Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony.

<h2>Rare protest turned violent</h2>

According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, several people, including law enforcement officials, were injured during the protest and subsequent clashes.&nbsp;

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“During the mass disturbances, which were accompanied by violence, including the use of objects used as weapons, several people were injured, including members of law enforcement agencies,” said the investigators.&nbsp;

A monitoring group, OVD-Info group reported that dozens of people were detained, and injured, and one protester had suffered a “smashed head”.&nbsp;

The clashes broke out between the police and a large crowd of people who had gathered in support of the activist, Fail Alsynov in the small Russian town of Baymak.&nbsp;

Large protests are extremely rare in Russia given the risk of arrest over any gatherings which the authorities deem unauthorised.

According to reports, a few thousand people gathered for the demonstration which went on for several days in temperatures as low as -20 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

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Footage of the incident showed protesters pelting the police with snowballs which harmlessly smashed against their shields. Several people have also reportedly been detained.&nbsp;

According to the SOTA, an opposition Telegram channel, the clashes broke out after protesters blocked the court building in a bid to try to stop Alsynov from being taken away.

<h2>About Alsynov and his trial</h2>

The local activist was jailed for inciting ethnic hatred and was accused of insulting migrant workers in a speech he made last year over plans to mine for gold in Bashkortostan. A charge which he has since denied saying that his words were mistranslated from the Bashkir language.&nbsp;

However, Alsynov’s supporters said that the case against him was revenge for his role in protests several years earlier during which activists successfully blocked plans to mine for soda on a hill that local people consider a sacred place.

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“Huge thanks to everyone who came to support me. I will never forget this. I don’t admit my guilt,” the local activist told online media outlet RusNews after the verdict. He added, “I always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic,”

Some people in the crowd were heard shouting “Shame!”&nbsp;while others called for the dismissal of the local governor, Radiy Khabirov who accused Alsynov of using racist language.&nbsp;

In his speech in April 2023, the local activist used two words in Bashkir that were translated into Russian as “black people,” which is considered a derogatory term in Russian. However, he insists the words he used in the Bashkir language mean “poor people”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Mass rioting’</h2>

Local Russian officials have already opened a criminal case into what it described as “mass rioting” which, according to Russian law carried a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.&nbsp;

Rafail Divayev, head of the local interior ministry, urged the protesters to back down, asking them to “come to your senses and not ruin your life”.&nbsp;

“Mass riots threaten our country’s national security, therefore the punishment under this article is quite serious,” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.

The protests were one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony.

Thousands gathered in a rare large protest in the Russian region of Bashkortostan and clashed with riot police who fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons, on Wednesday (Jan 17), after a prominent local rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony. Rare protest turned violent According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, several people, including law enforcement officials, were injured during the protest and subsequent clashes. WATCH | Moscow-Pyongyang relations: Lavrov holds talks with North Korean counterpart “During the mass disturbances, which were accompanied by violence, including the use of objects used as weapons, several people were injured, including members of law enforcement agencies,” said the investigators. A monitoring group, OVD-Info group reported that dozens of people were detained, and injured, and one protester had suffered a “smashed head”. The clashes broke out between the police and a large crowd of people who had gathered in support of the activist, Fail Alsynov in the small Russian town of Baymak. Large protests are extremely rare in Russia given the risk of arrest over any gatherings which the authorities deem unauthorised. According to reports, a few thousand people gathered for the demonstration which went on for several days in temperatures as low as -20 degree Celsius. ALSO READ | Russia is developing ties with N. Korea in all areas, including 'sensitive' ones: Kremlin Footage of the incident showed protesters pelting the police with snowballs which harmlessly smashed against their shields. Several people have also reportedly been detained. According to the SOTA, an opposition Telegram channel, the clashes broke out after protesters blocked the court building in a bid to try to stop Alsynov from being taken away. About Alsynov and his trial The local activist was jailed for inciting ethnic hatred and was accused of insulting migrant workers in a speech he made last year over plans to mine for gold in Bashkortostan. A charge which he has since denied saying that his words were mistranslated from the Bashkir language. However, Alsynov’s supporters said that the case against him was revenge for his role in protests several years earlier during which activists successfully blocked plans to mine for soda on a hill that local people consider a sacred place. ALSO READ | At least 17 injured after Russian missiles hit Ukraine's Kharkiv “Huge thanks to everyone who came to support me. I will never forget this. I don’t admit my guilt,” the local activist told online media outlet RusNews after the verdict. He added, “I always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic,” Some people in the crowd were heard shouting “Shame!” while others called for the dismissal of the local governor, Radiy Khabirov who accused Alsynov of using racist language. In his speech in April 2023, the local activist used two words in Bashkir that were translated into Russian as “black people,” which is considered a derogatory term in Russian. However, he insists the words he used in the Bashkir language mean “poor people”. ‘Mass rioting’ Local Russian officials have already opened a criminal case into what it described as “mass rioting” which, according to Russian law carried a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Rafail Divayev, head of the local interior ministry, urged the protesters to back down, asking them to “come to your senses and not ruin your life”. “Mass riots threaten our country’s national security, therefore the punishment under this article is quite serious,” the state-run RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying. The protests were one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia protest: Demonstrators clash with riot police over jailing of rights activist

