Turkish riot police ​fired tear gas and forced their way into the main opposition party's headquarters to evict its ousted leadership on ‌Sunday, fuelling a crisis at the heart of Turkey's democracy.
Clouds of tear gas billowed within the Republican People's Party (CHP) building while those inside shouted and threw objects at the entrance as police broke through a makeshift barricade. There were no reports of injuries during the intervention.

Protests After Turkish Opposition Party HQ Raid

Tensions continue to rise in the West Bank as Israeli forces reportedly fired tear gas at Palestinian schoolchildren, while growing settler violence has made daily life increasingly difficult. In some areas, children have been blocked from reaching their schools, adding to fear and disruption for families. 

Israeli Settlers Block Palestinian Children's School Path, Fire Tear Gas at Them 

Tensions flared during the public viewing for Raila Odinga, as gunfire rang out and tear gas was deployed to disperse a large crowd gathered to pay their respects. The incident caused panic and injuries as security forces moved in to control the situation.

Gunfire Erupts at Raila Odinga Mourning Crowd | Tear Gas Fired to Disperse Public Gathering

Police in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, used teargas during clashes with the supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, during an anti-government rally in defiance of a ban on public gatherings in the city. The Taliban has schooled Pakistan on how to maintain peace as it called for an urgent dialogue.

Taliban: Dialogue Can Help Addressing Demands Of People

In view of the proposed farmers' 'Delhi Chalo March' on February 13. Security has been tightened across the Delhi and its borders with neighbouring states. Police also used tear gas to disperse the protesting farmers at Punjab- Haryana's Shamubhu border.

Farmers Protest: Police use tear gas to disperse protesters at Shambu border

A record number of Indian MPs have been suspended in a single day. 141 Parliamentarians have been ejected from parliament, both from the lower house and the upper house. It's a figure which is unprecedented in the history of the Indian parliament.

Gravitas | Indian Parliament: Record suspension of 141 MPs in a single day

A Delhi police special cell team is probing the Indian Parliament security breach. It is conducting investigations in the six states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and has recovered 4 partially burnt phones.

Parliament security breach: Four partially burnt phones found in Rajasthan | WION Dispatch

Two more accused have been named and detained in the smoke scare incident that was carried out by four individuals in Indian Parlaiment. Main accused Lalit Jha has accepted burning the phones of all his four companions as he fled the scene.

Parliament Security Breach: Mastermind Lalit Jha makes big revelation after surrender | WION

Parliament Security breach: A probe is on to assertain - who were the intruders and how did they enter the Lok Sabha of the Indian Parliament. The temperature in the political circles are rising - on Thursday, 13 MPs were suspended.

Parliament Security breach: 13 MPs suspended over 'unruly' behaviour, Opposition questions govt

Parliament Security Breach: Uproar in Parliament over breach, Opposition targets government | WION

In a major security breach, the proceedings in&nbsp;the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13)&nbsp;by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were&nbsp;around. The security breach took place on&nbsp;the 22nd anniversary of a deadly terror attack on the parliament complex.&nbsp;

In the 2001 attack, 14 people, including the five terrorists were killed. That attack happened in the old parliament building situated in the same complex.

The two intruders on Wednesday have been caught by the police.&nbsp;According to unconfirmed reports, the two persons were chanting slogans such as&nbsp;‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted).&nbsp;Meanwhile, two other people - a man and a woman - were detained for protesting outside the parliament by setting off canisters of coloured smoke. They were overpowered and led away by police.

The house was adjourned till afternoon before reconvening.

BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the House, said the two men jumped from the gallery before taking out something from their shoes which led to the smoke.&nbsp;

"Security officials have nabbed them. The investigation is underway and we will get to know what was their objective and if they are connected to any organisation," said Agarwal.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters outside the building, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said:&nbsp;“Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel."

"This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.”

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Sansad breaking. 
 
Two people with tear gas canisters jumped into Lok Sabha well and opened it. House adjourned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabha</a> <a href="https://t.co/UrFZ7xE8pB">pic.twitter.com/UrFZ7xE8pB</a>
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Karti Chidambaram, another Congress MP said the canisters were emitting yellow smoke as one of the unidentified men attempted to make a dash towards the speaker's chair.&nbsp;

"They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," said Chidambaram.

Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;leader Kakoli Dastidar said, "Unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas." 
 
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla later said, “We are investigating the matter and have asked Delhi Police to join the inquiry.” He added that according to the preliminary investigation, the smoke sprayed in the house appeared to be "harmless".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-attack-indian-parliament-on-or-before-dec-pannun-threatens-new-delhi-666821">Watch |&nbsp;'Will attack Indian Parliament on or before Dec,' Pannun threatens New Delhi</a>

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TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added: "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke?"

