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

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

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

Hong Kong university siege: 8 students arrested after surrender

California police on Monday probed possible links to Asian gang violence in the state's latest mass shooting, after at least two suspects shot dead four men during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-six-wounded-in-california-backyard-shooting-police-262863">backyard football game screening</a>.

The attack took place Sunday evening in central California's Fresno city at the home of members of the Hmong community, police said.

At least two suspects armed with semi-automatic pistols "walked into the backyard and began immediately firing into the crowd" of around 16 people, said Fresno police chief Andy Hall.

The gunmen fired randomly before fleeing on foot, he added.

Watch: Another shootout at California, at least 10 shot and 4 killed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-shootout-at-california-atleast-10-people-have-been-shot-4-killed-262862/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene while a fourth died in a hospital. Six more were receiving treatment Monday but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

All of the victims were adult males.

While no motive has been established, Hall said a number of incidents involving Asian gangs had taken place in the area in recent weeks, including one murder.

Some people at the party had been involved in a "disturbance" earlier in the week, he said.

"There is no indication that the residents, or anyone at the residence, were affiliated with a gang," said Hall.

"However, whenever we have a major incident like this we always look towards criminal and gang activity."

To avoid possible "retaliation" and prevent any outbreak of violence, the Fresno police would set up a task force specifically dedicated to Asian gangs, he added.

California police on Monday probed possible links to Asian gang violence in the state's latest mass shooting, after at least two suspects shot dead four men during a backyard football game screening.

California police on Monday probed possible links to Asian gang violence in the state's latest mass shooting, after at least two suspects shot dead four men during a backyard football game screening. The attack took place Sunday evening in central California's Fresno city at the home of members of the Hmong community, police said. At least two suspects armed with semi-automatic pistols "walked into the backyard and began immediately firing into the crowd" of around 16 people, said Fresno police chief Andy Hall. The gunmen fired randomly before fleeing on foot, he added. Watch: Another shootout at California, at least 10 shot and 4 killed Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene while a fourth died in a hospital. Six more were receiving treatment Monday but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. All of the victims were adult males. While no motive has been established, Hall said a number of incidents involving Asian gangs had taken place in the area in recent weeks, including one murder. Some people at the party had been involved in a "disturbance" earlier in the week, he said. "There is no indication that the residents, or anyone at the residence, were affiliated with a gang," said Hall. "However, whenever we have a major incident like this we always look towards criminal and gang activity." To avoid possible "retaliation" and prevent any outbreak of violence, the Fresno police would set up a task force specifically dedicated to Asian gangs, he added.

Police looking for two suspects in California backyard shooting which killed four

Three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-police-chief-along-with-3-bodyguard-killed-in-taliban-ambush-262472">Taliban</a> commanders part of a swap between prisoners for two western hostages have landed in Qatar, Reuters reported today.

This swap can be attributed to the efforts made by Afghan government to conduct direct talks with the Taliban. The latter have always referred to the Afghan government as an illegitimate puppet regime.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-still-holding-western-hostages-spokesman-262471">hostages held by the Taliban</a> include an American named Kevin King and an Australian named Timothy Weeks. They're both university professors slated to be released today.

"Our three prisoners had been freed on Monday night," said one of the sources, a senior Taliban leader in Afghanistan, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak publicly about the deal.

"Soon after their release, they were flown to Doha and handed over to the political office in Qatar", the source added.

This swap came in the aftermath of an announcement on November 12 by President Ashraf Ghani. He had said that Afghanistan would free Anas Haqqani, a senior figure in the eponymous Haqqani network responsible for some of the worst violence in recent years, and two Taliban commanders.&nbsp;

An earlier swap was scheduled but was later cancelled as the Taliban abruptly shifted their hostages to a new location as the commanders were unable to land in Qatar.

The Haqqani network has in recent years carried out large-scale militant attacks on Afghan civilians. It is believed to be based in Pakistan and is part of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

King and Weeks were kidnapped in August 2016 from outside the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul where both worked as professors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exchange-of-prisoners-between-taliban-afghan-government-yet-to-take-place-262209">They appeared in a hostage video</a> a year later looking dishevelled and pleading with their governments to secure their release.

There has been no word from the Afghan government as well as the United States embassy in Kabul.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Three Taliban commanders part of a swap between prisoners for two western hostages have landed in Qatar, Reuters reported today. This swap can be attributed to the efforts made by Afghan government to conduct direct talks with the Taliban.

Three Taliban commanders part of a swap between prisoners for two western hostages have landed in Qatar, Reuters reported today. This swap can be attributed to the efforts made by Afghan government to conduct direct talks with the Taliban. The latter have always referred to the Afghan government as an illegitimate puppet regime. The hostages held by the Taliban include an American named Kevin King and an Australian named Timothy Weeks. They're both university professors slated to be released today. "Our three prisoners had been freed on Monday night," said one of the sources, a senior Taliban leader in Afghanistan, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak publicly about the deal. "Soon after their release, they were flown to Doha and handed over to the political office in Qatar", the source added. This swap came in the aftermath of an announcement on November 12 by President Ashraf Ghani. He had said that Afghanistan would free Anas Haqqani, a senior figure in the eponymous Haqqani network responsible for some of the worst violence in recent years, and two Taliban commanders. An earlier swap was scheduled but was later cancelled as the Taliban abruptly shifted their hostages to a new location as the commanders were unable to land in Qatar. The Haqqani network has in recent years carried out large-scale militant attacks on Afghan civilians. It is believed to be based in Pakistan and is part of the Taliban in Afghanistan. King and Weeks were kidnapped in August 2016 from outside the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul where both worked as professors. They appeared in a hostage video a year later looking dishevelled and pleading with their governments to secure their release. There has been no word from the Afghan government as well as the United States embassy in Kabul. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taliban commanders slated to be swapped for Western hostages arrive in Qatar

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

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

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

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

Pro-democracy demonstrators holed up in a Hong Kong university campus set the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-armoured-vehicle-set-ablaze-as-fierce-clashes-continue-262751">main entrance ablaze</a> Monday to prevent surrounding police moving in after officers warned they may use live rounds if confronted by deadly weapons.

The police warning, which came after one officer was struck by an arrow, marked a further escalation of the near six-month crisis engulfing the city.