Author and activist Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43 following a long battle with cancer. Her death was announced in a statement by the family spokesperson Zwelabo Mandela as well as by the Nelson Mandela Foundation&nbsp;on Tuesday (Sep 26).&nbsp;

Zoleka Mandela died on Monday (Sep 25) evening “surrounded by friends and family” after she “was admitted to the hospital for her ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord,” read the statement attributed to family spokesperson Zwelabo on Instagram.&nbsp;

It added, “Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her.”

Zoleka, in recent years, became well-known for sharing her fight against cancer with her nearly 600,000 followers on Instagram.

She also spoke candidly about her history of drug addiction and struggles with depression.&nbsp;

A statement by the Nelson Mandela Foundation called her work inspirational.&nbsp;

“The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night,” said the organisation on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

“Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all,” it added.&nbsp;

“We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.”&nbsp;

<h2>About Zoleka Mandela</h2>

Born on 9 April, 1980, Zoleka Mandela was an outspoken writer and activist for healthcare and justice.

She also campaigned for road safety after losing her 13-year-old daughter in a car accident in 2010 near the South African capital Johannesburg.&nbsp;

A few years later she lost a son who was born prematurely.&nbsp;

In 2013, she documented her story in her autobiography When Hope Whispers.&nbsp;

In an interview with BBC in 2016, she said she regretted that her activism did not begin until after her grandfather’s death.&nbsp;

Zoleka was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 and reportedly underwent treatment including a double mastectomy, but the cancer returned in 2016.&nbsp;

It was around that time that she began documenting her journey with the disease on social media spreading awareness and encouraging others to get checked.&nbsp;

Last year, she confirmed that she had cancer in her liver and lungs and said that it had spread to other organs.&nbsp;

Zoleka was the daughter of MJ Seakamela and Zindzi Mandela and the grandchild of Nelson Mandela and his second wife, Winnie Mandela. She was only 10 when her grandfather had been released from prison after 27 years in detention.&nbsp;

Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist who went on to serve as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, passed away at the age of 95, in 2013.&nbsp;

 
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Author and activist Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43 following a long battle with cancer.

Author and activist Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43 following a long battle with cancer. Her death was announced in a statement by the family spokesperson Zwelabo Mandela as well as by the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Tuesday (Sep 26). Zoleka Mandela died on Monday (Sep 25) evening “surrounded by friends and family” after she “was admitted to the hospital for her ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord,” read the statement attributed to family spokesperson Zwelabo on Instagram. It added, “Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her.” Zoleka, in recent years, became well-known for sharing her fight against cancer with her nearly 600,000 followers on Instagram. She also spoke candidly about her history of drug addiction and struggles with depression. A statement by the Nelson Mandela Foundation called her work inspirational. “The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night,” said the organisation on Tuesday morning. “Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all,” it added. “We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation.” About Zoleka Mandela Born on 9 April, 1980, Zoleka Mandela was an outspoken writer and activist for healthcare and justice. She also campaigned for road safety after losing her 13-year-old daughter in a car accident in 2010 near the South African capital Johannesburg. A few years later she lost a son who was born prematurely. In 2013, she documented her story in her autobiography When Hope Whispers. In an interview with BBC in 2016, she said she regretted that her activism did not begin until after her grandfather’s death. Zoleka was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 and reportedly underwent treatment including a double mastectomy, but the cancer returned in 2016. It was around that time that she began documenting her journey with the disease on social media spreading awareness and encouraging others to get checked. Last year, she confirmed that she had cancer in her liver and lungs and said that it had spread to other organs. Zoleka was the daughter of MJ Seakamela and Zindzi Mandela and the grandchild of Nelson Mandela and his second wife, Winnie Mandela. She was only 10 when her grandfather had been released from prison after 27 years in detention. Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist who went on to serve as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, passed away at the age of 95, in 2013. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zoleka Mandela: Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter dies at 43 after long battle with cancer

A prominent Pakistani human rights activist and&nbsp;a former lawmaker were arrested on Sunday (August 20) after they attended a protest against enforced disappearances in the country.&nbsp;

Lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and politician Ali Wazir appeared at the first protest in months to be staged by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which fights for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns.

