Tensions Escalate In Hong Kong As PLA Seems To Be Preparing For Military Crackdown. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

Chinese paramilitary forces were seen near close to the border with Hong Kong. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: Chinese paramilitary forces seen near HK

The situation in Hong Kong seemed tense as police dressed in riot gear reached the airport. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: UK condemns violence in Hong Kong

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and he urged calm.

Hong Kong protests: Hope 'nobody gets killed', says Donald Trump

Hong Kong protests: Protesters and police clash at the airport, 2 injured

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-another-weekend-of-protests-241947">anti-government protesters on Saturday</a>, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend.&nbsp;

Weeks of increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-step-up-war-of-words-over-hong-kong-241944">US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong</a>

On Saturday activists rallied across the city - with thousands thronging the airport arrivals hall for a second day - while elsewhere police displayed a new willingness to quickly and forcibly clear them from the streets.&nbsp;

Tear gas was used with little warning not long after several hundred activists who had marched through Tai Po in the north of the territory had barricaded an intersection in the Tai Wai neighbourhood.

They dispersed, as noxious smoke also filled the underground station there, bringing train passengers to tears.&nbsp;

"If the government thinks we`ll give up and not come out anymore they`re wrong," said student Chris Wong, 20, at Tai Po.

"Carrie Lam is now spreading lies and blaming us for destroying Hong Kong`s economy. But she`s the one who is destroying Hong Kong," he said. "We`ll continue to fight...but we`re also going to be smart and wear them down."

Lam, Hong Kong`s leader, said on Friday the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June.

China, meanwhile, demanded that the city`s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week.&nbsp;

Lam`s warning about the economy and China`s targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with the crisis.

"We are very angry"

It did not deter thousands of demonstrators.

Leung Wai Man, a housewife in her 60s, said she had been motivated to march in Tai Po because she was angry about what she saw as the violent response by police at some protests.

"We are very angry about the police over arresting our teenagers," she said. She said she was worried about escalating violence, but added that "the protesters were just trying to protect themselves against police violence."&nbsp;

Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. However, older people have also been appearing.

Earlier on Saturday, in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre`s business district. Both marches were peaceful.

"There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organising committee for what was billed as the family protest.

"The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns."

Thousands of activists also filled the airport`s arrivals hall for a second day, some sitting and shouting slogans, while others drew protest posters and greeted arriving passengers.

There were no reports of flight disruptions.

The protests began after Hong Kong`s government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to mainland China for trial.

The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam`s resignation.

The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest. 
Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997.&nbsp;

On Friday, the US State department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop.

Ortagus earlier called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.

More protests are planned for Sunday, including one in Sham Shui Po, a working class neighbourhood that has been the scene of violent confrontations between activists and police. The government announced that public buildings there such as pools and libraries would be shut on Sunday afternoon.

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters on Saturday, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend.

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters on Saturday, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend. Weeks of increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing. Also read: US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong On Saturday activists rallied across the city - with thousands thronging the airport arrivals hall for a second day - while elsewhere police displayed a new willingness to quickly and forcibly clear them from the streets. Tear gas was used with little warning not long after several hundred activists who had marched through Tai Po in the north of the territory had barricaded an intersection in the Tai Wai neighbourhood. They dispersed, as noxious smoke also filled the underground station there, bringing train passengers to tears. "If the government thinks we`ll give up and not come out anymore they`re wrong," said student Chris Wong, 20, at Tai Po. "Carrie Lam is now spreading lies and blaming us for destroying Hong Kong`s economy. But she`s the one who is destroying Hong Kong," he said. "We`ll continue to fight...but we`re also going to be smart and wear them down." Lam, Hong Kong`s leader, said on Friday the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June. China, meanwhile, demanded that the city`s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week. Lam`s warning about the economy and China`s targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with the crisis. "We are very angry" It did not deter thousands of demonstrators. Leung Wai Man, a housewife in her 60s, said she had been motivated to march in Tai Po because she was angry about what she saw as the violent response by police at some protests. "We are very angry about the police over arresting our teenagers," she said. She said she was worried about escalating violence, but added that "the protesters were just trying to protect themselves against police violence." Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. However, older people have also been appearing. Earlier on Saturday, in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre`s business district. Both marches were peaceful. "There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organising committee for what was billed as the family protest. "The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns." Thousands of activists also filled the airport`s arrivals hall for a second day, some sitting and shouting slogans, while others drew protest posters and greeted arriving passengers. There were no reports of flight disruptions. The protests began after Hong Kong`s government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to mainland China for trial. The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam`s resignation. The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest. Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997. On Friday, the US State department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop. Ortagus earlier called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat. More protests are planned for Sunday, including one in Sham Shui Po, a working class neighbourhood that has been the scene of violent confrontations between activists and police. The government announced that public buildings there such as pools and libraries would be shut on Sunday afternoon.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas during another weekend of protests

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-seize-roads-in-defiance-of-china-warnings-240463">pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district</a>, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested.

But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies in the coming days.&nbsp;

Saturday's violence -- the ninth consecutive weekend of clashes -- took place in Tsim Sha Tsui, a usually bustling harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels.

Officers with gas masks and shields charged at hundreds of protesters who had been besieging a nearby police station.

Masked demonstrators had smashed the windows of cars in the police parking lot and daubed nearby walls with graffiti. One team of protesters created a large slingshot -- held up by two members -- to launch bricks at the building.

Watch: Hong Kong protests - protesters gather in Mong Kok

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-protesters-gather-in-mong-kok-240393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Police fired volleys of tear gas followed by baton charges and made multiple arrests.

Earlier in the day tens of thousands of protesters had marched through nearby streets, embracing their mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee.

The seized roads, built barricades and even briefly blocked a cross-harbour tunnel.

"We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP.

City-wide strike

Hong Kong has witnessed two months of huge rallies -- often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.

And there is no sign of the chaos abating.

Many of the chants and graffiti tags are thrown up Saturday called for residents to join a planned city-wide strike on Monday.

"The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP.

