tweeted. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

At least three people killed as security forces use live rounds on Iraqi protesters

Will Imran Khan Resign As The Prime Minister Of Pakistan?

Gravitas: Protests Against Pakistan's PM To Continue

Protesters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-protesters-and-security-forces-clash-keep-umm-qasr-port-closed-259481">Iraq's</a> capital and its south shut down streets, schools and government offices Sunday, AFP's correspondents said, escalating the month-long movement demanding change to the country's political system.

In Baghdad, university-age demonstrators parked cars in the middle of the main thoroughfares, blocking traffic on the first day of the workweek in the Muslim-majority country.

Police officers manning nearby checkpoints looked on but did not intervene.

Other students took part in sit-ins at their schools, and the country's national teachers union extended the strike they began last week.

The engineering, doctors and lawyers syndicates have all backed the protests.&nbsp;

In Kut to the east, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-pour-into-streets-for-biggest-protest-day-since-saddam-259373">protesters sealed off main roads</a> and bridges and most schools and government agencies were shut.

"We decided to cut the roads as a message to the government that we will keep protesting until the corrupt people and thieves are kicked out and the regime falls," said Tahseen Nasser, a 25-year-old protester.

"We're not allowing government workers to reach their offices, just those in humanitarian fields," including hospitals and police officers, he said.&nbsp;

Further south in Hillah, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah and the holy city of Karbala most government offices were not open.

And in Basra, the oil-rich port city, public schools were shut down for the first time since the movement erupted last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-ali-al-sistani-warns-foreign-actors-against-interfering-in-anti-government-protests-259329">Demonstrations broke out in Baghdad</a> on October 1 in outrage at unemployment, poor public services and corruption, quickly spreading to the Shiite-majority south.&nbsp;

The activists were confronted by security forces, and 157 people,&nbsp;most of them demonstrators in Baghdad, were killed in six days of rallies.

But the protests resumed on October 24 and quickly swelled with the support of students, who skipped class to protest despite orders from Iraq's higher education minister to stay away from the rallies.

Protesters in Iraq's capital and its south shut down streets, schools and government offices Sunday, AFP's correspondents said, escalating the month-long movement demanding change to the country's political system.

Protesters in Iraq's capital and its south shut down streets, schools and government offices Sunday, AFP's correspondents said, escalating the month-long movement demanding change to the country's political system. In Baghdad, university-age demonstrators parked cars in the middle of the main thoroughfares, blocking traffic on the first day of the workweek in the Muslim-majority country. Police officers manning nearby checkpoints looked on but did not intervene. Other students took part in sit-ins at their schools, and the country's national teachers union extended the strike they began last week. The engineering, doctors and lawyers syndicates have all backed the protests. In Kut to the east, protesters sealed off main roads and bridges and most schools and government agencies were shut. "We decided to cut the roads as a message to the government that we will keep protesting until the corrupt people and thieves are kicked out and the regime falls," said Tahseen Nasser, a 25-year-old protester. "We're not allowing government workers to reach their offices, just those in humanitarian fields," including hospitals and police officers, he said. Further south in Hillah, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah and the holy city of Karbala most government offices were not open. And in Basra, the oil-rich port city, public schools were shut down for the first time since the movement erupted last month. Demonstrations broke out in Baghdad on October 1 in outrage at unemployment, poor public services and corruption, quickly spreading to the Shiite-majority south. The activists were confronted by security forces, and 157 people, most of them demonstrators in Baghdad, were killed in six days of rallies. But the protests resumed on October 24 and quickly swelled with the support of students, who skipped class to protest despite orders from Iraq's higher education minister to stay away from the rallies.

Student strikes, street closures in Iraq protests

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-pour-into-streets-for-biggest-protest-day-since-saddam-259373">Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr</a> on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said.

Operations at the port have been at a complete standstill since Wednesday, after protesters first blocked its entrance on Tuesday.

Umm Qasr receives the vast bulk of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, needed to feed a country heavily dependent on imported food. Iraq's oil exports take place mostly from nearby offshore platforms which have not been affected.

Trucks carrying goods have been prevented from entering or leaving the port. Some international shipping lines have halted operations because of the port's closure, port officials said.

Protesters on Saturday burned tires and set up concrete blocks, angered by the anti-riot forces' violent attempt to disperse them. At least 30 people were injured, security and medical sources said.

The protests are part of a movement that has brought tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lebanese-and-iraqi-protesters-transcend-sectarianism-259248">Iraqis</a> to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and the poor state of public services.

Friday's demonstrations in the capital Baghdad were the biggest anti-government protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. About 5,000 people were demonstrating on Friday in Basra, the nearest big city to the port.

More than 250 people have died in a government crackdown on the unrest since the start of October. Much of the unrest has focused on southern cities in Iraq's Shi'ite heartland, which also includes its main oil-producing areas.

Further disruptions to port operations could cause financial damage to the country and impact the inflow of commodities, port officials said earlier this week. They also said they were holding talks with protesters to allow the port to resume normal operations.

Separately, protesters blocked roads leading to the Majnoon oilfield on Saturday and prevented employees from getting there. Operations were not interrupted, oil sources said.

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said.

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said. Operations at the port have been at a complete standstill since Wednesday, after protesters first blocked its entrance on Tuesday. Umm Qasr receives the vast bulk of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, needed to feed a country heavily dependent on imported food. Iraq's oil exports take place mostly from nearby offshore platforms which have not been affected. Trucks carrying goods have been prevented from entering or leaving the port. Some international shipping lines have halted operations because of the port's closure, port officials said. Protesters on Saturday burned tires and set up concrete blocks, angered by the anti-riot forces' violent attempt to disperse them. At least 30 people were injured, security and medical sources said. The protests are part of a movement that has brought tens of thousands of Iraqis to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and the poor state of public services. Friday's demonstrations in the capital Baghdad were the biggest anti-government protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. About 5,000 people were demonstrating on Friday in Basra, the nearest big city to the port. More than 250 people have died in a government crackdown on the unrest since the start of October. Much of the unrest has focused on southern cities in Iraq's Shi'ite heartland, which also includes its main oil-producing areas. Further disruptions to port operations could cause financial damage to the country and impact the inflow of commodities, port officials said earlier this week. They also said they were holding talks with protesters to allow the port to resume normal operations. Separately, protesters blocked roads leading to the Majnoon oilfield on Saturday and prevented employees from getting there. Operations were not interrupted, oil sources said.

Iraqi protesters and security forces clash, keep Umm Qasr port closed

'Joker Makeup' is presently a big hit in Hong Kong for the 5th month of continuous Hong Kong unrest. Protests erupt in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district. Watch this video to know more.

'Joker Makeup' is a big hit in Hong Kong for 5th month of Hong Kong unrest

Hong Kong police fired tear gas at protesters gathered at a subway station in Kowloon on Thursday night. The demonstrators gathered there to mark two months since riot police stormed a subway car at Prince Edward station and beat passengers with batons and pepper spray in scenes that inflamed tensions.

Teargas fired at Hong Kong Halloween protests

Using Russia-based servers and promoted by powerful groups linked to China's ruling Communist Party, a sophisticated anonymous website is targeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-mass-rally-over-weekend-after-halloween-clashes-259185">Hong Kong</a> pro-democracy figures,&nbsp;and there is almost no way to stop it.

From high-profile activists to journalists and lawmakers, about 200 people seen as supporting Hong Kong's protest movement have been "doxxed",&nbsp;had their personal details posted online,&nbsp;by the site, HK Leaks, since it emerged in August.

"I received hundreds of threatening calls," a female reporter at Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper, told AFP.&nbsp;

"They would call me a bitch, and a prostitute, and tell me to watch out or they would kill me."

Disclosing certain personal details, including phone numbers, without consent is illegal in Hong Kong.

Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong said on September 17 he had ordered HK Leaks to take down all posts.

But the site remains online: on its front page, a photo of black-clad protesters with a Chinese-language banner saying: "We want to know who these people are and why they are messing up Hong Kong!"

Personal details,&nbsp;names, home addresses, personal telephone numbers,&nbsp;of hundreds of people are posted alongside details of their "misdeeds".

More than two million people follow Facebook pages that have shared HK Leaks posts, according to data from social media monitoring platform CrowdTangle.

And the site itself has received more than 175,000 unique page views, according to SiteWorthTraffic.

"I felt really helpless when I realised the site couldn't be blocked," said the reporter, who suspended her telephone number in a bid to escape the abuse.

Apple Daily obtained a court order in a bid to prevent further doxxing attacks, but her personal details remain on HK Leaks.

'Bulletproof' site

The problem, experts say, is that HK Leaks is a sophisticated operation specifically designed to evade prosecution.

It is registered anonymously on a Russian server, uses so-called bulletproof anonymous hosting, also favoured by controversial white supremacist-linked sites such as 8chan,&nbsp;and has shifted domain three times since August alone.