China has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate dissent, and there are growing concerns that Beijing could intervene directly to end the spiralling unrest.

Several loud blasts were heard around dawn on Monday before a wall of fire lit up an entrance to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), AFP reporters said, as what appeared to be a police attempt to enter the campus was repelled by protesters determined to hold their ground.

Police said they had fired three live rounds in the early hours of Monday at a protest site near the university but that no one appeared to have been hit.

Intense clashes throughout Sunday, which saw a police officer hit in the leg by an arrow and protesters meet police tear gas with volleys of petrol bombs, rolled overnight across the Kowloon district, as a call went out to defend the besieged campus.

There, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrow-fired-by-hong-kong-protester-hits-police-officer-report-262703">protesters had hunkered down under umbrellas</a> from occasional fire from police water cannon and hurled Molotov cocktails at an armoured vehicle, leaving it ablaze on a flyover near the campus.

Police declared the campus a "riot" scene,&nbsp;rioting is punishable by up to 10 years in jail,&nbsp;and blocked exits as spokesman Louis Lau issued a stark warning in a Facebook live broadcast.

"I hereby warn rioters not to use petrol bombs, arrows, cars or any deadly weapons to attack police officers," he said.

"If they continue such dangerous actions, we would have no choice but to use the minimum force necessary, including live rounds, to fire back."

Three protesters have been shot by police in the unrelenting months of protests, but all in scuffles as chaotic street clashes played out -- and without a sweeping warning being given by a force that overwhelmingly depends on tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

Fear gripped protesters still trapped inside the campus -- whose occupation is a twist in tactics by a leaderless movement so far defined by its fluid, unpredictable nature.

"I feel scared. There's no way out. All I can do is fight to the end," one protester joining the barricade in front of the university building said early Monday.

Watch: Chinese army in Hong Kong for first time since protests began

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-army-in-hong-kong-for-first-time-since-protests-began-262651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Helpless'

Owen Li, a PolyU council member and student, said panic had taken hold of the few hundred protesters believed to be holed up.

"Many friends feel helpless... we appeal to all of society to come out and help us."

Throughout Sunday, activists parried attempts by police to break through into the campus, firing rocks using a homemade catapult from the university roof, while an AFP reporter saw a team of masked archers,&nbsp;several carrying sports bows,&nbsp;patrolling the site.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clean-up-begins-in-hong-kong-after-week-of-chaos-and-destruction-262563">Violence has worsened in recent days</a>, with two men killed in separate incidents linked to the protests this month.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping this week issued his most strident comments on the crisis, saying it threatened the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 handover from Britain.

Demonstrators last week engineered a "Blossom Everywhere" campaign of blockades and vandalism, which forced the police to draft in prison officers as reinforcements, shut down large chunks of Hong Kong's transport network and closed schools and shopping malls.

The protests started against a now-shelved bill to allow extradition to China but have billowed to encompass wider issues such as perceived police brutality and calls for fully free elections in the former British colony.

The financial hub has been nudged into a recession by the unrelenting turmoil.

A poster circulating on social media called for the "dawn action" to continue on Monday.&nbsp;

"Squeeze the economy to increase pressure," it said.

Pro-democracy demonstrators holed up in a Hong Kong university campus set the main entrance ablaze Monday to prevent surrounding police moving in after officers warned they may use live rounds if confronted by deadly weapons.

Pro-democracy demonstrators holed up in a Hong Kong university campus set the main entrance ablaze Monday to prevent surrounding police moving in after officers warned they may use live rounds if confronted by deadly weapons. The police warning, which came after one officer was struck by an arrow, marked a further escalation of the near six-month crisis engulfing the city. China has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate dissent, and there are growing concerns that Beijing could intervene directly to end the spiralling unrest. Several loud blasts were heard around dawn on Monday before a wall of fire lit up an entrance to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), AFP reporters said, as what appeared to be a police attempt to enter the campus was repelled by protesters determined to hold their ground. Police said they had fired three live rounds in the early hours of Monday at a protest site near the university but that no one appeared to have been hit. Intense clashes throughout Sunday, which saw a police officer hit in the leg by an arrow and protesters meet police tear gas with volleys of petrol bombs, rolled overnight across the Kowloon district, as a call went out to defend the besieged campus. There, protesters had hunkered down under umbrellas from occasional fire from police water cannon and hurled Molotov cocktails at an armoured vehicle, leaving it ablaze on a flyover near the campus. Police declared the campus a "riot" scene, rioting is punishable by up to 10 years in jail, and blocked exits as spokesman Louis Lau issued a stark warning in a Facebook live broadcast. "I hereby warn rioters not to use petrol bombs, arrows, cars or any deadly weapons to attack police officers," he said. "If they continue such dangerous actions, we would have no choice but to use the minimum force necessary, including live rounds, to fire back." Three protesters have been shot by police in the unrelenting months of protests, but all in scuffles as chaotic street clashes played out -- and without a sweeping warning being given by a force that overwhelmingly depends on tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Fear gripped protesters still trapped inside the campus -- whose occupation is a twist in tactics by a leaderless movement so far defined by its fluid, unpredictable nature. "I feel scared. There's no way out. All I can do is fight to the end," one protester joining the barricade in front of the university building said early Monday. Watch: Chinese army in Hong Kong for first time since protests began 'Helpless' Owen Li, a PolyU council member and student, said panic had taken hold of the few hundred protesters believed to be holed up. "Many friends feel helpless... we appeal to all of society to come out and help us." Throughout Sunday, activists parried attempts by police to break through into the campus, firing rocks using a homemade catapult from the university roof, while an AFP reporter saw a team of masked archers, several carrying sports bows, patrolling the site. Violence has worsened in recent days, with two men killed in separate incidents linked to the protests this month. Chinese President Xi Jinping this week issued his most strident comments on the crisis, saying it threatened the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 handover from Britain. Demonstrators last week engineered a "Blossom Everywhere" campaign of blockades and vandalism, which forced the police to draft in prison officers as reinforcements, shut down large chunks of Hong Kong's transport network and closed schools and shopping malls. The protests started against a now-shelved bill to allow extradition to China but have billowed to encompass wider issues such as perceived police brutality and calls for fully free elections in the former British colony. The financial hub has been nudged into a recession by the unrelenting turmoil. A poster circulating on social media called for the "dawn action" to continue on Monday. "Squeeze the economy to increase pressure," it said.