Two marches are also planned for Sunday while the call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

Anger towards the police is at record levels with officers increasingly seen as Beijing's enforcers -- although police deny using excessive force and say they are facing increasingly hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

Violence escalating

The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds.

A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances.

Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police -- who have refuted allegations of using excessive force.

Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West.

China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances.

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China.

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested. But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies in the coming days. Saturday's violence -- the ninth consecutive weekend of clashes -- took place in Tsim Sha Tsui, a usually bustling harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels. Officers with gas masks and shields charged at hundreds of protesters who had been besieging a nearby police station. Masked demonstrators had smashed the windows of cars in the police parking lot and daubed nearby walls with graffiti. One team of protesters created a large slingshot -- held up by two members -- to launch bricks at the building. Watch: Hong Kong protests - protesters gather in Mong Kok × Police fired volleys of tear gas followed by baton charges and made multiple arrests. Earlier in the day tens of thousands of protesters had marched through nearby streets, embracing their mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The seized roads, built barricades and even briefly blocked a cross-harbour tunnel. "We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP. City-wide strike Hong Kong has witnessed two months of huge rallies -- often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. And there is no sign of the chaos abating. Many of the chants and graffiti tags are thrown up Saturday called for residents to join a planned city-wide strike on Monday. "The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP. Two marches are also planned for Sunday while the call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland. Anger towards the police is at record levels with officers increasingly seen as Beijing's enforcers -- although police deny using excessive force and say they are facing increasingly hardcore protesters. Violence escalating The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances. Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders. Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police -- who have refuted allegations of using excessive force. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West. China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances.

Hong Kong unrest: Violence rise despite warnings from China, riot police fire tear gas at protesters

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 29th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-defy-police-again-begin-banned-march-238981">Riot police in Hong Kong</a> launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office -&nbsp;China's top policy unit for the two cities -&nbsp;said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing.

Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating.

Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory.

Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city.

A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly".

Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest.

Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists.

The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations.&nbsp;

Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint.

"Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday.

Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend.

Unprecedented anger

Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos.

Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.

Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-protesters-to-march-through-the-city-239032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

"You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Battle for Yuen Long

Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond.

In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters.

They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders.&nbsp;

On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads.

Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters.&nbsp;

Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured.

Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators. As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office - China's top policy unit for the two cities - said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing. Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating. Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory. Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city. A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly". Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest. Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists. The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations. Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint. "Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday. Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend. Unprecedented anger Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. "You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP. Battle for Yuen Long Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond. In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters. They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders. On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads. Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters. Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured. Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved.

The joint probe by prosecutors and Sudan's ruling military council showed that security forces, including a general from the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, took part in the June 3 raid on the protest camp -- despite having no orders from their superiors to do so.

The eight accused officers face charges of crimes against humanity, chief investigator Fatah al-Rahman Saeed told reporters on Saturday.

But protest leaders rejected the findings of the investigation, saying it exonerated the military council and gave a far lower death toll than their own figures.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say the June 3 raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded.&nbsp;

Saeed said investigators found that just 17 people were killed on June 3, while a total of 87 died between that day and June 10.

The Sudanese Professionals Association, the key protest group which first spearheaded the campaign against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, rejected the probe.

Saeed's inquiry "was commissioned by the military council, this is challenging its integrity as the military council itself is accused in this case," it said.

On Sunday, scores of protesters chanting the months-long protest movement's catchcry of "Freedom, peace, justice!" rallied in Khartoum's eastern Burri district, witnesses said, adding that riot police swiftly dispersed the crowd with tear gas.

Some protesters threw stones at the police, the witnesses said.

The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the sit-in, which protesters had set up on April 6 to demand the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters stayed at the protest camp to demand that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians.

General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF and is also the ruling military council's deputy chief, has consistently denied that his men were involved in the crackdown, which triggered international outrage.

But Saeed said an RSF general had ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in as a separate security force was clearing a nearby area known as Colombia.

"They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed said.

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved.

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved. The joint probe by prosecutors and Sudan's ruling military council showed that security forces, including a general from the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, took part in the June 3 raid on the protest camp -- despite having no orders from their superiors to do so. The eight accused officers face charges of crimes against humanity, chief investigator Fatah al-Rahman Saeed told reporters on Saturday. But protest leaders rejected the findings of the investigation, saying it exonerated the military council and gave a far lower death toll than their own figures. Doctors linked to the protest movement say the June 3 raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded. Saeed said investigators found that just 17 people were killed on June 3, while a total of 87 died between that day and June 10. The Sudanese Professionals Association, the key protest group which first spearheaded the campaign against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, rejected the probe. Saeed's inquiry "was commissioned by the military council, this is challenging its integrity as the military council itself is accused in this case," it said. On Sunday, scores of protesters chanting the months-long protest movement's catchcry of "Freedom, peace, justice!" rallied in Khartoum's eastern Burri district, witnesses said, adding that riot police swiftly dispersed the crowd with tear gas. Some protesters threw stones at the police, the witnesses said. The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the sit-in, which protesters had set up on April 6 to demand the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters stayed at the protest camp to demand that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians. General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF and is also the ruling military council's deputy chief, has consistently denied that his men were involved in the crackdown, which triggered international outrage. But Saeed said an RSF general had ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in as a separate security force was clearing a nearby area known as Colombia. "They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed said.

Sudan police tear gas rally urging impartial probe into deadly raid

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 28th, 2019

A day after the police used tear gas against Hong Kong protesters, Hong Kong continues to be on the boil. Thousands have come out again on to the city streets. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters to march through the city

Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters who had gathered in a rural Hong Kong town on Saturday (July 27) to demonstrate against a recent gang attack.

Police fire tear gas at Hong Kong activists

A major anti-government march in Hong Kong turned violent and created chaos late on Sunday, as police fired teargas on protesters and unidentified masked men attacked commuters returning from the demonstration. Watch full video to know more.

Hong Kong police use tear gas and rubber bullets as protests turn violent

The Hong Kong protest intensifies as Police use tear gas shells on Protesters.