In early August, the site was live as hkleaks.org, before migrating to hkleaks.ru which became defunct late October, replaced by three other similar domain names, with the same content on each, according to an AFP investigation.

Its listed contact email is registered on Yandex, a Russian internet services company.

"This site seems to be really well set up to reveal as little as possible and it doesn't use lots of external services, like buttons, statistics trackers, various scripts that would leak information," said Maarten Schenk, co-founder of the fact-check site Lead Stories.

It would require a court order to get the domain registrar to hand over any details, Schenk said, warning that the people behind HK Leaks could have paid in bitcoin and be untraceable anyway.

"Whoever is running this site is good at what they do," he told AFP.

HK Leaks uses DDOS-Guard, a Russia-based hosting provider, and "the IP address that is shown for the website is not that of the website itself but of the DDOS-Guard company," cybersecurity expert Brian Honan told AFP.

The site is also registered under the name of a DDOS-Guard employee, which is "part of the device which enables owners of websites to hide their identity," he added.

'Hideous' people

Some pro-democracy protesters have also doxxed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-falls-into-first-recession-in-10-years-as-protests-trade-war-weigh-259138">Hong Kong's</a> police, which last week obtained a court injunction giving them further protections against personal details being leaked.

Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has logged around 2,000 cases of doxxing,&nbsp;roughly half affecting police,&nbsp;since protests began in June, according to a spokesman for his office.

However the doxxing of police has been in a less coordinated fashion and without any specific or sophisticated website.

Meanwhile, HK Leaks has been promoted by groups linked to China's Communist Party.

These include the Chinese Communist Youth League, which has promoted the doxxing site on their official Weibo accounts.

"Netizens have produced a website called HK Leaks... These hideous people have been categorised according to surname. Let's remove their masks, take action!" a September 18 post on one of the league's account says.

The state-run broadcaster, CCTV, posted the same message on its official Weibo account, where it received more than 75,000 likes.&nbsp;

The nationalist Global Times newspaper, a Communist Party mouthpiece, posted a similar message on its Weibo account and added a hashtag #listofunmaskedHongKongmob which has been viewed more than 230 million times.

HK Leaks has also been promoted by a network of Twitter bot accounts identified by AFP,&nbsp;some created shortly before the website was set up in August 2019, others old, idle accounts that were revived around the same time.

Many of the tweets used emoji in their hashtags or were strategically edited to avoid being flagged,&nbsp;behaviours also seen on accounts removed by Twitter this summer for involvement in a coordinated state-backed disinformation campaign.

Some doxxing victims have accused mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-in-kowloon-as-protesters-across-harbour-gatecrash-halloween-259091">Chinese authorities</a> of involvement.

One pro-democracy protester told AFP he gave a "fake address I've never given to anyone" to Chinese police during a five-hour grilling at the border when returning to Hong Kong after a business trip in mainland China in August.

"The same fake address shows up on HK Leaks," he said.

Using Russia-based servers and promoted by powerful groups linked to China's ruling Communist Party, a sophisticated anonymous website is targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy figures, and there is almost no way to stop it.

Using Russia-based servers and promoted by powerful groups linked to China's ruling Communist Party, a sophisticated anonymous website is targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy figures, and there is almost no way to stop it. From high-profile activists to journalists and lawmakers, about 200 people seen as supporting Hong Kong's protest movement have been "doxxed", had their personal details posted online, by the site, HK Leaks, since it emerged in August. "I received hundreds of threatening calls," a female reporter at Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper, told AFP. "They would call me a bitch, and a prostitute, and tell me to watch out or they would kill me." Disclosing certain personal details, including phone numbers, without consent is illegal in Hong Kong. Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong said on September 17 he had ordered HK Leaks to take down all posts. But the site remains online: on its front page, a photo of black-clad protesters with a Chinese-language banner saying: "We want to know who these people are and why they are messing up Hong Kong!" Personal details, names, home addresses, personal telephone numbers, of hundreds of people are posted alongside details of their "misdeeds". More than two million people follow Facebook pages that have shared HK Leaks posts, according to data from social media monitoring platform CrowdTangle. And the site itself has received more than 175,000 unique page views, according to SiteWorthTraffic. "I felt really helpless when I realised the site couldn't be blocked," said the reporter, who suspended her telephone number in a bid to escape the abuse. Apple Daily obtained a court order in a bid to prevent further doxxing attacks, but her personal details remain on HK Leaks. 'Bulletproof' site The problem, experts say, is that HK Leaks is a sophisticated operation specifically designed to evade prosecution. It is registered anonymously on a Russian server, uses so-called bulletproof anonymous hosting, also favoured by controversial white supremacist-linked sites such as 8chan, and has shifted domain three times since August alone. In early August, the site was live as hkleaks.org, before migrating to hkleaks.ru which became defunct late October, replaced by three other similar domain names, with the same content on each, according to an AFP investigation. Its listed contact email is registered on Yandex, a Russian internet services company. "This site seems to be really well set up to reveal as little as possible and it doesn't use lots of external services, like buttons, statistics trackers, various scripts that would leak information," said Maarten Schenk, co-founder of the fact-check site Lead Stories. It would require a court order to get the domain registrar to hand over any details, Schenk said, warning that the people behind HK Leaks could have paid in bitcoin and be untraceable anyway. "Whoever is running this site is good at what they do," he told AFP. HK Leaks uses DDOS-Guard, a Russia-based hosting provider, and "the IP address that is shown for the website is not that of the website itself but of the DDOS-Guard company," cybersecurity expert Brian Honan told AFP. The site is also registered under the name of a DDOS-Guard employee, which is "part of the device which enables owners of websites to hide their identity," he added. 'Hideous' people Some pro-democracy protesters have also doxxed Hong Kong's police, which last week obtained a court injunction giving them further protections against personal details being leaked. Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has logged around 2,000 cases of doxxing, roughly half affecting police, since protests began in June, according to a spokesman for his office. However the doxxing of police has been in a less coordinated fashion and without any specific or sophisticated website. Meanwhile, HK Leaks has been promoted by groups linked to China's Communist Party. These include the Chinese Communist Youth League, which has promoted the doxxing site on their official Weibo accounts. "Netizens have produced a website called HK Leaks... These hideous people have been categorised according to surname. Let's remove their masks, take action!" a September 18 post on one of the league's account says. The state-run broadcaster, CCTV, posted the same message on its official Weibo account, where it received more than 75,000 likes. The nationalist Global Times newspaper, a Communist Party mouthpiece, posted a similar message on its Weibo account and added a hashtag #listofunmaskedHongKongmob which has been viewed more than 230 million times. HK Leaks has also been promoted by a network of Twitter bot accounts identified by AFP, some created shortly before the website was set up in August 2019, others old, idle accounts that were revived around the same time. Many of the tweets used emoji in their hashtags or were strategically edited to avoid being flagged, behaviours also seen on accounts removed by Twitter this summer for involvement in a coordinated state-backed disinformation campaign. Some doxxing victims have accused mainland Chinese authorities of involvement. One pro-democracy protester told AFP he gave a "fake address I've never given to anyone" to Chinese police during a five-hour grilling at the border when returning to Hong Kong after a business trip in mainland China in August. "The same fake address shows up on HK Leaks," he said.

China-backed website attacks Hong Kong democracy activists

China's Communist Party elite concluded a key meeting in Beijing Thursday with a promise to protect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-in-kowloon-as-protesters-across-harbour-gatecrash-halloween-259091">"stability" of Hong Kong</a>, which has been rocked by months of unrest.

The Fourth Plenum of the Party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's future direction is discussed, and this week's meet was the first since February 2018.

This plenum came as Chinese President Xi Jinping battles a number of challenges, including months of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a slowing economy, and a lingering trade war with the United States.

In the communique published Thursday, the government admitted that China was "facing a complicated situation of significantly increased risks and challenges domestically and abroad".

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong,&nbsp;which was returned to China in 1997,&nbsp;has rights unseen in the mainland, including free speech, and is governed by the Basic Law, its mini-constitution.

But the city has been rocked by months of unrest from protesters who say those rights are being rolled back by an increasingly authoritarian Beijing.

In response, Thursday's communique said the plenum proposed "upholding and improving" the system of "one country, two systems", without giving more specific details.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region... must be governed in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao should be safeguarded," it read.

Promoting the "peaceful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-mask-ban-challenged-in-court-ahead-of-halloween-rally-258912">reunification</a> of the motherland" was a key theme of the plenum, particularly with regards to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, awaiting reunification.

"We must firmly advance the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland.... deepen cross-strait integrated development, safeguard the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and unite the large numbers of Taiwan compatriots to jointly oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification" the communique read.

'Tightly unite'

The plenum also said the party and the people "must more tightly unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core".