Protesters set fire to hold off police at university campus in Hong Kong

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons.

The Argentine pontiff, 82, flies to Asia on Tuesday, where he will first visit Thailand and then Japan, including the two cities destroyed by devastating US nuclear attacks during the Second World War.

Despite both countries having less than 0.6 per cent Catholic populations, Francis is thirsty for interreligious dialogue with them.

He will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday before flying on to Japan on Saturday, where he will stay until November 26.

Sunday is set to be a marathon day with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively were killed by the atomic bombs attacks.&nbsp;

The August 6, 1945 bombing of Hiroshima and of Nagasaki three days later contributed to Japan's surrender and the end of the Second World War on August 15, months after Nazi Germany capitulated.

Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech.

"My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old.

"If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb."

No nukes message

The pope will make "as vigorous an appeal as possible in favour of concerted measures to completely eliminate nuclear weapons," the Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the United Nations in September.

"Using atomic energy to wage war is immoral," the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics told Japanese television in September.

A previous member of Japan's diplomatic mission to the Vatican, Shigeru Tokuyasu, said he hopes the visit will pull the world back from "the globalisation of indifference" over nuclear weapons.

But, said Tokuyasu, the pope should avoid discussing the politically sensitive issue of nuclear energy.

Francis is also set to meet victims of the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and the subsequent tsunami that between them killed 18,500 people and sparked the nuclear power catastrophe at Fukushima.

Fear of nuclear war

Francis is used to railing against countries that make money from weapons and has already voiced his fear of a nuclear war.

In January last year, he printed cards with a photo of a Nagasaki bomb victim, inscribing the words "the fruit of war" above his signature.

The 1945 photo, captured by American photographer Joe O'Donnell, showed a small boy standing ramrod straight carrying his dead younger brother on his back while waiting for his turn at a cremation site.

The late pope John Paul II visited Japan in 1981, where at Hiroshima's peace monument he pointed to war as "the work of man".

In August, the city of Hiroshima called on Japan to sign the U.N. treaty calling for a ban on nuclear weapons, something that all the world's nuclear powers have refused to do.

Japan, with its pacifist post-war constitution, adhered in 1967 to the principle of "not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory," despite counting on the US nuclear umbrella for protection.

Multiethnic Thailand

Before arriving in Thailand on Wednesday, the pope praised the "multiethnic nation" which "has worked to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence, not only among its habitants but throughout Southeast Asia."

In a video message to the Thai people, the pope said he hoped to "strengthen ties of friendship" with Buddhists.

Since&nbsp;Francis' election six years ago, he has made two trips to Asia, visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017.

On Thursday in Bangkok, the pontiff is to pay a visit to supreme patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Muneewong at a Buddhist temple.

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons.

Pope Francis, who years ago hoped to be a missionary in Japan, travels to the sites of the world's only atomic attacks this week seeking a ban on nuclear weapons. The Argentine pontiff, 82, flies to Asia on Tuesday, where he will first visit Thailand and then Japan, including the two cities destroyed by devastating US nuclear attacks during the Second World War. Despite both countries having less than 0.6 per cent Catholic populations, Francis is thirsty for interreligious dialogue with them. He will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday before flying on to Japan on Saturday, where he will stay until November 26. Sunday is set to be a marathon day with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively were killed by the atomic bombs attacks. The August 6, 1945 bombing of Hiroshima and of Nagasaki three days later contributed to Japan's surrender and the end of the Second World War on August 15, months after Nazi Germany capitulated. Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech. "My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old. "If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb." No nukes message The pope will make "as vigorous an appeal as possible in favour of concerted measures to completely eliminate nuclear weapons," the Vatican number two Cardinal Pietro Parolin told the United Nations in September. "Using atomic energy to wage war is immoral," the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics told Japanese television in September. A previous member of Japan's diplomatic mission to the Vatican, Shigeru Tokuyasu, said he hopes the visit will pull the world back from "the globalisation of indifference" over nuclear weapons. But, said Tokuyasu, the pope should avoid discussing the politically sensitive issue of nuclear energy. Francis is also set to meet victims of the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and the subsequent tsunami that between them killed 18,500 people and sparked the nuclear power catastrophe at Fukushima. Fear of nuclear war Francis is used to railing against countries that make money from weapons and has already voiced his fear of a nuclear war. In January last year, he printed cards with a photo of a Nagasaki bomb victim, inscribing the words "the fruit of war" above his signature. The 1945 photo, captured by American photographer Joe O'Donnell, showed a small boy standing ramrod straight carrying his dead younger brother on his back while waiting for his turn at a cremation site. The late pope John Paul II visited Japan in 1981, where at Hiroshima's peace monument he pointed to war as "the work of man". In August, the city of Hiroshima called on Japan to sign the U.N. treaty calling for a ban on nuclear weapons, something that all the world's nuclear powers have refused to do. Japan, with its pacifist post-war constitution, adhered in 1967 to the principle of "not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory," despite counting on the US nuclear umbrella for protection. Multiethnic Thailand Before arriving in Thailand on Wednesday, the pope praised the "multiethnic nation" which "has worked to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence, not only among its habitants but throughout Southeast Asia." In a video message to the Thai people, the pope said he hoped to "strengthen ties of friendship" with Buddhists. Since Francis' election six years ago, he has made two trips to Asia, visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017. On Thursday in Bangkok, the pontiff is to pay a visit to supreme patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Muneewong at a Buddhist temple.

Pope Francis to visit Hiroshima, Nagasaki on anti-nuclear weapon mission

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages.

Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period. Experience has established that the after-effects of Structural Violence linger on for generations. It destroys the very fabric of society.

The ghastly atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki produced huge numbers of casualties. There is no doubt that the physical and psychological impacts of the atomic attacks continued for generations long after the actual attack. Similarly, the disruption caused in society continues for generations long after the active phase of the structural violence.

From the United Nations to the leading think tanks, as well as several nations, are struggling to deal with the violence at the physical violence, and in many cases, the physical violence has been controlled. However, the aftermath of the Violence has not been extensively studied. The present writer portrays the aftermath of Structural Violence.