Hong Kong Protest: Police use tear gas shells on Protesters

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators on Saturday (April 6) in the western French city of Nantes in another weekend of anti government protests.

22nd Weekend of Yellow Vest Protests

Tear gas fired as Guaido rallies in Venezuela, crisis continues

Turnout for a 16th round of "yellow vest" protests in France on Saturday was half the previous week's levels and marches were largely peaceful, in a relief for President Emmanuel Macron who has struggled to find a response to the movement.

The interior ministry said it had counted just 5,600 protesters nationwide at 1300 GMT, of which 1,320 were in Paris. Around the same time last week the ministry had said it counted 11,600 people nationwide, including 4,000 in the capital, though turnout for the day as a whole was much higher.

A total 46,000 had marched nationwide last Saturday, compared with 41,000 the week before and 51,400 the week before that - well down on the more than 300,000 who marched at the start of the movement in November, in a protest which degenerated into violent clashes with police in subsequent weeks.

Protesters marched largely peacefully on Saturday from the Arc de Triomphe to Place Denfert-Rochereau on the residential left bank, though water cannon were briefly used to douse protesters on the Champs Elysees boulevard.

Tear gas and water cannon were also used in Bordeaux, and in Toulouse, where some protesters marched behind a "cacatov party" banner - a play on Molotov cocktail firebombs - encouraging people to throw "poo-bombs" at police.

There were no reports of anyone being hit by a "catatov", but the threat of excrement projectiles was of concern to reporters covering the marches in Toulouse and Paris.

Despite the relatively low turnout, large parts of central Paris were in lockdown as thousands of police cordoned off key areas around the presidential palace and government buildings.

"Stop this violence ... the place to express your view in a democratic way is at the debates," Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud told LCI television, referring to government-organised nationwide debates where citizens can express their views.

The gradual fizzling out of the movement is a boon for Macron's centrist government, which has struggled to respond to a diffuse and largely leaderless movement that started as a protest against high fuel prices but has morphed into a broad anti-government protest.

After boosting government support for low-income workers by some 10 billion euros ($11.4 billion) at the start of the year and starting a series on marathon debates with local representatives, Macron's approval ratings have gradually recovered in recent weeks.

Last week, an Odoxa poll showed the percentage of people who consider Macron a good president rose to 32 percent, back to where it was when the protests started and off a low of 27 percent in mid-December as protesters rampaged through central Paris and other cities.

Turnout for a 16th round of "yellow vest" protests in France on Saturday was half the previous week's levels and marches were largely peaceful, in a relief for President Emmanuel Macron who has struggled to find a response to the movement.

Turnout for a 16th round of "yellow vest" protests in France on Saturday was half the previous week's levels and marches were largely peaceful, in a relief for President Emmanuel Macron who has struggled to find a response to the movement. The interior ministry said it had counted just 5,600 protesters nationwide at 1300 GMT, of which 1,320 were in Paris. Around the same time last week the ministry had said it counted 11,600 people nationwide, including 4,000 in the capital, though turnout for the day as a whole was much higher. A total 46,000 had marched nationwide last Saturday, compared with 41,000 the week before and 51,400 the week before that - well down on the more than 300,000 who marched at the start of the movement in November, in a protest which degenerated into violent clashes with police in subsequent weeks. Protesters marched largely peacefully on Saturday from the Arc de Triomphe to Place Denfert-Rochereau on the residential left bank, though water cannon were briefly used to douse protesters on the Champs Elysees boulevard. Tear gas and water cannon were also used in Bordeaux, and in Toulouse, where some protesters marched behind a "cacatov party" banner - a play on Molotov cocktail firebombs - encouraging people to throw "poo-bombs" at police. There were no reports of anyone being hit by a "catatov", but the threat of excrement projectiles was of concern to reporters covering the marches in Toulouse and Paris. Despite the relatively low turnout, large parts of central Paris were in lockdown as thousands of police cordoned off key areas around the presidential palace and government buildings. "Stop this violence ... the place to express your view in a democratic way is at the debates," Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud told LCI television, referring to government-organised nationwide debates where citizens can express their views. The gradual fizzling out of the movement is a boon for Macron's centrist government, which has struggled to respond to a diffuse and largely leaderless movement that started as a protest against high fuel prices but has morphed into a broad anti-government protest. After boosting government support for low-income workers by some 10 billion euros ($11.4 billion) at the start of the year and starting a series on marathon debates with local representatives, Macron's approval ratings have gradually recovered in recent weeks. Last week, an Odoxa poll showed the percentage of people who consider Macron a good president rose to 32 percent, back to where it was when the protests started and off a low of 27 percent in mid-December as protesters rampaged through central Paris and other cities.

France's 'yellow vest' protest numbers sharply down, government figures show

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vests-marching-for-everyone-protester-says-as-support-falls-197822">14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests</a> took a violent turn in the afternoon.

In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said.

Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower.

Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported.

In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed.

Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported.

A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. 
But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country.

"I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them."

There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday.

The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates.

French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon. In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said. Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower. Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported. In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed. Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported. A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country. "I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them." There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday. The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates. French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fire tear gas as latest 'yellow vest' protests turn violent

9th weekend of Yellow Vest protests; Water cannon, arrests and tear gas

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low.&nbsp;

Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of France Televisions and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.

Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people.

Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

In the southern city of Marseille, police said 900 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out".

The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17.

But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests.

The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France.

"We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes.

Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille.

The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police.

Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests.

Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent".

Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.

Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people.

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low. Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of France Televisions and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people. Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. In the southern city of Marseille, police said 900 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out". The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17. But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests. The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France. "We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes. Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille. The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police. Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests. Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent". Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.

Police teargas 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris

A <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-major-border-crossing-as-migrants-try-to-cross-from-mexico-179409">migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas</a> at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US&nbsp;Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

After travelling north from Honduras and spending a week in the Mexican border town of Tijuana, Maria Meza, 35, set out on Sunday with her five children to claim asylum at the US border crossing.

She and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-deports-scores-of-central-american-migrants-that-stormed-us-border-179645">hundreds of other Central American migrants</a> were blocked by Mexican police and staged a protest in front of the border, some rushing the US fence.