Despite its mention of increased "risks and challenges" abroad, the communique was notably silent on the ongoing US-China trade conflict.

Beijing and Washington have exchanged blows for over a year, with tariffs now impacting hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

Thursday's communique,&nbsp;which largely reaffirmed existing policy, fell short of observers' expectations for significant announcements, Willy Lam, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP.

Lam said this could be a sign of increased division at the meeting, as "according to tradition, they only put down things (in the communique) that they could agree on".

"Anything which is controversial or deemed to be divisive,&nbsp;for example some members might have challenged Xi Jinping's handling of Sino-US relations, these things are simply not mentioned," Lam said.

Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party.

The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

China's Communist Party elite concluded a key meeting in Beijing Thursday with a promise to protect the "stability" of Hong Kong, which has been rocked by months of unrest.

China's Communist Party elite concluded a key meeting in Beijing Thursday with a promise to protect the "stability" of Hong Kong, which has been rocked by months of unrest. The Fourth Plenum of the Party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's future direction is discussed, and this week's meet was the first since February 2018. This plenum came as Chinese President Xi Jinping battles a number of challenges, including months of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a slowing economy, and a lingering trade war with the United States. In the communique published Thursday, the government admitted that China was "facing a complicated situation of significantly increased risks and challenges domestically and abroad". Semi-autonomous Hong Kong, which was returned to China in 1997, has rights unseen in the mainland, including free speech, and is governed by the Basic Law, its mini-constitution. But the city has been rocked by months of unrest from protesters who say those rights are being rolled back by an increasingly authoritarian Beijing. In response, Thursday's communique said the plenum proposed "upholding and improving" the system of "one country, two systems", without giving more specific details. "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region... must be governed in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao should be safeguarded," it read. Promoting the "peaceful reunification of the motherland" was a key theme of the plenum, particularly with regards to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, awaiting reunification. "We must firmly advance the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland.... deepen cross-strait integrated development, safeguard the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and unite the large numbers of Taiwan compatriots to jointly oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification" the communique read. 'Tightly unite' The plenum also said the party and the people "must more tightly unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core". Despite its mention of increased "risks and challenges" abroad, the communique was notably silent on the ongoing US-China trade conflict. Beijing and Washington have exchanged blows for over a year, with tariffs now impacting hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. Thursday's communique, which largely reaffirmed existing policy, fell short of observers' expectations for significant announcements, Willy Lam, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Lam said this could be a sign of increased division at the meeting, as "according to tradition, they only put down things (in the communique) that they could agree on". "Anything which is controversial or deemed to be divisive, for example some members might have challenged Xi Jinping's handling of Sino-US relations, these things are simply not mentioned," Lam said. Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party. The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

Hong Kong must be governed in strict accordance with Constitution: Communist Party of China at conclave

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-14-258650">Iraqis</a> and Lebanese&nbsp;on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

"The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television.

"The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added.

Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest.

The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said.

"I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating.

"The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security."

Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">Lebanon</a>, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries. "The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television. "The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added. Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest. The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said. "I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating. "The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security." Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups. In Lebanon, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Khamenei urges Iraqis, Lebanese to seek demands within law

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests.

Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets. The protests have been largely successful owing to the mobilisation of people via cars, taxis, motorcycles and even tuk-tuks.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, one protester named Haider demanded to have a "presidential regime" in the country, saying, "when a new president comes to power, he only rules us for four years, and then we can fire him."

Iraq has witnessed more than hundreds of deaths and continuous protests over the last month against the government. On Monday itself, Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-14-258650">killed at least 18 people</a> in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala.

"We, the Iraqi people, want a presidential regime, we don't want a parliamentary regime'', Haider added.

Rampant corruption and inflation have drives Iraqis to the streets, with the youth demanding jobs and economic stability. Even though Iraq has a history of violence and protests, the last two years were relatively quiet.&nbsp;

At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests. Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets.

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests. Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets. The protests have been largely successful owing to the mobilisation of people via cars, taxis, motorcycles and even tuk-tuks. According to Reuters, one protester named Haider demanded to have a "presidential regime" in the country, saying, "when a new president comes to power, he only rules us for four years, and then we can fire him." Iraq has witnessed more than hundreds of deaths and continuous protests over the last month against the government. On Monday itself, Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters and killed at least 18 people in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala. "We, the Iraqi people, want a presidential regime, we don't want a parliamentary regime'', Haider added. Rampant corruption and inflation have drives Iraqis to the streets, with the youth demanding jobs and economic stability. Even though Iraq has a history of violence and protests, the last two years were relatively quiet. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1. (With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands defy curfew and gather in Baghdad to protest against government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shops-shutter-as-months-of-protest-darken-economic-gloom-258593">Hong Kong</a> is bracing for a rowdy and possibly hugely dangerous Halloween on Thursday, when thousands of pro-democracy protesters, many wearing banned face masks, plan to combine with fancy-dress clubbers in the party district of Lan Kwai Fong.

The protesters say they will march, without police permission, from a park in the Causeway Bay shopping district through the heaving bar streets of Wan Chai to the steep, narrow foothills of the Peak above Central.

Every weekend, the bars in Lan Kwai Fong spill on to the streets office goers, clubbers and expatriate families, even without the activists who have thrown petrol bombs at police, set fires and trashed buildings during five months of unrest.

A stampede at midnight on New Year's Eve in 1992, when thousands had gathered, killed at least 20 and wounded scores.

This month Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam banned protesters from wearing face masks under a resuscitated British colonial-era emergency law, but few have taken any notice.

And Halloween masks have not been banned, which will make it difficult for police to identify protesters.

"Based on past experience, such unauthorised assembly will impose a serious threat to public order and public safety," police said in a statement.

"Members of the public should avoid travelling to the concerned area when public disorder occurs."

Protesters are angry at what they see as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-enters-recession-as-protests-show-no-sign-of-relenting-258425">Beijing's increasing interference in Hong Kong</a>, which returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland. Some are increasingly focusing their fury on mainland Chinese in the city.

China denies meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

Lam said she expected negative economic growth in the Asian financial hub this year, in part as a result of the unrest.

"The increasingly violent reality since June is hurting Hong Kong's economy," Lam said in a speech on Wednesday. "...what started off as peaceful protests, a hallmark of Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, have turned into violent acts by rioters."

With visitors deterred by months of violence, many small firms across the city have already closed or are struggling to turn a profit.

Lam's gloomy forecast came two days after Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong had slipped into a technical recession, meaning two successive quarters of contraction. That is expected to be confirmed by Thursday's third-quarter GDP data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-clear-rally-258401">The protests, which started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill</a>, have plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades and also pose the biggest populist challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong is bracing for a rowdy and possibly hugely dangerous Halloween on Thursday, when thousands of pro-democracy protesters, many wearing banned face masks, plan to combine with fancy-dress clubbers in the party district of Lan Kwai Fong.

Hong Kong is bracing for a rowdy and possibly hugely dangerous Halloween on Thursday, when thousands of pro-democracy protesters, many wearing banned face masks, plan to combine with fancy-dress clubbers in the party district of Lan Kwai Fong. The protesters say they will march, without police permission, from a park in the Causeway Bay shopping district through the heaving bar streets of Wan Chai to the steep, narrow foothills of the Peak above Central. Every weekend, the bars in Lan Kwai Fong spill on to the streets office goers, clubbers and expatriate families, even without the activists who have thrown petrol bombs at police, set fires and trashed buildings during five months of unrest. A stampede at midnight on New Year's Eve in 1992, when thousands had gathered, killed at least 20 and wounded scores. This month Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam banned protesters from wearing face masks under a resuscitated British colonial-era emergency law, but few have taken any notice. And Halloween masks have not been banned, which will make it difficult for police to identify protesters. "Based on past experience, such unauthorised assembly will impose a serious threat to public order and public safety," police said in a statement. "Members of the public should avoid travelling to the concerned area when public disorder occurs." Protesters are angry at what they see as Beijing's increasing interference in Hong Kong, which returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland. Some are increasingly focusing their fury on mainland Chinese in the city. China denies meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble. Lam said she expected negative economic growth in the Asian financial hub this year, in part as a result of the unrest. "The increasingly violent reality since June is hurting Hong Kong's economy," Lam said in a speech on Wednesday. "...what started off as peaceful protests, a hallmark of Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, have turned into violent acts by rioters." With visitors deterred by months of violence, many small firms across the city have already closed or are struggling to turn a profit. Lam's gloomy forecast came two days after Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong had slipped into a technical recession, meaning two successive quarters of contraction. That is expected to be confirmed by Thursday's third-quarter GDP data. The protests, which started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, have plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades and also pose the biggest populist challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong protesters to target party district during Halloween

Some major highways in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">Lebanon</a> reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Tuesday's resignation toppled the coalition government of Saad al-Hariri, who said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite.

Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed.

The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on but did not block the whole road.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". 
 
Watch: Lebanon protests - People form a human chain

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The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri's resignation speech on Tuesday came after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

The strife was the most serious on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">streets of Beirut since 2008</a> when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory.

The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Some major highways in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Some major highways in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday after the army urged protesters to lift roadblocks so that activities could return to normal following 13 days of demonstrations that paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign. Tuesday's resignation toppled the coalition government of Saad al-Hariri, who said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite. Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed. The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on but did not block the whole road. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". Watch: Lebanon protests - People form a human chain The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri's resignation speech on Tuesday came after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008 when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory. The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Major roads reopen in Lebanon after prime minister resigns

Watch this video to find out: How five months of protests in Hong Kong take a toll on the economy? How Hong Kong's loss is Singapore's gain? Stay tuned with WION.

Hong Kong: Five months of protests take a toll on the economy

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'. 
 
"Over the last three days, police have forcibly taken possession of more than 3,000 containers in different parts of the country," Hakimullah Khan, president of the Containers Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told Anadolu Agency. 
 
Opposition parties in Pakistan have announced a five-day anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' from October 27. The protests will begin from various parts of the country and converge in Islamabad on October 31. 
 
Hakimullah Khan has claimed that the owners of the seized containers have faced huge financial loses as a result of the authorities' actions. 
On the other hand, Islamabad's deputy commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has said that the containers have not been seized but hired from their owners for which they shall be duly paid. 
 
"We have not taken a single container by force," said Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad's deputy commissioner. "We have hired all containers from the owners and we will pay for them," he added. 
 
The Azadi March has been announced by Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman believes came to power through "fake elections". The Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached.

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'.

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'. "Over the last three days, police have forcibly taken possession of more than 3,000 containers in different parts of the country," Hakimullah Khan, president of the Containers Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told Anadolu Agency. Opposition parties in Pakistan have announced a five-day anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' from October 27. The protests will begin from various parts of the country and converge in Islamabad on October 31. Hakimullah Khan has claimed that the owners of the seized containers have faced huge financial loses as a result of the authorities' actions. On the other hand, Islamabad's deputy commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has said that the containers have not been seized but hired from their owners for which they shall be duly paid. "We have not taken a single container by force," said Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad's deputy commissioner. "We have hired all containers from the owners and we will pay for them," he added. The Azadi March has been announced by Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman believes came to power through "fake elections". The Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached.

Pakistani shipping firms accuse government of seizing containers to block roads ahead of 'Azaadi March'

At least 67 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-put-pressure-on-iraq-government-amid-relentless-protests-258318">Iraqis were killed</a> and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month.

Seeking to contain the spiralling violence, on Saturday night Abdul Mahdi ordered members of the country's elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) onto the streets of the capital Baghdad and the southern city of Nasiriya.

They were told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests, security sources told Reuters.

Around midnight, CTS troops took over checkpoints in neighbourhoods surrounding Baghdad's central Tahrir Square and began corralling protesters out. Security forces firing tear gas had earlier failed to clear the square of demonstrators.

In Nasiriya, CTS soldiers broke up demonstrations by beating and arresting dozens, police and security sources said.

The two cities, where thousands had turned out for the second day of protests, saw the bulk of Saturday's violence as protesters continued to vent their frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict and economic hardship.

Four people were killed after being struck directly in the head by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in Baghdad, with dozens more wounded. Four others died in Nasiriya when a group of protesters stormed the home of a local security official, police said. Guards opened fire after the protesters torched the building, police said.

Seven more people died in Hilla, most when members of the Iranian-backed Badr Organisation militia group opened fire on protesters who had gathered near their office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">At least 52 people were killed</a> around the country on Friday, and more than 2,000 more wounded.

The latest bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. Earlier in October, 157 people were killed and more than 6,000 wounded in other clashes between protesters and security forces. 
&nbsp;

Watch - Iraq: At least 40 have been killed in the anti-government protests

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Spiralling Violence

&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability</a> in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State (IS) insurgency.

It poses the biggest challenge to Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' discontent.

Adding more pressure, the parliamentary bloc linked to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced it was going into opposition on Saturday, a big blow to his premiership.

However, Abdul Mahdi's decision to deploy CTS troops was likely to be met with broad support from the country's political elite as well as praise from security forces who said they would not shy away from using force.

Earlier in the day, Iraq's military and Ministry of Interior said that they planned to respond more firmly to protests on Saturday after Friday's heavy death toll.

In Basra, police said protesters who attacked security forces, public and private property would be prosecuted under Iraq's strict counter-terrorism law.

Political leaders also spoke out in support of the security forces' actions over the weekend, while militia leaders signalled their support for a tough stance against protesters, and urged the premier not to back down.

The statements came after another long day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">violent protests across the country</a>. Although volleys of tear gas were lobbed indiscriminately at protesters on Saturday, many demonstrators expressed relief that security forces had not used live rounds this time.

In Baghdad protesters distributed masks and homemade remedies to protect themselves from the tear gas. Others handed out food and water.

As sirens wailed and tuk-tuks ferried bloodied protesters to hospitals, others expressed outrage at a political establishment so willing to resort to violence.

"Our protests are peaceful, we only have flags and water bottles, but they keep firing bombs at us, firing tear gas at us," said 33-year-old demonstrator Silwan Ali. "What have we done to deserve this? What have we done? The young men who died, what did they do?" he said. 
 
'Stealing from us'

Most of those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">killed on Friday and Saturday were protesters in cities in the south</a>, as demonstrators focussed their anger on politicians and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia groups.

Members of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia turned their guns on protesters in both Nasiriya and Amara on Friday, leaving scores dead. AAH also clashed with another powerful militia, one loyal to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Despite a curfew and federal anti-riot forces dispatched from Baghdad, thousands gathered across cities in the south on Saturday, clashing again with militia groups.

Protesters continued to torch the offices of all major political parties, militia groups, and local government buildings. In Nasiriya, they set fire to the governor's house.

"This is not a protest, this is a revolution," said one protester who declined to give his name.

Parliament was set to meet on Saturday in an emergency session to discuss the protesters' demands, but with many politicians keeping a low profile since the protests began it failed to reach a quorum and the session was cancelled.

"The government has been stealing from us for 15 years. Saddam went and 1,000 Saddams have been hiding in the Green Zone," a protester who declined to be named said on Saturday, referring to the former Iraqi dictator.

At least 67 Iraqis were killed and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month.

At least 67 Iraqis were killed and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month. Seeking to contain the spiralling violence, on Saturday night Abdul Mahdi ordered members of the country's elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) onto the streets of the capital Baghdad and the southern city of Nasiriya. They were told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests, security sources told Reuters. Around midnight, CTS troops took over checkpoints in neighbourhoods surrounding Baghdad's central Tahrir Square and began corralling protesters out. Security forces firing tear gas had earlier failed to clear the square of demonstrators. In Nasiriya, CTS soldiers broke up demonstrations by beating and arresting dozens, police and security sources said. The two cities, where thousands had turned out for the second day of protests, saw the bulk of Saturday's violence as protesters continued to vent their frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict and economic hardship. Four people were killed after being struck directly in the head by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in Baghdad, with dozens more wounded. Four others died in Nasiriya when a group of protesters stormed the home of a local security official, police said. Guards opened fire after the protesters torched the building, police said. Seven more people died in Hilla, most when members of the Iranian-backed Badr Organisation militia group opened fire on protesters who had gathered near their office. At least 52 people were killed around the country on Friday, and more than 2,000 more wounded. The latest bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. Earlier in October, 157 people were killed and more than 6,000 wounded in other clashes between protesters and security forces. Watch - Iraq: At least 40 have been killed in the anti-government protests Spiralling Violence The unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State (IS) insurgency. It poses the biggest challenge to Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' discontent. Adding more pressure, the parliamentary bloc linked to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced it was going into opposition on Saturday, a big blow to his premiership. However, Abdul Mahdi's decision to deploy CTS troops was likely to be met with broad support from the country's political elite as well as praise from security forces who said they would not shy away from using force. Earlier in the day, Iraq's military and Ministry of Interior said that they planned to respond more firmly to protests on Saturday after Friday's heavy death toll. In Basra, police said protesters who attacked security forces, public and private property would be prosecuted under Iraq's strict counter-terrorism law. Political leaders also spoke out in support of the security forces' actions over the weekend, while militia leaders signalled their support for a tough stance against protesters, and urged the premier not to back down. The statements came after another long day of violent protests across the country. Although volleys of tear gas were lobbed indiscriminately at protesters on Saturday, many demonstrators expressed relief that security forces had not used live rounds this time. In Baghdad protesters distributed masks and homemade remedies to protect themselves from the tear gas. Others handed out food and water. As sirens wailed and tuk-tuks ferried bloodied protesters to hospitals, others expressed outrage at a political establishment so willing to resort to violence. "Our protests are peaceful, we only have flags and water bottles, but they keep firing bombs at us, firing tear gas at us," said 33-year-old demonstrator Silwan Ali. "What have we done to deserve this? What have we done? The young men who died, what did they do?" he said. 'Stealing from us' Most of those killed on Friday and Saturday were protesters in cities in the south, as demonstrators focussed their anger on politicians and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia groups. Members of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia turned their guns on protesters in both Nasiriya and Amara on Friday, leaving scores dead. AAH also clashed with another powerful militia, one loyal to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Despite a curfew and federal anti-riot forces dispatched from Baghdad, thousands gathered across cities in the south on Saturday, clashing again with militia groups. Protesters continued to torch the offices of all major political parties, militia groups, and local government buildings. In Nasiriya, they set fire to the governor's house. "This is not a protest, this is a revolution," said one protester who declined to give his name. Parliament was set to meet on Saturday in an emergency session to discuss the protesters' demands, but with many politicians keeping a low profile since the protests began it failed to reach a quorum and the session was cancelled. "The government has been stealing from us for 15 years. Saddam went and 1,000 Saddams have been hiding in the Green Zone," a protester who declined to be named said on Saturday, referring to the former Iraqi dictator.