By the term ‘Structural Violence’, I refer to the following:

<ul>
	<li>Militancy</li>
	<li>Terrorism</li>
	<li>Insurgency</li>
	<li>Maoism</li>
</ul>

When I speak about Structural Violence, I include the Economics and Sociology of the violence.

Will the dark clouds of Structural Violence ever be dispelled by the golden rays of Peace? This is a question we all need to seriously think about.

The Cycle of Violence

Unfortunately, India is perhaps unique in the world today in that it faces all four types of Structural Violence. There is Militancy in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, insurgency in Northeast, Maoist violence in many parts of the country, and until recently there was terrorism in Punjab,

History shows us that violence follows a vicious cycle. It is commonly said that ‘violence breeds violence’. The perpetrators are very easy to manipulate into violence – they mostly fall into three categories:

1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Socially deprived

2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Economically deprived

3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sexually deprived

There is a period of intense violence – which maybe for days or months or years. Yet, when this intense period ends, the cycle of violence is not over. Experience from Ground Zero has revealed that 15 years of violence result in around 150 years of disruption for Humanity. Violence is a phenomenon which lingers on far longer than when peace has supposedly dawned.

I have spent more than two decades in many of the strife-torn regions of India and its neighbourhood. While working for peace, I have interacted with many people, both perpetrators and the affected. On the basis of this, I wish to share my observations.

The collapse of values &amp; the trust-deficit syndrome

The moral fabric of society has been disrupted. People who are economically and sexually deprived are obsessed with material gains and indulgence in sensual pleasures. This, in turn, leads to a disregard for human life and dignity, which in turn leads to violence.

Violence leads to a culture of despondency, of helplessness, and resignation. When citizens lose their self-esteem and confidence to change society for the better, evil elements dominate society. No one is there to oppose them.

The first indication of a violence-prone area is the Trust-Deficit Syndrome among the people. Every society has citizens who appreciate the futility of violence and wish to work for peace. Their voices are stifled. They are branded as informers and government agents and even attacked.

Wherever Structural Violence begins, a significant percentage of the people extend moral and material support. However, these same supporters get victimised by the perpetrators.

Research shows that while we have progressed greatly materially, educationally, and infrastructure-wise, but psychologically we are not able to reap the fruits of this progress. &nbsp;Research also shows only 25% of millennials have trust in others. This results in fear and mental constraints in the minds of people. This leads to violence, that is invisible but endemic.

An environment of fear

Structural Violence results in long-lasting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Trauma in the general population of the affected region. Psychomatic illnesses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are widespread.

This is revealed by something as simple as how day-to-day greetings have changed in Kashmir. People now greet each other by expressing concern about health and well-being. If a family member leaves the house for daily chores, and more than an hour elapses without his or her return, the family is greatly worried!

This environment of fear results in widespread health issues in the general population. Pregnant women are particularly affected, with resultant complications.

In this scenario, economic and social revival becomes difficult, even with extensive Government funding.

The epidemic of drugs

It has been observed that it is this endemic fear and mental constraints that leads to the epidemic of drugs. It has been said that a drug is a substitute for love. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also observed where the institution of the family has declined and the trust-deficit in society has risen, drug addiction takes root.

Structural Violence has an international dimension, which provides infrastructural support. Sponsors of Violence provide support initially.

These international agencies supply the perpetrators with drugs, to enable them to generate their own resources. After a passage of time, they often withdraw their support. Instead, they encourage the perpetrators to take up drug cultivation and distribution.

It is no secret that drugs are a potent cause of violence, in all its manifestations. Drug addictions result in sociopathic tendencies and apathy amongst the general public. The families of drug addicts are severely affected. The inability to bear stress results in a significant percentage of society turning to drugs for solace, with catastrophic results. Once drug addiction gets embedded in a region, its impact lasts long. I have sadly observed this in Kashmir, Northeast India, and Nepal. Middle and lower-middle&nbsp;classes have become trapped in drug addiction, and these see no way to escape from this disastrous situation.

The drug trade results in huge profits for the kingpins, and in turn profits from the drug trade are poured into the purchase of armaments, sponsoring terror camps, and disseminating malicious propaganda.

The status of women

Mahatma Gandhi said that the value of a society is shown by how it treats its women. He also said – ‘Educate a man, and you educate a person. Educate a woman, and you educate a family’

Experience has conclusively established that where violence rules, the status of women is low. This results in widespread trafficking in and crimes against women and girls. Prostitution and trafficking of young women and girls have become accepted as a normal activity by society.

Structural Violence has robbed society of its soul.

My experience shows that perpetrators of Structural Violence seek shelter in the homes of people. They have been known to exploit the womenfolk in these homes. When the same people come to realise the actual character of these perpetrators, they plead with security forces to protect their homes and families from terrorists – this is unacceptably not highlighted in media. Amongst these people, they also take up arms themselves to protect their family’s honour and property.

Now, in one of the regions, I have observed a different tragedy unfolding. Militancy developed in the 1990s. Many male students dropped out of colleges to become terrorists. The female students largely continued with their education, and several obtained higher degrees. These educated women were unwilling to marry men less educated and indulging in terrorism. They chose to remain single, despite family pressure and social condemnation. These ladies are now holding teaching or clerical jobs at a mere pittance. I asked some of them, as why they worked long hours for such low pay. They replied that at work, they secured a few hours of solace from family pressures.

The result of the above phenomena is that the self-esteem of both individuals and the whole of society become low. When self-esteem is low, entrepreneurship and innovation diminishes. All the development and infrastructure work of the Government has no effect.

Violence as an industry

Structural violence functions like a corporation. There are many national and international stakeholders who do not wish see the depreciation of the share value!

Further, a small but significant percentage of those involved in violence create a livelihood from Extortion, Protection Rackets, the Rigging of Contracts, as Informers, etc. These individuals have a vested interest in continuing the cycle of violence in perpetuity!

Also, the destruction of the economy is most obvious after-effect of Structural Violence. A violence-ravaged region or country is not one where investments and jobs flow. And idle youth are the seeds of repeated violence.