Three tear gas canisters shot from the US&nbsp;side landed around Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter.

"The first thing I did was grab my children," said Meza. A photo of her clutching the hands of twin five-year-old daughters Saira and Cheili, as her 13-year-old daughter Jamie runs alongside, has gone viral and sparked angry reactions from some lawmakers and charities.

"I was scared, and I thought I was going to die with them because of the gas," said Meza.

Her young son James nearly fainted when a canister landed near him. Meza fell and struggled to get up amidst the gas. A young man gave her his hand and pulled her to her feet.

"We never thought they were going to fire these bombs where there were children, because there were lots of children," said Meza, sitting in view of the rusted-steel US&nbsp;border fence.

"It wasn't right, they know we are human beings, the same as them," said Meza.

The US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security said US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection officers were struck by projectiles thrown by the migrants.

Around 5,200 people who travelled in a caravan across Mexico are packed into the shelter in a stadium in Tijuana, living in makeshift tents.

President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance against the migrants, who have made their way north from violent and impoverished Central American countries. On Monday, he said Mexico should send them back to their home countries.

The US&nbsp;Border Patrol said most of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum.

"I came here for one reason, and that's because there is a lot of violence in Honduras," said Meza, as her children played with empty tear gas canisters shot by the Border Patrol.

The United States shut the crossing for several hours on Sunday and Trump has threatened to close the border entirely.

"If they close the border I ask God that here in Tijuana, or in another country they open doors to us, to allow me to survive with my children," said Meza.

A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families. After travelling north from Honduras and spending a week in the Mexican border town of Tijuana, Maria Meza, 35, set out on Sunday with her five children to claim asylum at the US border crossing. She and hundreds of other Central American migrants were blocked by Mexican police and staged a protest in front of the border, some rushing the US fence. Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter. "The first thing I did was grab my children," said Meza. A photo of her clutching the hands of twin five-year-old daughters Saira and Cheili, as her 13-year-old daughter Jamie runs alongside, has gone viral and sparked angry reactions from some lawmakers and charities. "I was scared, and I thought I was going to die with them because of the gas," said Meza. Her young son James nearly fainted when a canister landed near him. Meza fell and struggled to get up amidst the gas. A young man gave her his hand and pulled her to her feet. "We never thought they were going to fire these bombs where there were children, because there were lots of children," said Meza, sitting in view of the rusted-steel US border fence. "It wasn't right, they know we are human beings, the same as them," said Meza. The US Department of Homeland Security said US Customs and Border Protection officers were struck by projectiles thrown by the migrants. Around 5,200 people who travelled in a caravan across Mexico are packed into the shelter in a stadium in Tijuana, living in makeshift tents. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance against the migrants, who have made their way north from violent and impoverished Central American countries. On Monday, he said Mexico should send them back to their home countries. The US Border Patrol said most of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum. "I came here for one reason, and that's because there is a lot of violence in Honduras," said Meza, as her children played with empty tear gas canisters shot by the Border Patrol. The United States shut the crossing for several hours on Sunday and Trump has threatened to close the border entirely. "If they close the border I ask God that here in Tijuana, or in another country they open doors to us, to allow me to survive with my children," said Meza.

Watch: 'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US&nbsp;government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said.

The formal request came a day after US&nbsp;authorities fired tear gas canisters toward migrants in Mexico - near the border crossing separating Tijuana from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States.

More than 40 were arrested on the US&nbsp;side, US&nbsp;border authorities said, adding that none were believed to have successfully crossed further into Californian territory.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump told reporters at an event in Mississippi that he would close the border if migrants "charge" the barrier. During the melee on Sunday, US&nbsp;authorities shut San Ysidro, the country's busiest border crossing, for several hours.

"We would close it and we'll keep it closed if we're going to have a problem. We’ll keep it closed for a long period of time," Trump said.

Sunday's incident was the latest chapter in a saga that has pitted Trump's hardline immigration policies against thousands of migrants who have made their way north through Mexico from violent and impoverished Central American countries.

Tensions had been growing in Tijuana, and Trump said on Saturday the migrants would have to wait in Mexico until their individual asylum claims were resolved in the United States. That would be a significant shift in asylum policy that could keep Central Americans in Mexico for more than a year.

Trump went further on Monday, saying Mexico should send the Central Americans, mostly Hondurans, back home.

"Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the US&nbsp;We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted.

Mexico has been in negotiations with the United States over a possible scheme to keep migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are processed.

The team of Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office on Saturday, has said no deal has been agreed on the migrants. But officials have hinted they could remain.

"We should be objective, whatever happens they will stay in Mexico," said Alejandro Encinas, an incoming deputy interior minister. "Migrants have rights and we will respect them."

Criticism

US&nbsp;government agencies defended the response to Sunday's incident at the San Ysidro crossing south of San Diego, California. News pictures showing children fleeing tear gas prompted sharp criticism from some lawmakers and charities.

British aid group Oxfam said the use of tear gas was shameful.

"Images of barefoot children choking on tear gas thrown by US&nbsp;Customs and Border Patrol should shock us to our core," Vicki Gass, Oxfam America Senior Policy Advisor for Central America, said in a statement.

Democrats and other critics called the use of tear gas an overreaction, and questioned the idea of keeping the migrants in Mexico to make asylum claims there.

Some rights advocates and legal experts were concerned that the Trump administration was seeking to exploit the clashes.

Geoffrey Hoffman, a professor and director of the University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic, which represents migrants applying for asylum, said the government would use it to push the argument that the migrants should remain in Mexico.

Still, Rodney Scott, chief US&nbsp;Border Patrol agent in San Diego, told CNN the vast majority of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum, and said there were few women and children.

"What I saw on the border yesterday was not people walking up to Border Patrol agents and asking to claim asylum," he said.

US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement that the agency has "confirmed that there are over 600 convicted criminals traveling with the caravan."

She also said the women and children in the caravan were being used as "human shields" by organizers when they confront law enforcement.

CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said in a statement four agents were hit with rocks on Sunday, but they did not suffer serious injuries.