Death toll in Iraq reaches 67 amid protests against government

Clashes between police and militant elements in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-crisis-looms-large-over-spains-november-election-257364">thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators</a> transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent.

Projectiles were fired, at least six people were hospitalised with injuries, and barricades were set alight after officers charged ranks of demonstrators,&nbsp;many young and masking their faces,&nbsp;who had amassed outside Spanish police headquarters.

The violent standoff in the city's tourist heartland offered stark evidence of the faultlines developing between hardline and conciliatory elements within the region's independence movement. It lasted several hours before protesters dispersed through the city's streets.

Barcelona has witnessed daily pro-secession protests since October&nbsp;14.

That was when Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail for their role in a failed independence bid in 2017, prompting widespread anger in the region and sending shockwaves through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-prime-minister-under-pressure-over-catalan-protests-257089">Spain's political landscape</a>.

Saturday's protest was not the first marred by violence, with unrest notably on October&nbsp;18 having been more widespread.

But it contrasted starkly with events earlier in the day when some 350,000 Catalans had marched peacefully through the city in support of calls from civil rights groups for the jailed separatist leaders to be freed.

Bottles, balls, and bullets

The later protest was organised by CDR, a pro-independence pressure group that favours direct action and has cut off rail tracks and roads, as well as trying to storm the regional parliament.

It began around 7:30 pm&nbsp;and as the crowd grew to around 10,000, according to police estimates, demonstrators threw a hail of bottles, balls and rubber bullets at officers, TV footage showed.

Police carrying shields and weapons and backed by some 20 riot vans then charged the demonstrators in an attempt to disperse them, splitting the crowd in two along Via Laietana near the police HQ.

Reuters TV footage showed police armed with batons forcing their way through the crowd while demonstrators threw stones and flares. News channel 24h showed police grappling one-on-one with demonstrators, who fell back before reforming their lines.

Some projectiles were fired, with a Reuters photographer among those hospitalised after being hit in the stomach by a rubber or foam bullet. Catalan emergency services said that, in all, six people were hospitalised.

The organisers of the earlier protest, grassroots groups Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, had hoped that, with pro-secessionist parties split over what strategy to adopt, it would refocus attention in the secessionist camp by drawing the largest crowd since the court verdicts were passed.

"From the street, we will keep defending all the (people's) rights but from the institutions we need political answers," ANC leader Elisenda Paluzie told the gathering, pledging to organise more protests.

Local police said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leaders-demand-talks-with-madrid-after-violent-clashes-256960">around 350,000 attended</a>, compared with a daily peak of some 500,000 at the October 18 protest and 600,000 at a march that took place on Catalonia's national day last month.

All those figures, however, represent only a small percentage of the region's 7.5 million population and its electorate is almost evenly split over the issue of independence.

Mainstream Spanish parties, including the minority Socialist government, have consistently rejected moves towards Catalan independence and all bar left-wing Podemos are opposed to any form of a referendum.

They are now gearing up for a national election on November&nbsp;10. 
 
'Prison is not the answer'

Both ANC and Omnium Cultural eschew violence and their then leaders were among the nine jailed on October 14.

Many who joined their march carried <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-police-clash-in-fresh-violence-256595">Catalan pro-independence</a> flags and banners bearing slogans that included: "Prison is not the answer", "Sit and talk" and "Freedom for political prisoners".

In the front row was regional government head Quim Torra, who earlier presided over a ceremony at which hundreds of Catalan mayors endorsed a document demanding self-determination.

"We have to be capable of creating a republic of free men and woman ... and overcoming the confrontational dynamic with a constructive one," he told them.

While not currently affiliated to any party, Torra belongs to the separatist political movement Junts per Catalunya. It has been in favour of maintaining confrontation with authorities in Madrid, while its leftist coalition partner Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya favours dialogue.

One marcher, 63-year-old Maria Llopart, criticised the lack of unity between the two parties. "Everything looks very bad, we are not advancing," she said.

Francesc Dot, 65, said the nine leaders had been jailed in defence of "Spain's unity."

His wife, Maria Dolors Rustarazo, 63, said she should also be in prison because she voted in the 2017 referendum, which Spanish courts outlawed. "If (all separatist votes)... have to go to jail, we will go but I don't think we would all fit," she said.

She condemned the violence but had an understanding for young protesters being "angry at the lack of democracy".

On Saturday they included Manel, a 20-year-old student with his face obscured by a cloth who said he was among those who lit barricades during last week's unrest.

"We need a consistent protest: more streets and less parliamentary talk because that doesn't seem to work," he said before the CDR protest turned violent.

"If we halt the economy, the Spanish government would be obliged to talk."

Clashes between police and militant elements in a thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent.

Clashes between police and militant elements in a thousands-strong crowd of demonstrators transformed part of central Barcelona into a battleground late on Saturday as another day of pro-independence protests turned violent. Projectiles were fired, at least six people were hospitalised with injuries, and barricades were set alight after officers charged ranks of demonstrators, many young and masking their faces, who had amassed outside Spanish police headquarters. The violent standoff in the city's tourist heartland offered stark evidence of the faultlines developing between hardline and conciliatory elements within the region's independence movement. It lasted several hours before protesters dispersed through the city's streets. Barcelona has witnessed daily pro-secession protests since October 14. That was when Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine politicians and activists to up to 13 years in jail for their role in a failed independence bid in 2017, prompting widespread anger in the region and sending shockwaves through Spain's political landscape. Saturday's protest was not the first marred by violence, with unrest notably on October 18 having been more widespread. But it contrasted starkly with events earlier in the day when some 350,000 Catalans had marched peacefully through the city in support of calls from civil rights groups for the jailed separatist leaders to be freed. Bottles, balls, and bullets The later protest was organised by CDR, a pro-independence pressure group that favours direct action and has cut off rail tracks and roads, as well as trying to storm the regional parliament. It began around 7:30 pm and as the crowd grew to around 10,000, according to police estimates, demonstrators threw a hail of bottles, balls and rubber bullets at officers, TV footage showed. Police carrying shields and weapons and backed by some 20 riot vans then charged the demonstrators in an attempt to disperse them, splitting the crowd in two along Via Laietana near the police HQ. Reuters TV footage showed police armed with batons forcing their way through the crowd while demonstrators threw stones and flares. News channel 24h showed police grappling one-on-one with demonstrators, who fell back before reforming their lines. Some projectiles were fired, with a Reuters photographer among those hospitalised after being hit in the stomach by a rubber or foam bullet. Catalan emergency services said that, in all, six people were hospitalised. The organisers of the earlier protest, grassroots groups Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, had hoped that, with pro-secessionist parties split over what strategy to adopt, it would refocus attention in the secessionist camp by drawing the largest crowd since the court verdicts were passed. "From the street, we will keep defending all the (people's) rights but from the institutions we need political answers," ANC leader Elisenda Paluzie told the gathering, pledging to organise more protests. Local police said around 350,000 attended, compared with a daily peak of some 500,000 at the October 18 protest and 600,000 at a march that took place on Catalonia's national day last month. All those figures, however, represent only a small percentage of the region's 7.5 million population and its electorate is almost evenly split over the issue of independence. Mainstream Spanish parties, including the minority Socialist government, have consistently rejected moves towards Catalan independence and all bar left-wing Podemos are opposed to any form of a referendum. They are now gearing up for a national election on November 10. 'Prison is not the answer' Both ANC and Omnium Cultural eschew violence and their then leaders were among the nine jailed on October 14. Many who joined their march carried Catalan pro-independence flags and banners bearing slogans that included: "Prison is not the answer", "Sit and talk" and "Freedom for political prisoners". In the front row was regional government head Quim Torra, who earlier presided over a ceremony at which hundreds of Catalan mayors endorsed a document demanding self-determination. "We have to be capable of creating a republic of free men and woman ... and overcoming the confrontational dynamic with a constructive one," he told them. While not currently affiliated to any party, Torra belongs to the separatist political movement Junts per Catalunya. It has been in favour of maintaining confrontation with authorities in Madrid, while its leftist coalition partner Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya favours dialogue. One marcher, 63-year-old Maria Llopart, criticised the lack of unity between the two parties. "Everything looks very bad, we are not advancing," she said. Francesc Dot, 65, said the nine leaders had been jailed in defence of "Spain's unity." His wife, Maria Dolors Rustarazo, 63, said she should also be in prison because she voted in the 2017 referendum, which Spanish courts outlawed. "If (all separatist votes)... have to go to jail, we will go but I don't think we would all fit," she said. She condemned the violence but had an understanding for young protesters being "angry at the lack of democracy". On Saturday they included Manel, a 20-year-old student with his face obscured by a cloth who said he was among those who lit barricades during last week's unrest. "We need a consistent protest: more streets and less parliamentary talk because that doesn't seem to work," he said before the CDR protest turned violent. "If we halt the economy, the Spanish government would be obliged to talk."