The other man-woman protester duo were detained in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke.&nbsp;

According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra.&nbsp;

<h2>Pannun's threat</h2>

Notably, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other heavyweight leaders paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on parliament amid tight security in the wake of a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a video, Pannun had&nbsp;said he would respond to the Indian government by&nbsp;attacking the parliament on or before December 13. His threats followed a reported attempt to murder him was foiled.

The parliament's winter session began last Monday (Dec 4) and is expected to continue till December 22.&nbsp; 
 
The parliament resumed operations at 2 pm IST with Speaker Om Birla saying: "We will discuss the arrangements. Nobody can stop the house from running. I will call everyone one by one. Smoke has been investigated, nothing to worry for anyone." The house was later adjourned for the day.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a major security breach, the proceedings in the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13) by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were around.

In a major security breach, the proceedings in the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13) by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were around. The security breach took place on the 22nd anniversary of a deadly terror attack on the parliament complex. In the 2001 attack, 14 people, including the five terrorists were killed. That attack happened in the old parliament building situated in the same complex. The two intruders on Wednesday have been caught by the police. According to unconfirmed reports, the two persons were chanting slogans such as ‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted). Meanwhile, two other people - a man and a woman - were detained for protesting outside the parliament by setting off canisters of coloured smoke. They were overpowered and led away by police. The house was adjourned till afternoon before reconvening. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the House, said the two men jumped from the gallery before taking out something from their shoes which led to the smoke. "Security officials have nabbed them. The investigation is underway and we will get to know what was their objective and if they are connected to any organisation," said Agarwal. Speaking to reporters outside the building, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said: “Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel." "This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.” Sansad breaking. Two people with tear gas canisters jumped into Lok Sabha well and opened it. House adjourned. #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/UrFZ7xE8pB — sansadflix (@sansadflix) December 13, 2023 × Karti Chidambaram, another Congress MP said the canisters were emitting yellow smoke as one of the unidentified men attempted to make a dash towards the speaker's chair. "They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," said Chidambaram. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kakoli Dastidar said, "Unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas." Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla later said, “We are investigating the matter and have asked Delhi Police to join the inquiry.” He added that according to the preliminary investigation, the smoke sprayed in the house appeared to be "harmless". Watch | 'Will attack Indian Parliament on or before Dec,' Pannun threatens New Delhi × TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added: "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke?" The other man-woman protester duo were detained in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke. According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra. Pannun's threat Notably, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other heavyweight leaders paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on parliament amid tight security in the wake of a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In a video, Pannun had said he would respond to the Indian government by attacking the parliament on or before December 13. His threats followed a reported attempt to murder him was foiled. The parliament's winter session began last Monday (Dec 4) and is expected to continue till December 22. The parliament resumed operations at 2 pm IST with Speaker Om Birla saying: "We will discuss the arrangements. Nobody can stop the house from running. I will call everyone one by one. Smoke has been investigated, nothing to worry for anyone." The house was later adjourned for the day. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters

India's parliament was attacked on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack. Two individuals sprayed gas inside the lower house of the parliament while it was in session. What was the motive and who was behind it?

Parliament security breach: Committee to probe into breach in Lok Sabha on attack anniversary

Parliament security breach: Initial investigation finds 4 accused part of 'Bhagat Singh fan club'

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Wednesday that the security breach in the House is being thoroughly investigated and a meeting of MPs from all parties would be held later in the day to address their concerns.

Parliament security breach: Both intruders overpowered, detained & probe on; Lok Sabha resumes

According to several sources, a major security breach occurred in the Lok Sabha (Parliament) when two individuals in the public gallery, jumped into the House's chamber and released tear gas.

Security breach in Parliament on 2001 attack anniversary; 2 men release smoke, panic in Lok Sabha

Major security breach in Parliament: 2 men release tear gas on 22nd anniversary of attack, detained

Tens of thousands of supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party took to the streets in the country’s capital city of Dhaka, on Saturday (July 29) to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. During the demonstration, Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the stone-throwing crowd that had blocked major roads across the city.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the protesters demanding?</h2>

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have staged multiple protests since last year and called for PM Hasina to step down. They have also demanded that the country hold general elections under a caretaker government.

This comes after the main opposition has been in disarray since its leader Khaleda Zia was jailed in 2018 on graft charges and has also garnered the support of thousands amid mounting anger over the cost of living in Bangladesh.

BNP’s demand to hold the next election, due in January 2024, by a neutral caretaker government has since been rejected by the incumbent government.&nbsp;

“BNP’s one-point demand is the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh....This can only be achieved through a free and fair election, which is not possible under the current regime,” senior BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan told Reuters.