Waiting game

Tijuana police chief Mario Martinez told a news conference on Monday that 194 Central Americans had been arrested in the 15 days the caravan has been in the area.

The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups, or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US&nbsp;border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border.

Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, who has said his city is facing a humanitarian crisis, told a local radio station the United States would take up to three months to start processing asylum requests.

Many of those in Tijuana have said they will wait there until they can seek asylum. If they enter the United States, legally or illegally, they have a right to seek asylum.

Melkin Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Honduran man, recounting Sunday's tear gas firing, said: "I fell in dirty water when I was running (away) and I still don't have any clothes to change into. Even so, I'm not going back to Honduras, I want to go to the United States."

The US&nbsp;military said it had shifted about 300 service members from Texas and Arizona to California in recent days. In total, about 5,600 active-duty troops are on the border with Mexico.

US&nbsp;military officials have said they expected troops to be repositioned as the situation developed and changed.

Nielsen said her agency was prepared to address any future violence by deploying more US&nbsp;military forces.

US&nbsp;lawmakers face a deadline to approve funding for the federal government by December 7. Trump has threatened to shut down the government unless Congress pays for his planned border wall.

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said.

Mexico's foreign ministry presented a diplomatic note to the US government on Monday calling for "a full investigation" into what it described as non-lethal weapons directed toward Mexican territory on Sunday, a statement from the ministry said. The formal request came a day after US authorities fired tear gas canisters toward migrants in Mexico - near the border crossing separating Tijuana from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. More than 40 were arrested on the US side, US border authorities said, adding that none were believed to have successfully crossed further into Californian territory. US President Donald Trump told reporters at an event in Mississippi that he would close the border if migrants "charge" the barrier. During the melee on Sunday, US authorities shut San Ysidro, the country's busiest border crossing, for several hours. "We would close it and we'll keep it closed if we're going to have a problem. We’ll keep it closed for a long period of time," Trump said. Sunday's incident was the latest chapter in a saga that has pitted Trump's hardline immigration policies against thousands of migrants who have made their way north through Mexico from violent and impoverished Central American countries. Tensions had been growing in Tijuana, and Trump said on Saturday the migrants would have to wait in Mexico until their individual asylum claims were resolved in the United States. That would be a significant shift in asylum policy that could keep Central Americans in Mexico for more than a year. Trump went further on Monday, saying Mexico should send the Central Americans, mostly Hondurans, back home. "Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the US We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted. Mexico has been in negotiations with the United States over a possible scheme to keep migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are processed. The team of Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who takes office on Saturday, has said no deal has been agreed on the migrants. But officials have hinted they could remain. "We should be objective, whatever happens they will stay in Mexico," said Alejandro Encinas, an incoming deputy interior minister. "Migrants have rights and we will respect them." Criticism US government agencies defended the response to Sunday's incident at the San Ysidro crossing south of San Diego, California. News pictures showing children fleeing tear gas prompted sharp criticism from some lawmakers and charities. British aid group Oxfam said the use of tear gas was shameful. "Images of barefoot children choking on tear gas thrown by US Customs and Border Patrol should shock us to our core," Vicki Gass, Oxfam America Senior Policy Advisor for Central America, said in a statement. Democrats and other critics called the use of tear gas an overreaction, and questioned the idea of keeping the migrants in Mexico to make asylum claims there. Some rights advocates and legal experts were concerned that the Trump administration was seeking to exploit the clashes. Geoffrey Hoffman, a professor and director of the University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic, which represents migrants applying for asylum, said the government would use it to push the argument that the migrants should remain in Mexico. Still, Rodney Scott, chief US Border Patrol agent in San Diego, told CNN the vast majority of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum, and said there were few women and children. "What I saw on the border yesterday was not people walking up to Border Patrol agents and asking to claim asylum," he said. US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement that the agency has "confirmed that there are over 600 convicted criminals traveling with the caravan." She also said the women and children in the caravan were being used as "human shields" by organizers when they confront law enforcement. CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said in a statement four agents were hit with rocks on Sunday, but they did not suffer serious injuries. Waiting game Tijuana police chief Mario Martinez told a news conference on Monday that 194 Central Americans had been arrested in the 15 days the caravan has been in the area. The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups, or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border. Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum, who has said his city is facing a humanitarian crisis, told a local radio station the United States would take up to three months to start processing asylum requests. Many of those in Tijuana have said they will wait there until they can seek asylum. If they enter the United States, legally or illegally, they have a right to seek asylum. Melkin Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Honduran man, recounting Sunday's tear gas firing, said: "I fell in dirty water when I was running (away) and I still don't have any clothes to change into. Even so, I'm not going back to Honduras, I want to go to the United States." The US military said it had shifted about 300 service members from Texas and Arizona to California in recent days. In total, about 5,600 active-duty troops are on the border with Mexico. US military officials have said they expected troops to be repositioned as the situation developed and changed. Nielsen said her agency was prepared to address any future violence by deploying more US military forces. US lawmakers face a deadline to approve funding for the federal government by December 7. Trump has threatened to shut down the government unless Congress pays for his planned border wall.

Mexico calls for 'full investigation' of US tear gas at border

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border.

"They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

"The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-deports-scores-of-central-american-migrants-that-stormed-us-border-179645">Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border</a>

Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using&nbsp;unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US.

"They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said.

US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States.

According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead.

People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety.

The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections.

The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US&nbsp;border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border.

Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard.

To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year.

(With inputs from news agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi. "The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added. Also read: Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US. "They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said. US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead. People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety. The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections. The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border. Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard. To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year. (With inputs from news agencies)

It's very safe: Trump defends use of tear gas on migrants who rushed border

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace.

Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief".

For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories.

They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles.

Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters.

"We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force.

Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day.

Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups.

Protests spread

The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity.

Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire.

The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government.

Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration.

But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France. Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace. Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief". For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories. They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles. Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters. "We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force. Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day. Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups. Protests spread The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity. Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire. The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday. While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government. Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration. But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

French police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters

Congolese police and soldiers on Sunday set up checkpoints across the capital Kinshasa and fired teargas at opposition supporters who had gathered outside churches to protest against President Joseph Kabila.