Police, Catalan separatists clash as day of protest ends in violence

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">persistent mass protests</a> across the country.

Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead.

Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc,&nbsp;parliament's largest with 54 MPs,&nbsp;escalated the situation.

MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding."

Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier.

The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government.&nbsp;

He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them.

Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness.

Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light.&nbsp;

Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. 
&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests

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Vows of 'revenge'

In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf.

They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.

<a href="wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">The latest round of demonstrations</a> has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.

That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220.

Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country.

Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services.&nbsp;

"Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.

But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr.&nbsp;

"The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers".

"Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

'It's enough!'

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25.

The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell.

Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began.

But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed</a> by the government's efforts.

"They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side.

Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis.&nbsp;

"Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday.

"We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.&nbsp;

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country.

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country. Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead. Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections. Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc, parliament's largest with 54 MPs, escalated the situation. MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding." Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier. The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government. He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them. Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness. Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light. Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests Vows of 'revenge' In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf. They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. The latest round of demonstrations has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission. That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220. Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country. Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services. "Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr. "The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter. The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers". "Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. 'It's enough!' Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell. Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began. But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum. Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed by the government's efforts. "They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side. Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. "Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday. "We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.

Sit-in puts pressure on Iraq government amid relentless protests

As many as a million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-protesters-stay-in-streets-as-pinera-says-their-demands-loud-and-clear-258097">Chileans protested peacefully late</a> into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation.

Protesters waving national flags, dancing, banging pots with wooden spoons and bearing placards urging political and social change streamed through the streets, walking for kilometres&nbsp;from around Santiago to converge on Plaza Italia. Traffic already hobbled by truck and taxi drivers protesting road tolls ground to a standstill in Santiago as crowds shut down major avenues and public transport closed early ahead of marches that built throughout the afternoon.

By mid-evening, most had made their way home in the dark ahead of an 11 p.m. military curfew.

Santiago Governor Karla Rubilar said a million people marched in the capital, more than five per cent of the country's population. Protesters elsewhere took to the streets in every major&nbsp;Chilean city.

"Today is a historic day," Rubilar wrote on Twitter. "The Metropolitan Region is host to a peaceful march of almost one million people who represent a dream for a new&nbsp;Chile."

Some local commentators estimated the Santiago rally well over the million marks&nbsp;describing it as the largest single march since the dying years of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Chile's unrest is the latest in a flare-up of protests in South America and around the world - from Beirut to Barcelona - each with local triggers but also sharing underlying anger at social disparities and ruling elites.

Protests in&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;that started over a hike in public transport fares last Friday boiled into riots, arson and looting that have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused more than $1.4 billion of losses to&nbsp;Chilean businesses.

Chile's military has taken over security in Santiago, a city of 6 million people now under a state of emergency with night-time curfews as 20,000 soldiers patrol the streets.

Clotilde Soto, a retired teacher aged 82, said she had taken to the streets because she did not want to die without seeing change for the better in her country.

"Above all we need better salaries and better pensions," she said.

Chile's centre-right President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman, trounced the opposition in the most recent 2017 election, dealing the centre-left ruling coalition its biggest loss since the country's return to democracy in 1990.

But as protests ignited this week, Pinera scrapped previous plans and promised instead to boost the minimum wage and pensions, ditch fare hikes on public transportation and fix the country's ailing health care system.

"We've all heard the message. We've all changed," said Pinera on Twitter following the peak of the rallies. "Today's joyful and peaceful march, in which&nbsp;Chileans have asked for a more just and unified&nbsp;Chile, opens hopeful paths into the future."

Still, many protest placards, chants and graffiti scrawled on buildings around the city call for his exit. 
 
Multicoloured crowd

As crowds of colourful demonstrators stretched along <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chiles-response-to-pineras-reforms-a-strike-and-more-protests-257826">Santiago's thoroughfares</a> as far as the eye could see, the noise of pots and pans being clanged with spoons, a clamour that has become the soundtrack for the popular uprising, was ear-splitting.

"The people, united, will never be defeated," the crowds chanted over the din.

By early evening there had been no signs of violence or clashes with the security forces, who maintained a significant but low-key presence inside paint-spattered and stone-dented armoured vehicles parked in side streets.

Beatriz Demur, 42, a yoga teacher from the suburb of Barrio Brazil, joined a stream of demonstrators shuffling toward Plaza Italia with her daughter Tabatha, 22.

"We want&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;to be a better place," said Demur. "The most powerful have privatised everything. It's been that way for 30 years."Eyeing the crowds packing the square, her daughter said: "I have waited for this a long time ... It's not scary, it's exciting. It means change."

Anali Parra, 26, a street hawker, was with her daughter Catalina, 9, and five-month-old son Gideon Jesus, his buggy decked in streamers and an indigenous Mapuche flag.

"This isn't going to go away," Parra said. "Pinera should just go now." 
 
'Urgent' reforms

On Friday morning, trucks, cars and taxis had slowed to a crawl on major roads, honking horns and waving&nbsp;Chilean flags. "No more tolls! Enough with the abuse!" read bright yellow-and-red signs plastered to the front of vehicles.

Many bus drivers in Santiago also staged a walk-off on Friday after one of their members was shot.

While much of the wealthy east Santiago has remained calm under evening lockdown, the poorer side of the city has seen widespread vandalism and looting.

Pinera told the nation on Thursday he had heard the demands of&nbsp;Chileans "loud and clear."

He has sent lawmakers legislation to overturn a recent hike in electricity rates and called for reforms to guarantee a minimum wage of $480 a month and introduce state medical insurance for catastrophes.

Seated with a group of elderly&nbsp;Chileans over lunch on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-announces-social-measures-to-stem-street-violence-257629">Pinera put finishing touches</a> on a bill to hike minimum pensions by 20 per cent. "We must approve these projects with the urgency that&nbsp;Chileans demand," Pinera said.

Lawmakers pushing the reforms forward were nonetheless forced to evacuate the country's Congress in the port city of Valparaiso earlier in the day when angry protesters rushed the building, overwhelming security forces.

An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between October&nbsp;22-23 found 83 per cent&nbsp;of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent&nbsp;opposed violence as a method of protest.

The principal causes of the protests were low salaries, high utility prices, poor pensions and economic inequality, it said.

As many as a million Chileans protested peacefully late into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation.