Holistic solutions are needed

A violence-ravaged region is like a human with a deep wound. Mere ointments applied will not work, intense treatment will be needed. Similarly, the opening of hospitals and schools, the release of monetary compensation, etc. are superficial measures. &nbsp;Rebuilding Physical Infrastructure and Economic Infrastructure are of course vital. However, these will have superficial results, unless the Social Infrastructure is not rebuilt too.

What is absolutely essential is that we study the long-term consequences of Structural Violence. And devise innovative solutions to address these consequences. This is the need of the hour for India and the world in general.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages. Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period.

When the voice of Humanity is silenced, the voice of Violence is heard for ages. Violence plagues the world and has plagued the world through all history. Structural Violence may last for a specific period. Experience has established that the after-effects of Structural Violence linger on for generations. It destroys the very fabric of society. The ghastly atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki produced huge numbers of casualties. There is no doubt that the physical and psychological impacts of the atomic attacks continued for generations long after the actual attack. Similarly, the disruption caused in society continues for generations long after the active phase of the structural violence. From the United Nations to the leading think tanks, as well as several nations, are struggling to deal with the violence at the physical violence, and in many cases, the physical violence has been controlled. However, the aftermath of the Violence has not been extensively studied. The present writer portrays the aftermath of Structural Violence. By the term ‘Structural Violence’, I refer to the following: Militancy Terrorism Insurgency Maoism When I speak about Structural Violence, I include the Economics and Sociology of the violence. Will the dark clouds of Structural Violence ever be dispelled by the golden rays of Peace? This is a question we all need to seriously think about. The Cycle of Violence Unfortunately, India is perhaps unique in the world today in that it faces all four types of Structural Violence. There is Militancy in Jammu & Kashmir, insurgency in Northeast, Maoist violence in many parts of the country, and until recently there was terrorism in Punjab, History shows us that violence follows a vicious cycle. It is commonly said that ‘violence breeds violence’. The perpetrators are very easy to manipulate into violence – they mostly fall into three categories: 1. Socially deprived 2. Economically deprived 3. Sexually deprived There is a period of intense violence – which maybe for days or months or years. Yet, when this intense period ends, the cycle of violence is not over. Experience from Ground Zero has revealed that 15 years of violence result in around 150 years of disruption for Humanity. Violence is a phenomenon which lingers on far longer than when peace has supposedly dawned. I have spent more than two decades in many of the strife-torn regions of India and its neighbourhood. While working for peace, I have interacted with many people, both perpetrators and the affected. On the basis of this, I wish to share my observations. The collapse of values & the trust-deficit syndrome The moral fabric of society has been disrupted. People who are economically and sexually deprived are obsessed with material gains and indulgence in sensual pleasures. This, in turn, leads to a disregard for human life and dignity, which in turn leads to violence. Violence leads to a culture of despondency, of helplessness, and resignation. When citizens lose their self-esteem and confidence to change society for the better, evil elements dominate society. No one is there to oppose them. The first indication of a violence-prone area is the Trust-Deficit Syndrome among the people. Every society has citizens who appreciate the futility of violence and wish to work for peace. Their voices are stifled. They are branded as informers and government agents and even attacked. Wherever Structural Violence begins, a significant percentage of the people extend moral and material support. However, these same supporters get victimised by the perpetrators. Research shows that while we have progressed greatly materially, educationally, and infrastructure-wise, but psychologically we are not able to reap the fruits of this progress. Research also shows only 25% of millennials have trust in others. This results in fear and mental constraints in the minds of people. This leads to violence, that is invisible but endemic. An environment of fear Structural Violence results in long-lasting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Trauma in the general population of the affected region. Psychomatic illnesses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are widespread. This is revealed by something as simple as how day-to-day greetings have changed in Kashmir. People now greet each other by expressing concern about health and well-being. If a family member leaves the house for daily chores, and more than an hour elapses without his or her return, the family is greatly worried! This environment of fear results in widespread health issues in the general population. Pregnant women are particularly affected, with resultant complications. In this scenario, economic and social revival becomes difficult, even with extensive Government funding. The epidemic of drugs It has been observed that it is this endemic fear and mental constraints that leads to the epidemic of drugs. It has been said that a drug is a substitute for love. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also observed where the institution of the family has declined and the trust-deficit in society has risen, drug addiction takes root. Structural Violence has an international dimension, which provides infrastructural support. Sponsors of Violence provide support initially. These international agencies supply the perpetrators with drugs, to enable them to generate their own resources. After a passage of time, they often withdraw their support. Instead, they encourage the perpetrators to take up drug cultivation and distribution. It is no secret that drugs are a potent cause of violence, in all its manifestations. Drug addictions result in sociopathic tendencies and apathy amongst the general public. The families of drug addicts are severely affected. The inability to bear stress results in a significant percentage of society turning to drugs for solace, with catastrophic results. Once drug addiction gets embedded in a region, its impact lasts long. I have sadly observed this in Kashmir, Northeast India, and Nepal. Middle and lower-middle classes have become trapped in drug addiction, and these see no way to escape from this disastrous situation. The drug trade results in huge profits for the kingpins, and in turn profits from the drug trade are poured into the purchase of armaments, sponsoring terror camps, and disseminating malicious propaganda. The status of women Mahatma Gandhi said that the value of a society is shown by how it treats its women. He also said – ‘Educate a man, and you educate a person. Educate a woman, and you educate a family’ Experience has conclusively established that where violence rules, the status of women is low. This results in widespread trafficking in and crimes against women and girls. Prostitution and trafficking of young women and girls have become accepted as a normal activity by society. Structural Violence has robbed society of its soul. My experience shows that perpetrators of Structural Violence seek shelter in the homes of people. They have been known to exploit the womenfolk in these homes. When the same people come to realise the actual character of these perpetrators, they plead with security forces to protect their homes and families from terrorists – this is unacceptably not highlighted in media. Amongst these people, they also take up arms themselves to protect their family’s honour and property. Now, in one of the regions, I have observed a different tragedy unfolding. Militancy developed in the 1990s. Many male students dropped out of colleges to become terrorists. The female students largely continued with their education, and several obtained higher degrees. These educated women were unwilling to marry men less educated and indulging in terrorism. They chose to remain single, despite family pressure and social condemnation. These ladies are now holding teaching or clerical jobs at a mere pittance. I asked some of them, as why they worked long hours for such low pay. They replied that at work, they secured a few hours of solace from family pressures. The result of the above phenomena is that the self-esteem of both individuals and the whole of society become low. When self-esteem is low, entrepreneurship and innovation diminishes. All the development and infrastructure work of the Government has no effect. Violence as an industry Structural violence functions like a corporation. There are many national and international stakeholders who do not wish see the depreciation of the share value! Further, a small but significant percentage of those involved in violence create a livelihood from Extortion, Protection Rackets, the Rigging of Contracts, as Informers, etc. These individuals have a vested interest in continuing the cycle of violence in perpetuity! Also, the destruction of the economy is most obvious after-effect of Structural Violence. A violence-ravaged region or country is not one where investments and jobs flow. And idle youth are the seeds of repeated violence. Holistic solutions are needed A violence-ravaged region is like a human with a deep wound. Mere ointments applied will not work, intense treatment will be needed. Similarly, the opening of hospitals and schools, the release of monetary compensation, etc. are superficial measures. Rebuilding Physical Infrastructure and Economic Infrastructure are of course vital. However, these will have superficial results, unless the Social Infrastructure is not rebuilt too. What is absolutely essential is that we study the long-term consequences of Structural Violence. And devise innovative solutions to address these consequences. This is the need of the hour for India and the world in general. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Violence never abates – it resounds for ages