Authorities ordered internet and SMS services to be cut following calls by Catholic activists for protest marches after Sunday mass.

The activists are demanding that Kabila commit to not changing the constitution to stand for a third term and to release political prisoners.

The police have banned demonstrations and said that all gatherings of more than five people will be dispersed.

Across Kinshasa, police and soldiers searched vehicles and checked passengers&#39; identifications.

Some 40 percent of Congo&#39;s population is Roman Catholic and the Church enjoys rare credibility with the public, even though its leadership has not formally backed the protests.

At the Notre Dame du Congo cathedral in Kinshasa&#39;s Lingwala district, where opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was attending mass, dozens of police and soldiers blocked the path of more than 100 opposition supporters as they prepared to try to march.

Tshisekedi, however, who had backed the activists&#39; call to march, left the church in a vehicle, spurring angry shouts from the crowd, which said he was abandoning them.

At the Paroisse Saint Michel in Bandalungwa district, security forces fired teargas into the church, creating panic, opposition leader Vital Kamerhe, who was present at the mass, told Reuters.

&quot;All of the neighbouring community came out (to protest) and I think that this shows the will of the people and marks the beginning of the end of the dictatorship,&quot; Kamerhe said.

At another church in the working class district of Barumbu, a few dozen police officers used teargas and stun grenades against some 300 churchgoers, who waved bibles and sang religious songs as they tried to march, a Reuters witness said.

A police spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment.

Opposition appeals for protests this year have been easily suppressed by security forces but the Catholic activists&#39; appeal has managed to unite nearly all of Congo&#39;s fractious opposition.

Kabila&#39;s ruling coalition and opposition leaders struck a deal last Dec. 31 that allowed Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his second and final term but required that the election to replace him be held by the end of 2017.

The country&#39;s electoral commission, however, later said that was not possible and scheduled the vote for Dec. 23, 2018.

Congolese police and soldiers on Sunday set up checkpoints across the capital Kinshasa and fired tear gas at opposition supporters who had gathered outside churches to protest against President Joseph Kabila

Congolese police and soldiers on Sunday set up checkpoints across the capital Kinshasa and fired teargas at opposition supporters who had gathered outside churches to protest against President Joseph Kabila. Authorities ordered internet and SMS services to be cut following calls by Catholic activists for protest marches after Sunday mass. The activists are demanding that Kabila commit to not changing the constitution to stand for a third term and to release political prisoners. The police have banned demonstrations and said that all gatherings of more than five people will be dispersed. Across Kinshasa, police and soldiers searched vehicles and checked passengers' identifications. Some 40 percent of Congo's population is Roman Catholic and the Church enjoys rare credibility with the public, even though its leadership has not formally backed the protests. At the Notre Dame du Congo cathedral in Kinshasa's Lingwala district, where opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was attending mass, dozens of police and soldiers blocked the path of more than 100 opposition supporters as they prepared to try to march. Tshisekedi, however, who had backed the activists' call to march, left the church in a vehicle, spurring angry shouts from the crowd, which said he was abandoning them. At the Paroisse Saint Michel in Bandalungwa district, security forces fired teargas into the church, creating panic, opposition leader Vital Kamerhe, who was present at the mass, told Reuters. "All of the neighbouring community came out (to protest) and I think that this shows the will of the people and marks the beginning of the end of the dictatorship," Kamerhe said. At another church in the working class district of Barumbu, a few dozen police officers used teargas and stun grenades against some 300 churchgoers, who waved bibles and sang religious songs as they tried to march, a Reuters witness said. A police spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment. Opposition appeals for protests this year have been easily suppressed by security forces but the Catholic activists' appeal has managed to unite nearly all of Congo's fractious opposition. Kabila's ruling coalition and opposition leaders struck a deal last Dec. 31 that allowed Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his second and final term but required that the election to replace him be held by the end of 2017. The country's electoral commission, however, later said that was not possible and scheduled the vote for Dec. 23, 2018.

Teargas, checkpoints as Congo tries to stop anti-government demonstrations

A policeman was killed and over 100 people wounded as Pakistani forces fired rubber bullets and lobbed tear gas in a bid to disperse an Islamist sit-in that has virtually paralysed the country&#39;s capital for weeks.

Smoke and tear gas filled the air as the roughly 8,500 elite police and paramilitary troops in riot gear were also seen throwing rocks and using slingshots in the ongoing bid to clear 2,000 or so hardline demonstrators which began soon after dawn.&nbsp;

AFP reporters at the site said more protesters were arriving, though it was difficult to tell how many. Trees had been cut down to block roads, and protesters were burning tyres. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s media regulator barred local TV channels from broadcasting live images from the scene as violence intensified.

(Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-orders-tv-channels-to-go-off-air-during-crackdown-on-islamist-protest-25090"> Pakistan orders TV channels to go off air during crackdown on Islamist protest</a>) 
 
At least 110 injured people have been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, a spokesman from the hospital told AFP, adding that 66 of them were members of the security forces.&nbsp;

An Islamabad police spokesman confirmed that a policeman was killed in the fighting after he was struck in the head by a rock. Television footage showed a police van and demonstrators&#39;&nbsp;tents on fire. 
 
The sit-in by the little-known hardline group called Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah Pakistan (TLYRAP) has blocked a main highway used by thousands of commuters since November 6, causing hours-long traffic snarls and enraging commuters.

The protesters are demanding that Pakistan&#39;s law minister Zahid Hamid resign over a hastily-abandoned amendment to the oath that election candidates must swear.

Demonstrators have linked it to blasphemy - a highly contentious issue in Muslim Pakistan - and claim the oath was softened to enable the participation of Ahmadis, a long-persecuted Islamic minority sect.

Local media reported that small protests - each with several dozen TLYRAP supporters - were breaking out in other cities, including Karachi and Lahore, as the Islamabad operation dragged on through Saturday.

An Islamabad police official had said before the violent clashes that the operation sought to avoid any loss of life on either side.