He added, “This government must resign and make way for a free and fair election under an interim government, only through that we can restore a people's government in Bangladesh.”&nbsp;

<h2>About those injured and arrested</h2>

Clashes between the BNP and its supporters erupted after the police moved to clear thousands of people who had blocked traffic on key roads and highways around the city. Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told AFP, “Some officers were injured.”&nbsp;

He added, “We fired tear gas and rubber bullets.” The report citing the police official also said that at least four demonstration sites around the city saw clashes between police and protesters, where 20 officers were injured and 90 protesters were arrested.&nbsp;

Demonstrators at one of the protest sites in Dholaikhal retaliated by throwing rocks at riot police and their vehicles, reported AFP. A police inspector at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital told the news agency that six protesters had been admitted to the hospital with injuries. 
 
Hossain told AFP that senior BNP leaders Goyeshwar Roy and Amanullah Aman had been taken into police custody, on Saturday, but have not formally been arrested.&nbsp;

“The government tried hard to prevent the rally, but it did not succeed. Our leaders and activists defied all obstacles and came to make the rally a success,” said BNP leader Mirza Abbas. He also said that the police arrested at least 100&nbsp;of its supporters, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

However, the police said that they only arrested those who could not provide valid ID.&nbsp;

<h2>Hasina’s regime</h2>

The incumbent PM’s Awami League has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and has been accused of human rights abuses, corruption and creeping authoritarianism. Additionally, &nbsp;opposition and rights groups have criticised Hasina’s government for cracking down on anti-government protests.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Tens of thousands of supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party took to the streets in the country’s capital city of Dhaka, on Saturday (July 29) to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

Tens of thousands of supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party took to the streets in the country’s capital city of Dhaka, on Saturday (July 29) to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. During the demonstration, Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the stone-throwing crowd that had blocked major roads across the city. What are the protesters demanding? The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have staged multiple protests since last year and called for PM Hasina to step down. They have also demanded that the country hold general elections under a caretaker government. This comes after the main opposition has been in disarray since its leader Khaleda Zia was jailed in 2018 on graft charges and has also garnered the support of thousands amid mounting anger over the cost of living in Bangladesh. BNP’s demand to hold the next election, due in January 2024, by a neutral caretaker government has since been rejected by the incumbent government. “BNP’s one-point demand is the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh....This can only be achieved through a free and fair election, which is not possible under the current regime,” senior BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan told Reuters. He added, “This government must resign and make way for a free and fair election under an interim government, only through that we can restore a people's government in Bangladesh.” About those injured and arrested Clashes between the BNP and its supporters erupted after the police moved to clear thousands of people who had blocked traffic on key roads and highways around the city. Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told AFP, “Some officers were injured.” He added, “We fired tear gas and rubber bullets.” The report citing the police official also said that at least four demonstration sites around the city saw clashes between police and protesters, where 20 officers were injured and 90 protesters were arrested. Demonstrators at one of the protest sites in Dholaikhal retaliated by throwing rocks at riot police and their vehicles, reported AFP. A police inspector at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital told the news agency that six protesters had been admitted to the hospital with injuries. Hossain told AFP that senior BNP leaders Goyeshwar Roy and Amanullah Aman had been taken into police custody, on Saturday, but have not formally been arrested. “The government tried hard to prevent the rally, but it did not succeed. Our leaders and activists defied all obstacles and came to make the rally a success,” said BNP leader Mirza Abbas. He also said that the police arrested at least 100 of its supporters, reported Reuters. However, the police said that they only arrested those who could not provide valid ID. Hasina’s regime The incumbent PM’s Awami League has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and has been accused of human rights abuses, corruption and creeping authoritarianism. Additionally, opposition and rights groups have criticised Hasina’s government for cracking down on anti-government protests. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Bangladesh: Police clash with protesters demanding PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation, several injured

Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister.&nbsp;

<h2>Violence in Kenya</h2>

The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While&nbsp;the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters.

According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested.&nbsp;

The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-police-fire-tear-gas-to-stop-opposition-protests-over-tax-hikes-613122">controversial tax hikes</a> that President William Ruto signed into law.&nbsp;

The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”.&nbsp;

The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;

“This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Who all were arrested?</h2>

“More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;

Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests.

<h2>Schools closed</h2>

The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday.&nbsp;

“On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement.&nbsp;

A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living.

Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister. Violence in Kenya The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters. According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested. The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of controversial tax hikes that President William Ruto signed into law. The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”. The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday. “This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters. Who all were arrested? “More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests. Schools closed The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday. “On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement. A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Kenya: Protesters clash with police as three-day protest over tax hikes begins; over 300 arrested

Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media. This has since reportedly prompted the Kenyan police to fire teargas in a crowd of thousands of opposition protesters, on Friday (July 7) to disperse the protesters in the capital city of Nairobi.

<h2>Protests&nbsp;on Friday</h2>

According to local media reports, the protests that began at around 9:00 am (local time), on Friday called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, gained momentum across the country by afternoon,&nbsp;over a raft of controversial tax hikes.&nbsp;

The Kenyan police also fired tear gas in the capital city of Nairobi to disperse the protesters who had barricaded sections of two roads, reported the Daily Nation newspaper. Additionally, the local media has also reported that shops and businesses were closed in downtown Nairobi, while they were still open in the main central business district.&nbsp;

There was also reportedly a heavy deployment of police in the capital city’s central business district where the main government buildings are located with officers patrolling on foot, in vehicles and on horseback. Additionally, several roads in Nairobi were also closed.&nbsp;

The protests have been dubbed “Saba Saba” (Seven Seven) as it is taking place on the seventh day of the seventh month. Odinga also addressed a crowd of at least 2,000 supporters in an open ground just outside of the main business district in the afternoon.&nbsp;

According to the Daily Nation, police also fired tear gas at the Azimio la Umoja leader’s convoy after the party leaders told supporters at Kamukunji Grounds to march to Nairobi’s Central Park. However, some protesters also threw rocks at officers before turning back after the police started firing teargas to stop the crowd, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Tear gas was fired to disperse protesters in the city of Mombasa as people chanted “the struggle is not over,” reported the news agency AFP. Meanwhile, footage aired by&nbsp;KTN News shows motorists taking u-turns and scrambling to get away from the tear-gas-drenched street in Mombasa while protesters fled on foot.&nbsp;

According to reports protesters also clashed with the police in Kisii municipality where demonstrators blocked several roads into the area.

Dozens arrested 
 
According to a coalition of human rights groups said police&nbsp;arrested 17 protesters in&nbsp;Nairobi. In a statement, the&nbsp;group of 10 watchdogs said "We witnessed protesters being dragged on the ground," and called for an investigation into police&nbsp;during the protests. However, the arrests were not immediately confirmed by officials.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the new finance bill about?</h2>

In recent weeks, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has repeatedly called for anti-government protests over the impact of the tax increases which have been opposed at a time when people in the country are struggling to buy basic commodities such as maize flour.

“I hope this demo will make a difference,” a 24-year-old manual worker, Alex Dwisa, told AFP. He added, “The cost of living is too high, I don’t have 10k (10,000 Kenyan shillings/$70) to send my two kids to school.”

The Finance Act would impose new taxes or increases on a range of basic goods such as fuel, food as well as mobile money transfers. The bill recently signed into law has also sought to levy additional taxes on Kenyans to fund a housing scheme.

This comes as President William Ruto signed the finance bill into law which is expected to raise an extra 200 billion shillings ($1.42 billion) a year to help the country’s growing debt repayment. Ruto’s government has previously defended the decision to raise taxes and said it would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing.&nbsp;

Critics have also accused Ruto of backing out on his election campaign promises. “Kenyans elected leaders to parliament and they have betrayed them,” said Odinga on Friday, as quoted by AFP. He added, “Ruto himself who took over power illegally has betrayed Kenyans.”&nbsp;

This also comes as last week, the High Court suspended the implementation of the finance law. However, the incumbent government raised retail prices of petrol anyway, prompting an opposition senator to file a case against the head of the energy sector regulator for contempt and sought imprisonment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media.

Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media. This has since reportedly prompted the Kenyan police to fire teargas in a crowd of thousands of opposition protesters, on Friday (July 7) to disperse the protesters in the capital city of Nairobi. Protests on Friday According to local media reports, the protests that began at around 9:00 am (local time), on Friday called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, gained momentum across the country by afternoon, over a raft of controversial tax hikes. The Kenyan police also fired tear gas in the capital city of Nairobi to disperse the protesters who had barricaded sections of two roads, reported the Daily Nation newspaper. Additionally, the local media has also reported that shops and businesses were closed in downtown Nairobi, while they were still open in the main central business district. There was also reportedly a heavy deployment of police in the capital city’s central business district where the main government buildings are located with officers patrolling on foot, in vehicles and on horseback. Additionally, several roads in Nairobi were also closed. The protests have been dubbed “Saba Saba” (Seven Seven) as it is taking place on the seventh day of the seventh month. Odinga also addressed a crowd of at least 2,000 supporters in an open ground just outside of the main business district in the afternoon. According to the Daily Nation, police also fired tear gas at the Azimio la Umoja leader’s convoy after the party leaders told supporters at Kamukunji Grounds to march to Nairobi’s Central Park. However, some protesters also threw rocks at officers before turning back after the police started firing teargas to stop the crowd, reported Reuters. Tear gas was fired to disperse protesters in the city of Mombasa as people chanted “the struggle is not over,” reported the news agency AFP. Meanwhile, footage aired by KTN News shows motorists taking u-turns and scrambling to get away from the tear-gas-drenched street in Mombasa while protesters fled on foot. According to reports protesters also clashed with the police in Kisii municipality where demonstrators blocked several roads into the area. Dozens arrested According to a coalition of human rights groups said police arrested 17 protesters in Nairobi. In a statement, the group of 10 watchdogs said "We witnessed protesters being dragged on the ground," and called for an investigation into police during the protests. However, the arrests were not immediately confirmed by officials. What is the new finance bill about? In recent weeks, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has repeatedly called for anti-government protests over the impact of the tax increases which have been opposed at a time when people in the country are struggling to buy basic commodities such as maize flour. “I hope this demo will make a difference,” a 24-year-old manual worker, Alex Dwisa, told AFP. He added, “The cost of living is too high, I don’t have 10k (10,000 Kenyan shillings/$70) to send my two kids to school.” The Finance Act would impose new taxes or increases on a range of basic goods such as fuel, food as well as mobile money transfers. The bill recently signed into law has also sought to levy additional taxes on Kenyans to fund a housing scheme. This comes as President William Ruto signed the finance bill into law which is expected to raise an extra 200 billion shillings ($1.42 billion) a year to help the country’s growing debt repayment. Ruto’s government has previously defended the decision to raise taxes and said it would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Critics have also accused Ruto of backing out on his election campaign promises. “Kenyans elected leaders to parliament and they have betrayed them,” said Odinga on Friday, as quoted by AFP. He added, “Ruto himself who took over power illegally has betrayed Kenyans.” This also comes as last week, the High Court suspended the implementation of the finance law. However, the incumbent government raised retail prices of petrol anyway, prompting an opposition senator to file a case against the head of the energy sector regulator for contempt and sought imprisonment. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Kenyan police fire tear gas to stop opposition protests over tax hikes, dozens arrested

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Sri Lanka is reeling under a severe economic crisis. A few of the protesting medical students from Sri Lankan universities clashed with the police on May 29.

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As former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan led an anti-government rally to Islamabad on Wednesday demanding fresh elections, police used tear gas and batons and detained hundreds of PTI protesters in a bid to disrupt the march.

Pakistan: Heavy violence during Imran Khan’s freedom march, police fire tear gas at PTI supporters

PTI Chairman and ousted prime minister Imran Khan entered Islamabad in the early hours of Thursday and marched towards D-Chowk. Police resorted to firing tear gas and baton charges on Wednesday and detained hundreds of PTI protesters in a bid to disrupt the march.

Pakistan: PTI chief Imran khan's caravan headed towards D-chowk

Pakistan: Imran khan's caravan headed towards D-chowk

As former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan led an anti-government rally to Islamabad on Wednesday demanding fresh elections, police used tear gas and batons and detained hundreds of his protesters in a bid to disrupt the march.

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called off his most anticipated long march, giving a six-day ultimatum to government to dissolve assemblies and announce fresh elections.

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In pics: Indonesian police fire tear gas and water canon at students protesting

Police&nbsp;in Kathmandu&nbsp;fired&nbsp;teargas&nbsp;and&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;to&nbsp;disperse&nbsp;protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded&nbsp;infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in&nbsp;Nepal's capital said.

Some&nbsp;protesters were injured in the clashes, they said.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in&nbsp;Nepal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mcc-ratification-nepals-sovereign-decision-us-454675">MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US&nbsp;</a>

Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine&nbsp;Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.

Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money.

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and improve the lives of&nbsp;Nepalis."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-says-us-and-british-spies-cant-be-trusted-on-ukraine-454775">Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine</a>

"This project was requested by the&nbsp;Nepali government and the&nbsp;Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of&nbsp;Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday.

"Whether&nbsp;Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and&nbsp;Nepal's decision alone," it added.

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-deuba-fails-to-garner-consent-for-mcc-as-coalition-divided-over-the-grant-454229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nepal&nbsp;relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said. Some protesters were injured in the clashes, they said. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal. Also read | MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project. Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis." Also read | Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine "This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday. "Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone," it added. Watch | Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant Nepal relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the Nepal Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects

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