As many as a million Chileans protested peacefully late into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation. Protesters waving national flags, dancing, banging pots with wooden spoons and bearing placards urging political and social change streamed through the streets, walking for kilometres from around Santiago to converge on Plaza Italia. Traffic already hobbled by truck and taxi drivers protesting road tolls ground to a standstill in Santiago as crowds shut down major avenues and public transport closed early ahead of marches that built throughout the afternoon. By mid-evening, most had made their way home in the dark ahead of an 11 p.m. military curfew. Santiago Governor Karla Rubilar said a million people marched in the capital, more than five per cent of the country's population. Protesters elsewhere took to the streets in every major Chilean city. "Today is a historic day," Rubilar wrote on Twitter. "The Metropolitan Region is host to a peaceful march of almost one million people who represent a dream for a new Chile." Some local commentators estimated the Santiago rally well over the million marks describing it as the largest single march since the dying years of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Chile's unrest is the latest in a flare-up of protests in South America and around the world - from Beirut to Barcelona - each with local triggers but also sharing underlying anger at social disparities and ruling elites. Protests in Chile that started over a hike in public transport fares last Friday boiled into riots, arson and looting that have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused more than $1.4 billion of losses to Chilean businesses. Chile's military has taken over security in Santiago, a city of 6 million people now under a state of emergency with night-time curfews as 20,000 soldiers patrol the streets. Clotilde Soto, a retired teacher aged 82, said she had taken to the streets because she did not want to die without seeing change for the better in her country. "Above all we need better salaries and better pensions," she said. Chile's centre-right President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman, trounced the opposition in the most recent 2017 election, dealing the centre-left ruling coalition its biggest loss since the country's return to democracy in 1990. But as protests ignited this week, Pinera scrapped previous plans and promised instead to boost the minimum wage and pensions, ditch fare hikes on public transportation and fix the country's ailing health care system. "We've all heard the message. We've all changed," said Pinera on Twitter following the peak of the rallies. "Today's joyful and peaceful march, in which Chileans have asked for a more just and unified Chile, opens hopeful paths into the future." Still, many protest placards, chants and graffiti scrawled on buildings around the city call for his exit. Multicoloured crowd As crowds of colourful demonstrators stretched along Santiago's thoroughfares as far as the eye could see, the noise of pots and pans being clanged with spoons, a clamour that has become the soundtrack for the popular uprising, was ear-splitting. "The people, united, will never be defeated," the crowds chanted over the din. By early evening there had been no signs of violence or clashes with the security forces, who maintained a significant but low-key presence inside paint-spattered and stone-dented armoured vehicles parked in side streets. Beatriz Demur, 42, a yoga teacher from the suburb of Barrio Brazil, joined a stream of demonstrators shuffling toward Plaza Italia with her daughter Tabatha, 22. "We want Chile to be a better place," said Demur. "The most powerful have privatised everything. It's been that way for 30 years."Eyeing the crowds packing the square, her daughter said: "I have waited for this a long time ... It's not scary, it's exciting. It means change." Anali Parra, 26, a street hawker, was with her daughter Catalina, 9, and five-month-old son Gideon Jesus, his buggy decked in streamers and an indigenous Mapuche flag. "This isn't going to go away," Parra said. "Pinera should just go now." 'Urgent' reforms On Friday morning, trucks, cars and taxis had slowed to a crawl on major roads, honking horns and waving Chilean flags. "No more tolls! Enough with the abuse!" read bright yellow-and-red signs plastered to the front of vehicles. Many bus drivers in Santiago also staged a walk-off on Friday after one of their members was shot. While much of the wealthy east Santiago has remained calm under evening lockdown, the poorer side of the city has seen widespread vandalism and looting. Pinera told the nation on Thursday he had heard the demands of Chileans "loud and clear." He has sent lawmakers legislation to overturn a recent hike in electricity rates and called for reforms to guarantee a minimum wage of $480 a month and introduce state medical insurance for catastrophes. Seated with a group of elderly Chileans over lunch on Friday, Pinera put finishing touches on a bill to hike minimum pensions by 20 per cent. "We must approve these projects with the urgency that Chileans demand," Pinera said. Lawmakers pushing the reforms forward were nonetheless forced to evacuate the country's Congress in the port city of Valparaiso earlier in the day when angry protesters rushed the building, overwhelming security forces. An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between October 22-23 found 83 per cent of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent opposed violence as a method of protest. The principal causes of the protests were low salaries, high utility prices, poor pensions and economic inequality, it said.

One million Chileans march in Santiago, city grinds to halt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-set-for-more-subdued-quiet-weekend-of-protests-258035">A Hong Kong court</a> has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters.

The temporary injunction, uploaded on government websites overnight, was criticised by some on Saturday for its broad wording and for further shielding the identity of officers as they clash with protesters.

The semi-autonomous Chinese city has been battered by nearly five months of seething pro-democracy rallies in which police and protesters have fought increasingly violent battles.

The police force says many of its officers have had personal details leaked online, known as "doxxing", and family members harassed as a result.

Lawyers for the force went to Hong Kong's High Court on Friday asking for an injunction forbidding people from publishing a slew of personal information including key details such as names, addresses, dates of birth and identity card numbers.&nbsp;

But they also sought a ban on publishing details about a police officer's Facebook and Instagram IDs, their car number plates and any photograph of an officer or their family without consent.

The court granted the injunction for 14 days pending a longer legal hearing.&nbsp;

The injunction also bans "intimidating, molesting, harassing, threatening, pestering or interfering" with any police officer or family member.

The current wording leaves no exceptions, including for media, making it unclear how it will be applied and whether it will restrict work by reporters.

Police did not respond to requests for clarification.

Anthony Daparin, a lawyer who has written a book about the city's protest movement, described the ban as a "very alarming development".&nbsp;

"(It's a) serious restriction on freedom of expression and effectively criminalises a whole range of perfectly lawful acts which will now be punishable as contempt of court," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-taiwan-authorities-clash-as-murder-suspect-walks-free-257724">Hong Kong</a> Journalists Association said&nbsp;it was "extremely concerned" about the potential limitations to media freedoms and said it was seeking legal advice.

Hong Kong's police have already faced criticism for hiding their identities during clashes by removing warrant card numbers from their uniforms, as well as using face masks and shining bright torches at reporters.

Earlier this month the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam used a colonial-era emergency law to ban protesters from wearing face masks.&nbsp;

But the ordinance was widely flouted by protesters incensed that police are still allowed to cover their faces.

Police counter that they are facing unprecedented levels of public anger and abuse and need to protect their staff from retribution and harassment.

Pro-Beijing lawmakers defended the injunction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668">Hong Kong has been riven by seething protests</a> for the past 20 weeks, with violence spiralling on both sides of the ideological divide.

Hardline protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and bricks at police, as well as vandalised businesses perceived as being pro-China. Earlier this month an officer was stabbed in the neck.&nbsp;

Police have responded with increasing amounts of rubber bullets, tear gas and even live rounds in recent clashes.

A Hong Kong court has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters.

A Hong Kong court has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters. The temporary injunction, uploaded on government websites overnight, was criticised by some on Saturday for its broad wording and for further shielding the identity of officers as they clash with protesters. The semi-autonomous Chinese city has been battered by nearly five months of seething pro-democracy rallies in which police and protesters have fought increasingly violent battles. The police force says many of its officers have had personal details leaked online, known as "doxxing", and family members harassed as a result. Lawyers for the force went to Hong Kong's High Court on Friday asking for an injunction forbidding people from publishing a slew of personal information including key details such as names, addresses, dates of birth and identity card numbers. But they also sought a ban on publishing details about a police officer's Facebook and Instagram IDs, their car number plates and any photograph of an officer or their family without consent. The court granted the injunction for 14 days pending a longer legal hearing. The injunction also bans "intimidating, molesting, harassing, threatening, pestering or interfering" with any police officer or family member. The current wording leaves no exceptions, including for media, making it unclear how it will be applied and whether it will restrict work by reporters. Police did not respond to requests for clarification. Anthony Daparin, a lawyer who has written a book about the city's protest movement, described the ban as a "very alarming development". "(It's a) serious restriction on freedom of expression and effectively criminalises a whole range of perfectly lawful acts which will now be punishable as contempt of court," he wrote on Twitter. The Hong Kong Journalists Association said it was "extremely concerned" about the potential limitations to media freedoms and said it was seeking legal advice. Hong Kong's police have already faced criticism for hiding their identities during clashes by removing warrant card numbers from their uniforms, as well as using face masks and shining bright torches at reporters. Earlier this month the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam used a colonial-era emergency law to ban protesters from wearing face masks. But the ordinance was widely flouted by protesters incensed that police are still allowed to cover their faces. Police counter that they are facing unprecedented levels of public anger and abuse and need to protect their staff from retribution and harassment. Pro-Beijing lawmakers defended the injunction. Hong Kong has been riven by seething protests for the past 20 weeks, with violence spiralling on both sides of the ideological divide. Hardline protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and bricks at police, as well as vandalised businesses perceived as being pro-China. Earlier this month an officer was stabbed in the neck. Police have responded with increasing amounts of rubber bullets, tear gas and even live rounds in recent clashes.

Hong Kong court bans publishing police details, including photos

At least 40 protesters were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">killed in Iraq</a> on Friday when security forces used tear gas and an Iranian-backed militia opened fire to try to quell renewed demonstrations against corruption and economic hardship, security sources said.

A government intelligence officer and a member of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia were killed in a clash with protesters in the southern city of Amara, police sources said.

More than 2,000 people were injured nationwide, according to medical sources and the Iraqi High Commission on Human Rights (IHCHR), as demonstrators vented frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict.