The sit-in has also cost the life of an eight-year-old child whose ambulance could not reach a hospital in time due to the blocked roads, a statement from Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court confirmed this week.

Despite the protest&#39;s relatively small initial size, authorities have hesitated to act against it, citing fears of violence as the demonstrators have vowed to die for their cause.

But government inaction has drawn the fury of the courts as well as millions of residents in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi. The Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court have issued blistering criticism and threatened to hold officials in contempt for their inaction.

Analysts and critics have accused the government of bungling its response to the protest and allowing a minor issue to grow into a headline-grabbing and potentially dangerous situation.

It set an alarming precedent, that &quot;anytime anyone is upset with the government, the capital may be choked and the government will bend its knees,&quot; warned Zeeshan Salahuddin of the Center for Research and Security Studies, a think tank in Islamabad.

&nbsp;

Smoke and tear gas filled the air as the roughly 8,500 elite police and paramilitary troops in riot gear were also seen throwing rocks and using slingshots in the ongoing bid to clear 2,000 or so hardline demonstrators which began soon after dawn

A policeman was killed and over 100 people wounded as Pakistani forces fired rubber bullets and lobbed tear gas in a bid to disperse an Islamist sit-in that has virtually paralysed the country's capital for weeks. Smoke and tear gas filled the air as the roughly 8,500 elite police and paramilitary troops in riot gear were also seen throwing rocks and using slingshots in the ongoing bid to clear 2,000 or so hardline demonstrators which began soon after dawn. AFP reporters at the site said more protesters were arriving, though it was difficult to tell how many. Trees had been cut down to block roads, and protesters were burning tyres. Pakistan's media regulator barred local TV channels from broadcasting live images from the scene as violence intensified. (Also Read: Pakistan orders TV channels to go off air during crackdown on Islamist protest) At least 110 injured people have been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, a spokesman from the hospital told AFP, adding that 66 of them were members of the security forces. An Islamabad police spokesman confirmed that a policeman was killed in the fighting after he was struck in the head by a rock. Television footage showed a police van and demonstrators' tents on fire. The sit-in by the little-known hardline group called Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah Pakistan (TLYRAP) has blocked a main highway used by thousands of commuters since November 6, causing hours-long traffic snarls and enraging commuters. The protesters are demanding that Pakistan's law minister Zahid Hamid resign over a hastily-abandoned amendment to the oath that election candidates must swear. Demonstrators have linked it to blasphemy - a highly contentious issue in Muslim Pakistan - and claim the oath was softened to enable the participation of Ahmadis, a long-persecuted Islamic minority sect. Local media reported that small protests - each with several dozen TLYRAP supporters - were breaking out in other cities, including Karachi and Lahore, as the Islamabad operation dragged on through Saturday. An Islamabad police official had said before the violent clashes that the operation sought to avoid any loss of life on either side. The sit-in has also cost the life of an eight-year-old child whose ambulance could not reach a hospital in time due to the blocked roads, a statement from Pakistan's Supreme Court confirmed this week. Despite the protest's relatively small initial size, authorities have hesitated to act against it, citing fears of violence as the demonstrators have vowed to die for their cause. But government inaction has drawn the fury of the courts as well as millions of residents in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi. The Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court have issued blistering criticism and threatened to hold officials in contempt for their inaction. Analysts and critics have accused the government of bungling its response to the protest and allowing a minor issue to grow into a headline-grabbing and potentially dangerous situation. It set an alarming precedent, that "anytime anyone is upset with the government, the capital may be choked and the government will bend its knees," warned Zeeshan Salahuddin of the Center for Research and Security Studies, a think tank in Islamabad.

One dead, over 100 injured as Islamist sit-in paralyses Islamabad

The protest against President Robert Mugabe turned violent&nbsp;after police fired tear gas and beat protesters who responded by throwing stones in Zimbabwe&#39;s capital Harare yesterday. 
 
The violence came as a High Court judge ordered police &quot;not to interfere (with), obstruct or stop the march&quot;. The court had also ruled that the police should allow the protest to continue between 12 pm to 4 pm&nbsp;(1000-1400 GMT). 
 
Dozens of police blocked off the site of an opposition rally for electoral reforms by 2018, when 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe who has ruled the southern African country for decades will seek re-election. More than a hundred police officers in riot gear and backed up by water cannons and armoured trucks, occupied the venue that opposition parties planned to use for their march. 
 
The armed officers fired tear gas and water cannons on the opposition supporters after they refused to comply with the police&#39;s suggestion to leave. Protestors started throwing stones at the police in retaliation, some pulled down a street sign while others set fire on the tyres. Some people caught up in the melee, including children going to a nearby agricultural show, ran for shelter in the magistrate&#39;s court while riot police pursued the protesters and threatened journalists covering the rally.
Angry protesters voiced their frustrations over Mugabe&#39;s rule.

&quot;Mr&nbsp;Mugabe, it&#39;s time you wake up! It&#39;s time you respected our people! You have no authority to abuse our money!&quot; said protester, John Wiley.
Opposition protesters also clashed with supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party who had refused to clear their street stalls. Opposition parties leading the protests said the electoral commission was biased in favor of the ruling ZANU-PF and is run by security agencies loyal to Mugabe, charges the commission denies. 
 
Mugabe slammed the protests and accused foreign powers of having a hand in the unrest. 
 
&quot;They are burning types in the streets in order to get into power. They are thinking that what happened in the Arab Spring is going to happen in this country, but we tell them that is not going to happen here,&quot; said Mugabe in remarks broadcast by state television. 
 
&#39;Very deep anger&#39; 
 
The march was organised by 18 opposition parties including the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai and the Zimbabwe People First formed this year by former vice-president Joice Mujuru. 
 
Opposition leaders condemned the brutal repression of the protest and vowed to increase pressure on Mugabe&#39;s regime. 
 
&quot;If that was meant to cow us from demonstrating, I want to say we are going to do the same next week Friday,&quot; former Mugabe ally and ex-cabinet minister Didymus Mutasa told reporters. 
 