The pair was produced in a court in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday and sent to custody. A case was registered against them under anti-terrorism act. Islamabad police said they face&nbsp;"serious charges".

PTM was formed to protest against what it says are military excesses during anti-terror operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is northwestern region of Pakistan where most Pashtuns live. Pakistani military denies accusations of excesses.

On Friday, up to 3000 people were in attendance at a protest in Islamabad. Mazari-Hazir and Wazir both gave speeches in which they condemned harassment of Pashtuns. They called for missing people to be returned.

"You are being stopped as if you are the terrorists, while the (Pakistani) Taliban have taken over your homes again," Mazari-Hazir told the crowds in a video posted on social media.

A PTM spokesman told AFP that dozens more members have also been detained since the protest held in the capital Islamabad.

"It's unacceptable and points to a larger, more worrying pattern of state-sanctioned violence against people exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly," the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement.

<h2>No warrant</h2>

Shireen Mazari, who was Pakistan's human rights minister in former prime minister Imran Khan's government, alleged that her daughter was taken away from her home in Islamabad by plainclothes women. Mazari said that no warrant was presented.

"My daughter was in her night clothes and said 'let me change' but they just dragged her away," she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ali Wazir is a PTM founding member. He has long been an outspoken critic of the military and their anti-terror operations in the former tribal areas that border Afghanistan.

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Wazir was part of the previous government and represented the PTM. The government dissolved earlier this month.

Pakistan has long grappled with militancy in the border areas near Afghanistan, with attacks are on the rise since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.&nbsp;

There have been many protests from the locals against the surge in violence. People are demanding better protection from the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A prominent Pakistani human rights activist and a former lawmaker were arrested on Sunday (August 20) after they attended a protest against enforced disappearances in the country.

A prominent Pakistani human rights activist and a former lawmaker were arrested on Sunday (August 20) after they attended a protest against enforced disappearances in the country. Lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and politician Ali Wazir appeared at the first protest in months to be staged by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which fights for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns. The pair was produced in a court in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday and sent to custody. A case was registered against them under anti-terrorism act. Islamabad police said they face "serious charges". PTM was formed to protest against what it says are military excesses during anti-terror operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is northwestern region of Pakistan where most Pashtuns live. Pakistani military denies accusations of excesses. On Friday, up to 3000 people were in attendance at a protest in Islamabad. Mazari-Hazir and Wazir both gave speeches in which they condemned harassment of Pashtuns. They called for missing people to be returned. "You are being stopped as if you are the terrorists, while the (Pakistani) Taliban have taken over your homes again," Mazari-Hazir told the crowds in a video posted on social media. A PTM spokesman told AFP that dozens more members have also been detained since the protest held in the capital Islamabad. "It's unacceptable and points to a larger, more worrying pattern of state-sanctioned violence against people exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly," the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement. No warrant Shireen Mazari, who was Pakistan's human rights minister in former prime minister Imran Khan's government, alleged that her daughter was taken away from her home in Islamabad by plainclothes women. Mazari said that no warrant was presented. "My daughter was in her night clothes and said 'let me change' but they just dragged her away," she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Ali Wazir is a PTM founding member. He has long been an outspoken critic of the military and their anti-terror operations in the former tribal areas that border Afghanistan. Also Read | Pakistani Christians pray at churches which were attacked by mob after blasphemy charge Wazir was part of the previous government and represented the PTM. The government dissolved earlier this month. Pakistan has long grappled with militancy in the border areas near Afghanistan, with attacks are on the rise since the Afghan Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. There have been many protests from the locals against the surge in violence. People are demanding better protection from the state. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan: Prominent rights activist and politician arrested after rally

A women's rights activist was shot dead in Afghanistan on Thursday along with her brother, officials said as a series of assassinations continue in the country.&nbsp;

Unidentified gunmen on a motorbike shot dead Freshta Kohistani in Kohistan district of Kapisa province, interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told reporters, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-election-activist-dies-after-rush-hour-kabul-ambush-351843">Afghan election activist dies after rush-hour Kabul ambush</a>

The 29-year-old was the second activist killed in two days after a well-known pro-democracy campaigner was gunned down in Kabul on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-murder-journalist-in-afghanistans-ghazni-351432">Gunmen murder journalist in Afghanistan's Ghazni</a>

The killings of prominent personalities in recent weeks follow a similar pattern in which shootings took place in broad daylight.&nbsp;

Kapisa provincial governor Abdul Latif Murad said that the incident happened near Kohistani's house and her brother also lost his life in the attack.&nbsp;

No group has come forward so far to take responsibility.&nbsp;

Abdullah Abdullah, who was supported by Kohistani during last year's presidential election, described the incident as a "terrorist attack".