"All we want are four things: jobs, water, electricity, and safety. That's all we want," said 16-year-old Ali Mohammed who had covered his face with a T-shirt to avoid inhaling tear gas, as chaotic scenes overwhelmed Baghdad's central Tahrir Square.

Sirens wailed and tear gas canisters landed amid groups of young protesters draped in Iraqi flags and chanting "with life and blood we defend you Iraq."

The bloodshed is the second major bout of violence this month. A series of clashes two weeks ago between protesters and security forces left 157 people dead and over 6,000 wounded.

The unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which lived through foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State (IS) insurgency between 2003 and 2017. It is the biggest challenge to security since IS was declared beaten.

On Friday, eight protesters were killed in Baghdad, the IHCHR said. At least five of them were protesters struck by tear gas canisters, security sources said.

In the south, at least nine protesters were killed when members of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia opened fire on protesters who tried to set fire to the group's office in the city of Nasiriya, according to security sources.

Eight people were killed in Amara city, including six protesters, one AAH member and one intelligence officer, police sources said. Three protesters were killed in oil-rich Basra, one in Hilla, and one in Samawa, security sources said.

In Diwaniya city, twelve protesters died after being trapped in a burning building, morgue officials and police sources said.

The building, which housed the local offices of the Iran-backed Badr Organisation, was apparently torched by protesters unaware that others were already inside.

Interior Ministry spokesman Khalid al-Muhanna said at least 68 members of the security forces were injured.

The sometimes violent demonstrations erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to southern cities.

They pose the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' discontent. 
&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq braces for another anti-government rally

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-braces-for-another-anti-government-rally-258091/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Poverty, despite oil wealth

Despite the OPEC member country's vast oil wealth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-government-protests-resume-in-iraq-after-bloodshed-258031">many Iraqis live in poverty</a>, have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare or decent education as the country tries to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship.

Many Iraqis view the elite as subservient to one or other of Iraq's two main allies, the United States and Iran. Many suspect these powers use Iraq to pursue their struggle for regional influence via proxies unconcerned with ordinary people's needs.

"They hit us last night and again this morning. We don't have any demands anymore, we want the government toppled," said demonstrator Salah Mohammad.

"We want Iran to take its parties and leave, America to take its parties and leave, and let the Iraqi people decide."

In Basra, Reuters footage showed protesters clashing with security forces who launched tear gas canisters and stun grenades and were met by rocks thrown at their vehicles. Young men carried the injured away, as protesters set police cars on fire.

An 8 p.m. curfew was imposed until further notice in the southern provinces of Basra, Muthanna, Wasit, Babel&nbsp;and Dhi Qar after protesters torched offices of lawmakers, Shi'ite political parties and militia headquarters.

How the government and security forces handled Friday's planned protests had been seen as a litmus test for the stability of the country with political leaders already on edge. 
 
Rage against the elite

In a Thursday night address, Abdul Mahdi stressed that violence would not be tolerated and warned that any collapse of the government would drag Iraq into further turmoil.

Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who in recent weeks criticised the government's handling of the protests, urged calm on all sides during his sermon on Friday.

In Baghdad, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-stockpile-food-as-they-gear-up-for-new-demonstrations-258006">many demonstrators</a> initially believed authorities would refrain from violence after security forces killed dozens of protesters earlier this month.

Hundreds tried throughout the day to march into the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies, when they were stopped by security forces.

By afternoon, the mood had shifted with thousands of angry protesters wrapped in Iraqi flags under pouring rain, chanting that they were peaceful and calling political leaders corrupt.

As clashes broke out, tuk-tuks carried the injured to hospitals. Medical sources told Reuters hundreds of people had been treated for injuries, most related to tear gas exposure.

At least 40 protesters were killed in Iraq on Friday when security forces used tear gas and an Iranian-backed militia opened fire to try to quell renewed demonstrations against corruption and economic hardship, security sources said.

At least 40 protesters were killed in Iraq on Friday when security forces used tear gas and an Iranian-backed militia opened fire to try to quell renewed demonstrations against corruption and economic hardship, security sources said. A government intelligence officer and a member of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia were killed in a clash with protesters in the southern city of Amara, police sources said. More than 2,000 people were injured nationwide, according to medical sources and the Iraqi High Commission on Human Rights (IHCHR), as demonstrators vented frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict. "All we want are four things: jobs, water, electricity, and safety. That's all we want," said 16-year-old Ali Mohammed who had covered his face with a T-shirt to avoid inhaling tear gas, as chaotic scenes overwhelmed Baghdad's central Tahrir Square. Sirens wailed and tear gas canisters landed amid groups of young protesters draped in Iraqi flags and chanting "with life and blood we defend you Iraq." The bloodshed is the second major bout of violence this month. A series of clashes two weeks ago between protesters and security forces left 157 people dead and over 6,000 wounded. The unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which lived through foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State (IS) insurgency between 2003 and 2017. It is the biggest challenge to security since IS was declared beaten. On Friday, eight protesters were killed in Baghdad, the IHCHR said. At least five of them were protesters struck by tear gas canisters, security sources said. In the south, at least nine protesters were killed when members of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia opened fire on protesters who tried to set fire to the group's office in the city of Nasiriya, according to security sources. Eight people were killed in Amara city, including six protesters, one AAH member and one intelligence officer, police sources said. Three protesters were killed in oil-rich Basra, one in Hilla, and one in Samawa, security sources said. In Diwaniya city, twelve protesters died after being trapped in a burning building, morgue officials and police sources said. The building, which housed the local offices of the Iran-backed Badr Organisation, was apparently torched by protesters unaware that others were already inside. Interior Ministry spokesman Khalid al-Muhanna said at least 68 members of the security forces were injured. The sometimes violent demonstrations erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to southern cities. They pose the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' discontent. Watch: Iraq braces for another anti-government rally Poverty, despite oil wealth Despite the OPEC member country's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty, have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare or decent education as the country tries to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship. Many Iraqis view the elite as subservient to one or other of Iraq's two main allies, the United States and Iran. Many suspect these powers use Iraq to pursue their struggle for regional influence via proxies unconcerned with ordinary people's needs. "They hit us last night and again this morning. We don't have any demands anymore, we want the government toppled," said demonstrator Salah Mohammad. "We want Iran to take its parties and leave, America to take its parties and leave, and let the Iraqi people decide." In Basra, Reuters footage showed protesters clashing with security forces who launched tear gas canisters and stun grenades and were met by rocks thrown at their vehicles. Young men carried the injured away, as protesters set police cars on fire. An 8 p.m. curfew was imposed until further notice in the southern provinces of Basra, Muthanna, Wasit, Babel and Dhi Qar after protesters torched offices of lawmakers, Shi'ite political parties and militia headquarters. How the government and security forces handled Friday's planned protests had been seen as a litmus test for the stability of the country with political leaders already on edge. Rage against the elite In a Thursday night address, Abdul Mahdi stressed that violence would not be tolerated and warned that any collapse of the government would drag Iraq into further turmoil. Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who in recent weeks criticised the government's handling of the protests, urged calm on all sides during his sermon on Friday. In Baghdad, many demonstrators initially believed authorities would refrain from violence after security forces killed dozens of protesters earlier this month. Hundreds tried throughout the day to march into the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies, when they were stopped by security forces. By afternoon, the mood had shifted with thousands of angry protesters wrapped in Iraqi flags under pouring rain, chanting that they were peaceful and calling political leaders corrupt. As clashes broke out, tuk-tuks carried the injured to hospitals. Medical sources told Reuters hundreds of people had been treated for injuries, most related to tear gas exposure.

At least 40 killed as fresh protests engulf Iraq

Unrest unravelled in La Paz on October 24 after a final vote tally by Bolivia's electoral board gave President Evo Morales an outright win in the first-round election, with 47.07% of ballots compared to 36.51% for runner-up Carlos Mesa, data on the board's website showed.

Political Turmoil in Bolivia; Protests over electoral fraud

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-lebanon-protestors-ditch-rioting-and-turn-revolution-into-rave-257684">a week of unprecedented protests</a> on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators.

"I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17.

The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities.

The protesters have been&nbsp;venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.

"The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse</a>," Aoun said.

"It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters.

In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian&nbsp;Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-cabinet-set-for-key-meeting-as-protests-swell-257249">president also echoed calls on the street</a> to stamp out graft.

"Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said.

Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported.

Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years.

"We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech.

"But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17. The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities. The protesters have been venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken. Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities. "The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse," Aoun said. "It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters. In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition. The president also echoed calls on the street to stamp out graft. "Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said. Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported. Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years. "We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech. "But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese president says willing to meet protesters

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed.

Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped.

Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said.

Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities.

Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework.

Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case.

"The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday.

Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said. Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed. Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped. Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said. Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities. Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework. Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case. "The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday. Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities tussle as fate of murder suspect in limbo

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