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">top Shi'ite Muslim cleric</a>, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said.

More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics.

Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands.

"The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters."

Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words.

"He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes.

"I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr.

The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-crude-stuck-at-field-for-third-day-as-protests-cut-roads-260728">demand an overhaul of the political system</a> and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported.

Watch video: Iraq protests continue

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Deadly force

Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters.

Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate.

He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blocking-police-at-checkpoints-iraqis-revel-in-people-power-260738">the demonstrations</a>.

Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders.

The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran.

Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years. Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said. More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics. Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands. "The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters." Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words. "He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes. "I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr. The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, demand an overhaul of the political system and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported. Watch video: Iraq protests continue Deadly force Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters. Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate. He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to the demonstrations. Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders. The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran. Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes erupt in Baghdad despite call for peace by top cleric Sistani

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">Haiti since mid-September</a>, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel".

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">weak economy</a> is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel". There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

The body of a 21-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea more than a week after she went missing from a Cambodian island, police told AFP on Thursday.

Amelia Bambridge was discovered in waters near the Thai border, said Chuon Narin, police chief of Preah Sihanouk province.

"We found the body of the missing British woman," Narin said, adding it would be taken to nearby Sihanoukville.

He did not speculate on what happened to her after she disappeared from a beach party on the island of Koh Rong on October 24, but earlier this week he said she may have drowned.

The discovery brings to a tragic end a desperate search involving more than 100 members of the police, army, navy and Bambridge's relatives.

Bambridge had befriended other travellers and the alarm was raised after she did not check out of her hostel following a party that went into the early hours on the beach.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong is popular with backpackers.

Police later found her bag and phone in the area where she was last seen around 3:30 am.

Her family members scrambled to the island to help with the investigation and have also been active on social media asking travellers for possible clues.

Divers searched the waters and others combed the jungle, but for days nothing substantive was found.

The mystery deepened after police held six men for questioning but they were found not to be involved and released.

Koh Rong is a two-hour boat ride from the coast and draws budget travellers with its cheap accommodation, laid-back beach bars and idyllic sunsets.

But it has also undergone development in recent years in keeping with a construction and casino boom in nearby Sihanoukville.

Cambodia has long been a stop for tourists travelling around Southeast Asia.

Though generally safe, crimes involving foreigners have grabbed headlines in the past.

This month a Cambodian court charged three men with gang-raping a French tourist in the coastal province of Kampot after offering her a ride in their car.

In 2013, Kampot town was rocked by the discovery of the mutilated body of a 25-year-old Frenchwoman floating in a river.&nbsp;

A Belgian was charged with the alleged rape and murder of the woman, but released on bail due to a lack of evidence.

The body of a 21-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea more than a week after she went missing from a Cambodian island, police told AFP on Thursday.

The body of a 21-year-old British tourist was found floating in the sea more than a week after she went missing from a Cambodian island, police told AFP on Thursday. Amelia Bambridge was discovered in waters near the Thai border, said Chuon Narin, police chief of Preah Sihanouk province. "We found the body of the missing British woman," Narin said, adding it would be taken to nearby Sihanoukville. He did not speculate on what happened to her after she disappeared from a beach party on the island of Koh Rong on October 24, but earlier this week he said she may have drowned. The discovery brings to a tragic end a desperate search involving more than 100 members of the police, army, navy and Bambridge's relatives. Bambridge had befriended other travellers and the alarm was raised after she did not check out of her hostel following a party that went into the early hours on the beach. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong is popular with backpackers. Police later found her bag and phone in the area where she was last seen around 3:30 am. Her family members scrambled to the island to help with the investigation and have also been active on social media asking travellers for possible clues. Divers searched the waters and others combed the jungle, but for days nothing substantive was found. The mystery deepened after police held six men for questioning but they were found not to be involved and released. Koh Rong is a two-hour boat ride from the coast and draws budget travellers with its cheap accommodation, laid-back beach bars and idyllic sunsets. But it has also undergone development in recent years in keeping with a construction and casino boom in nearby Sihanoukville. Cambodia has long been a stop for tourists travelling around Southeast Asia. Though generally safe, crimes involving foreigners have grabbed headlines in the past. This month a Cambodian court charged three men with gang-raping a French tourist in the coastal province of Kampot after offering her a ride in their car. In 2013, Kampot town was rocked by the discovery of the mutilated body of a 25-year-old Frenchwoman floating in a river. A Belgian was charged with the alleged rape and murder of the woman, but released on bail due to a lack of evidence.

Body of missing British tourist found off Cambodia coast: Police

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

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

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

Death toll in Iraq reaches 67 amid protests against government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One million Chileans march in Santiago, city grinds to halt

Religious persecution and violence against women are some of the most <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-man-jailed-for-blasphemous-facebook-post-256785">salient features of Pakistan</a>, said Sindhi-American Human Rights activist Fatima Gul at the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on `Human Rights in South Asia` here on Tuesday (local time).