He also called her a "brave and fearless" activist in a Facebook post and said the "continuation of such assassinations is unacceptable". &nbsp;

Days ago, Kohistani asked the authorities to provide her with security as she was facing death threats and also condemned the continuous assassinations of journalists and other prominent people.&nbsp;

A women's rights activist was shot dead in Afghanistan on Thursday along with her brother, officials said as a series of assassinations continue in the country. Unidentified gunmen on a motorbike shot dead Freshta Kohistani in Kohistan district of Kapisa province, interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told reporters, as reported by news agency AFP.

A women's rights activist was shot dead in Afghanistan on Thursday along with her brother, officials said as a series of assassinations continue in the country. Unidentified gunmen on a motorbike shot dead Freshta Kohistani in Kohistan district of Kapisa province, interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told reporters, as reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Afghan election activist dies after rush-hour Kabul ambush The 29-year-old was the second activist killed in two days after a well-known pro-democracy campaigner was gunned down in Kabul on Wednesday. Also read | Gunmen murder journalist in Afghanistan's Ghazni The killings of prominent personalities in recent weeks follow a similar pattern in which shootings took place in broad daylight. Kapisa provincial governor Abdul Latif Murad said that the incident happened near Kohistani's house and her brother also lost his life in the attack. No group has come forward so far to take responsibility. Abdullah Abdullah, who was supported by Kohistani during last year's presidential election, described the incident as a "terrorist attack". He also called her a "brave and fearless" activist in a Facebook post and said the "continuation of such assassinations is unacceptable". Days ago, Kohistani asked the authorities to provide her with security as she was facing death threats and also condemned the continuous assassinations of journalists and other prominent people.

Afghanistan: Women's rights activist shot dead as broad daylight killings continue

The United Nations has demanded that China immediatly release prominant human rights activists from its custody and pay them compensation as per a document which is yet to be made public.

According to a report in The Guardian, which has accessed the unreleased document, Christian church leader Hu Shigen and lawyers Zhou Shifeng and Xie Yang were detained and tried as part of an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on human rights attorneys and activists that began in July 2015. The operation saw nearly 250 people detained and questioned by police. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report, which is yet to be released according to The Guardian, from the UN&rsquo;s human rights council says the trio had their rights violated and calls China&rsquo;s laws incompatible with international norms.

Hu was jailed for seven-and-a-half years while Zhou was sentenced to seven years on subversion charges, while Xie is awaiting a verdict.

Asking China to act within six months, the report added &ldquo;The appropriate remedy would be to release Hu Shigen, Zhou Shifeng and Xie Yang immediately, and accord them an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations.&rdquo;&nbsp;

The UN&rsquo;s working group on arbitrary detention, which reviewed the case, rejected Chinese government claims the three men voluntarily confessed to their crimes at their trials and said their detentions were &ldquo;made in total or partial non-observance of the international norms relating to the right to a fair trial,&rdquo; according to the&nbsp;report.

The group&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;a panel of five experts that falls under the UN&rsquo;s human rights council, of which China is a member. While its judgements are not legally binding, it investigates claims of rights violations and suggests remedies.&nbsp;

Thee report, which is yet to be released, from the UN?s human rights council says the trio had their rights violated and calls China?s laws incompatible with international norms.

The United Nations has demanded that China immediatly release prominant human rights activists from its custody and pay them compensation as per a document which is yet to be made public. According to a report in The Guardian, which has accessed the unreleased document, Christian church leader Hu Shigen and lawyers Zhou Shifeng and Xie Yang were detained and tried as part of an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on human rights attorneys and activists that began in July 2015. The operation saw nearly 250 people detained and questioned by police. The report, which is yet to be released according to The Guardian, from the UN’s human rights council says the trio had their rights violated and calls China’s laws incompatible with international norms. Hu was jailed for seven-and-a-half years while Zhou was sentenced to seven years on subversion charges, while Xie is awaiting a verdict. Asking China to act within six months, the report added “The appropriate remedy would be to release Hu Shigen, Zhou Shifeng and Xie Yang immediately, and accord them an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations.” The UN’s working group on arbitrary detention, which reviewed the case, rejected Chinese government claims the three men voluntarily confessed to their crimes at their trials and said their detentions were “made in total or partial non-observance of the international norms relating to the right to a fair trial,” according to the report. The group comprises a panel of five experts that falls under the UN’s human rights council, of which China is a member. While its judgements are not legally binding, it investigates claims of rights violations and suggests remedies.

Release human rights activists, pay them compensation: UN to China

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