Protests &quot;will continue until the day we vote,&quot; said Mutasa, a former top member of ZANU-PF who is now a senior member of Mujuru&#39;s party. &quot;We have had enough of ZANU-PF misrule.&quot; 
 
Tsvangirai said the public would not be easily calmed. &nbsp;&quot;The people&#39;s anger is very deep. The people&#39;s desperation is very deep,&quot; he said. &quot;Today&#39;s brutal suppression of the people will not stop them from exercising their rights.&quot; 
 
Government losing control 
 
Tsvangirai warned that efforts to suppress the protests would backfire. &nbsp;&quot;Citizens are like a spring: the more they are suppressed, the greater the rebound,&quot; he said. 
 
Charles Laurie, an analyst with Verisk Maplecroft in London, agreed that the government was on the verge of losing control.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The government is nearing a tipping point in its ability to control a population long used to violence and hardship, and who now have little to lose in putting themselves at risk in forcing political concessions,&quot; he told the media.&nbsp; 
 
Friday&#39;s court order was issued after police had on Wednesday violently put down another march by opposition youths demonstrating against police brutality in recent protests. Police yesterday arrested 67 people, and lawyers said one of them was a journalist. 
 
Several foreign diplomatic missions based in Harare called on the authorities to ensure that basic human rights and freedoms are respected during policing. 
 
Free and fair elections were the main demand of yesterday&#39;s march. The opposition says the vote was rigged in the 2013 elections that Mugabe won. The protesters want the next vote in 2018 to be supervised by international observers, including the United Nations. They are also calling for Mugabe to fire corrupt ministers, scrap plans to introduce local bank notes and end cash shortages. 
 
Zimbabwe has seen a rise of violent protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe&nbsp;since independence from Britain in 1980. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Protestors started throwing stones at the police in retaliation, some pulled down a street sign while others set fire on tyres

The protest against President Robert Mugabe turned violent after police fired tear gas and beat protesters who responded by throwing stones in Zimbabwe's capital Harare yesterday. The violence came as a High Court judge ordered police "not to interfere (with), obstruct or stop the march". The court had also ruled that the police should allow the protest to continue between 12 pm to 4 pm (1000-1400 GMT). Dozens of police blocked off the site of an opposition rally for electoral reforms by 2018, when 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe who has ruled the southern African country for decades will seek re-election. More than a hundred police officers in riot gear and backed up by water cannons and armoured trucks, occupied the venue that opposition parties planned to use for their march. The armed officers fired tear gas and water cannons on the opposition supporters after they refused to comply with the police's suggestion to leave. Protestors started throwing stones at the police in retaliation, some pulled down a street sign while others set fire on the tyres. Some people caught up in the melee, including children going to a nearby agricultural show, ran for shelter in the magistrate's court while riot police pursued the protesters and threatened journalists covering the rally. Angry protesters voiced their frustrations over Mugabe's rule. "Mr Mugabe, it's time you wake up! It's time you respected our people! You have no authority to abuse our money!" said protester, John Wiley. Opposition protesters also clashed with supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party who had refused to clear their street stalls. Opposition parties leading the protests said the electoral commission was biased in favor of the ruling ZANU-PF and is run by security agencies loyal to Mugabe, charges the commission denies. Mugabe slammed the protests and accused foreign powers of having a hand in the unrest. "They are burning types in the streets in order to get into power. They are thinking that what happened in the Arab Spring is going to happen in this country, but we tell them that is not going to happen here," said Mugabe in remarks broadcast by state television. 'Very deep anger' The march was organised by 18 opposition parties including the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai and the Zimbabwe People First formed this year by former vice-president Joice Mujuru. Opposition leaders condemned the brutal repression of the protest and vowed to increase pressure on Mugabe's regime. "If that was meant to cow us from demonstrating, I want to say we are going to do the same next week Friday," former Mugabe ally and ex-cabinet minister Didymus Mutasa told reporters. Protests "will continue until the day we vote," said Mutasa, a former top member of ZANU-PF who is now a senior member of Mujuru's party. "We have had enough of ZANU-PF misrule." Tsvangirai said the public would not be easily calmed. "The people's anger is very deep. The people's desperation is very deep," he said. "Today's brutal suppression of the people will not stop them from exercising their rights." Government losing control Tsvangirai warned that efforts to suppress the protests would backfire. "Citizens are like a spring: the more they are suppressed, the greater the rebound," he said. Charles Laurie, an analyst with Verisk Maplecroft in London, agreed that the government was on the verge of losing control. "The government is nearing a tipping point in its ability to control a population long used to violence and hardship, and who now have little to lose in putting themselves at risk in forcing political concessions," he told the media. Friday's court order was issued after police had on Wednesday violently put down another march by opposition youths demonstrating against police brutality in recent protests. Police yesterday arrested 67 people, and lawyers said one of them was a journalist. Several foreign diplomatic missions based in Harare called on the authorities to ensure that basic human rights and freedoms are respected during policing. Free and fair elections were the main demand of yesterday's march. The opposition says the vote was rigged in the 2013 elections that Mugabe won. The protesters want the next vote in 2018 to be supervised by international observers, including the United Nations. They are also calling for Mugabe to fire corrupt ministers, scrap plans to introduce local bank notes and end cash shortages. Zimbabwe has seen a rise of violent protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Zimbabwe police fire tear gas, beat anti-Mugabe protesters in capital

Turkish riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up a rally of about 50 members of the LGBT community in Istanbul on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said. 
 
Several hundred policeman surrounded the city`s main Taksim Square to prevent the demonstration taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan 
(AFP)

Hundreds of policemen surround the area to prevent 50-LGBT members from demonstrating during Ramzan

Turkish riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up a rally of about 50 members of the LGBT community in Istanbul on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said. Several hundred policeman surrounded the city`s main Taksim Square to prevent the demonstration taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan (AFP)

Riot police fires rubber bullets and tear gas at LGBT rally in Istanbul

tear-gas

Tear Gas, News on Tear Gas, stories on Tear Gas, articles on Tear Gas, Tear Gas stories at Wion, Tear Gas news, Tear Gas latest news