"Religious persecution remains a salient feature of Pakistan. Hindus, Christians, Ahmedis, Shias, Balochs continued to be victimised by religious extremists who operate with the government impunity. Pakistan is the only country in the world that legislated against its own citizens," Gul informed the US House panel over incidents related to violence committed by Pakistan against the ethnic minorities in its own soil."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindu-temples-houses-attacked-in-pakistan-after-alleged-blasphemy-by-a-school-principal-249918">Hindu temples, houses attacked in Pakistan after alleged blasphemy by a school principal</a>

Pakistan ranks as Sixth most dangerous country for women in regards to violence and rape.&nbsp;

According to Human Rights Watch, child sexual abuse remains disturbingly common in Pakistan. Around 141 cases have been reported just in Lahore in Punjab province of Pakistan.&nbsp;

In the first half of 2018, according to the police reports, more than 1,000 Hindu girls have been abducted and converted to Islam. Nearly, 33 per cent rise in child abuse cases have been witnessed in the country," the activist added.

Elaborating on more facts of victimising minorities in Pakistan, Gul said that on September 15 this year, religious extremists attacked temples, houses, schools, and Hindus in Ghotki town of Sindh province in Pakistan.&nbsp;

She said that the mob left chaos and terror across neighbourhoods as the attacks were carried out on the pretext that a Sindhi Hindu professor named Notan Lal had committed blasphemy. Despite a lack of evidence he was taken into police custody, she said.

"These attacks which lasted for over a week were completely blacked out by Pakistani media," Gul said while stressing on the seriousness of the human rights situation in Pakistan who is rather flagging baseless arguments over the atrocities in Kashmir.

The activist also noted that since the 1990s, some 70 people have been killed for blasphemy; around 40 people are currently serving life sentences while the others are facing death row.

She said based on eyewitnesses, Pakistani military supports terrorists who have carried out massacres of Hazaras- a community whose population today hardly reaches five million mostly concentrate in Quetta, Balochistan.

"For the last four years, Hazaras have been terrified to do even simple tasks like going to their jobs and sending their kids to schools," Gul noted.

In order to second her remarks, Gul also recalled that a bipartisan group of 10 influential American lawmakers in July this year had asked US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of human rights abuses in the Sindh province in his meeting with the visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Concluding her statement, the activist recommended that Pakistan should pass legislation that criminalises forced conversions of the young girls of whom a majority are minors.&nbsp;

"The country should allow journalists and other human rights organisations to take into account the full review of the human rights situation there," she added.

Meanwhile, responding to other panellists during the discussion over the human rights situation in Kashmir, senior Indian journalist from Kashmir, Aarti Tikoo Singh, outlined the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and said, "The very assumption that I keep hearing in this panel is Kashmir is a `state`. But I want to correct that it is a `union territory` which is now divided into Jammu and Kashmir -- with a Hindu majority in Jammu and Muslim majority in the Valley."

The health care and other emergency services are all in place in Kashmir, noted the journalist while adding that this is not the first time when Kashmir is in lockdown.

"Back in 2016, Kashmir was put under lockdown by militants and separatists backed by Pakistan for at least six months. So, the hospitals and other necessary services in Kashmir are used to such contingencies and have functioned smoothly in previous lockdowns as well. So to say that this particular lockdown was different is wrong," Tikoo asserted.&nbsp;

Religious persecution and violence against women are some of the most salient features of Pakistan, said Sindhi-American Human Rights activist Fatima Gul at the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on `Human Rights in South Asia` here on Tuesday (local time).

Religious persecution and violence against women are some of the most salient features of Pakistan, said Sindhi-American Human Rights activist Fatima Gul at the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on `Human Rights in South Asia` here on Tuesday (local time). "Religious persecution remains a salient feature of Pakistan. Hindus, Christians, Ahmedis, Shias, Balochs continued to be victimised by religious extremists who operate with the government impunity. Pakistan is the only country in the world that legislated against its own citizens," Gul informed the US House panel over incidents related to violence committed by Pakistan against the ethnic minorities in its own soil." Also read: Hindu temples, houses attacked in Pakistan after alleged blasphemy by a school principal Pakistan ranks as Sixth most dangerous country for women in regards to violence and rape. According to Human Rights Watch, child sexual abuse remains disturbingly common in Pakistan. Around 141 cases have been reported just in Lahore in Punjab province of Pakistan. In the first half of 2018, according to the police reports, more than 1,000 Hindu girls have been abducted and converted to Islam. Nearly, 33 per cent rise in child abuse cases have been witnessed in the country," the activist added. Elaborating on more facts of victimising minorities in Pakistan, Gul said that on September 15 this year, religious extremists attacked temples, houses, schools, and Hindus in Ghotki town of Sindh province in Pakistan. She said that the mob left chaos and terror across neighbourhoods as the attacks were carried out on the pretext that a Sindhi Hindu professor named Notan Lal had committed blasphemy. Despite a lack of evidence he was taken into police custody, she said. "These attacks which lasted for over a week were completely blacked out by Pakistani media," Gul said while stressing on the seriousness of the human rights situation in Pakistan who is rather flagging baseless arguments over the atrocities in Kashmir. The activist also noted that since the 1990s, some 70 people have been killed for blasphemy; around 40 people are currently serving life sentences while the others are facing death row. She said based on eyewitnesses, Pakistani military supports terrorists who have carried out massacres of Hazaras- a community whose population today hardly reaches five million mostly concentrate in Quetta, Balochistan. "For the last four years, Hazaras have been terrified to do even simple tasks like going to their jobs and sending their kids to schools," Gul noted. In order to second her remarks, Gul also recalled that a bipartisan group of 10 influential American lawmakers in July this year had asked US President Donald Trump to raise the issue of human rights abuses in the Sindh province in his meeting with the visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Concluding her statement, the activist recommended that Pakistan should pass legislation that criminalises forced conversions of the young girls of whom a majority are minors. "The country should allow journalists and other human rights organisations to take into account the full review of the human rights situation there," she added. Meanwhile, responding to other panellists during the discussion over the human rights situation in Kashmir, senior Indian journalist from Kashmir, Aarti Tikoo Singh, outlined the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and said, "The very assumption that I keep hearing in this panel is Kashmir is a `state`. But I want to correct that it is a `union territory` which is now divided into Jammu and Kashmir -- with a Hindu majority in Jammu and Muslim majority in the Valley." The health care and other emergency services are all in place in Kashmir, noted the journalist while adding that this is not the first time when Kashmir is in lockdown. "Back in 2016, Kashmir was put under lockdown by militants and separatists backed by Pakistan for at least six months. So, the hospitals and other necessary services in Kashmir are used to such contingencies and have functioned smoothly in previous lockdowns as well. So to say that this particular lockdown was different is wrong," Tikoo asserted.

Religious persecution, violence against women salient features of Pakistan: Sindhi-American activist

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">Chinese-ruled city struggles</a> to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day.

Lam is to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo's imperial palace on Tuesday and return home that evening.

Early on Monday, Hong Kong embarked on a massive clean-up after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence across districts on the Kowloon peninsula, where protesters torched stores and sprayed graffiti on roads, amid skirmishes with police.

After two weeks of relative calm in the five-month-long political crisis, Sunday's large turnout reflected strong support for the anti-government movement despite police branding the march illegal, because of concerns over public safety.

Families and the elderly took to the streets of the Asian financial hub in what began as a peaceful march, many wearing masks or carrying umbrellas to shield their faces, despite the threat of being arrested.

However, a more radical faction of mainly young protesters later clashed with riot police.

They targeted banks and other businesses perceived to be linked to China, damaging some storefronts and setting fires on the prime shopping and commercial street of Nathan Road in the heart of the Kowloon peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">The events followed an annual policy speech last week by Beijing-backed Lam</a> in which she did not address protesters' demands, but sought to ease tension with measures aimed at resolving a chronic housing shortage.

Protesters say they will keep up pressure on the government to act on their demands for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police behaviour, amnesty for those charged, and an end to describing protesters as rioters.

Metro operator MTR Corp&nbsp;said it would shut the rural Yuen Long station by 2 pm, ahead of a protest planned there later on Monday.

Several subway entrances and exits would also be shut, and the entire network would close by 10 pm, or two hours early, to allow time for the repair of facilities, the operator said.

In Sunday's clashes, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-weekend-of-fresh-anti-government-protests-256600">police used water cannon trucks to disperse protesters</a>, spraying jets of blue dye into the crowds and sending hundreds fleeing.

In one instance, a water cannon fired a jet towards the front gate of the Kowloon mosque, Hong Kong's most important Islamic place of worship.

Blue dye still smeared the road as worshippers gathered for prayers on Monday, with many saying they did not understand why police had targeted the mosque as there had been few people nearby.

The mosque entrance and front gate had been accidentally sprayed, police said in a statement.

"Police respect religious freedom and will strive to protect all places of worship," they added.

The mosque incident is the first time the protests have affected religious groups, but the unrest has hammered much of Hong Kong's business, retail and tourism sectors.

Visitor numbers have plummeted as tourists stay away, further hampering an economy facing its first recession in a decade.

The government was trying its best to support small and medium-sized enterprises as the economy has been hit hard, Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday.

"We are studying the launch of the third round of relief measures," he wrote on his blog.

Businesses will probably have to foot the bill for the vandalism, as few had insurance for riot damage, industry insiders said.

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the Chinese-ruled city struggles to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day.

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the Chinese-ruled city struggles to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day. Lam is to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo's imperial palace on Tuesday and return home that evening. Early on Monday, Hong Kong embarked on a massive clean-up after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence across districts on the Kowloon peninsula, where protesters torched stores and sprayed graffiti on roads, amid skirmishes with police. After two weeks of relative calm in the five-month-long political crisis, Sunday's large turnout reflected strong support for the anti-government movement despite police branding the march illegal, because of concerns over public safety. Families and the elderly took to the streets of the Asian financial hub in what began as a peaceful march, many wearing masks or carrying umbrellas to shield their faces, despite the threat of being arrested. However, a more radical faction of mainly young protesters later clashed with riot police. They targeted banks and other businesses perceived to be linked to China, damaging some storefronts and setting fires on the prime shopping and commercial street of Nathan Road in the heart of the Kowloon peninsula. The events followed an annual policy speech last week by Beijing-backed Lam in which she did not address protesters' demands, but sought to ease tension with measures aimed at resolving a chronic housing shortage. Protesters say they will keep up pressure on the government to act on their demands for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police behaviour, amnesty for those charged, and an end to describing protesters as rioters. Metro operator MTR Corp said it would shut the rural Yuen Long station by 2 pm, ahead of a protest planned there later on Monday. Several subway entrances and exits would also be shut, and the entire network would close by 10 pm, or two hours early, to allow time for the repair of facilities, the operator said. In Sunday's clashes, police used water cannon trucks to disperse protesters, spraying jets of blue dye into the crowds and sending hundreds fleeing. In one instance, a water cannon fired a jet towards the front gate of the Kowloon mosque, Hong Kong's most important Islamic place of worship. Blue dye still smeared the road as worshippers gathered for prayers on Monday, with many saying they did not understand why police had targeted the mosque as there had been few people nearby. The mosque entrance and front gate had been accidentally sprayed, police said in a statement. "Police respect religious freedom and will strive to protect all places of worship," they added. The mosque incident is the first time the protests have affected religious groups, but the unrest has hammered much of Hong Kong's business, retail and tourism sectors. Visitor numbers have plummeted as tourists stay away, further hampering an economy facing its first recession in a decade. The government was trying its best to support small and medium-sized enterprises as the economy has been hit hard, Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday. "We are studying the launch of the third round of relief measures," he wrote on his blog. Businesses will probably have to foot the bill for the vandalism, as few had insurance for riot damage, industry insiders said.

Hong Kong leader to visit Japan after huge rally, night of violence

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leaders-demand-talks-with-madrid-after-violent-clashes-256960">handling of violent Catalan separatist protests</a> even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight.

The centre-right Ciudadanos party, which was born out of opposition to Catalan separatism, held a rally in front of Catalonia's regional government headquarters in Barcelona under the slogan: "That's enough! Justice and coexistence".

"We have had enough of seeing how radicals roam freely and scare millions of Spaniards on their land. The streets belong to everyone," Ciudadanos leader Alberto Rivera tweeted before the rally began.

He has called on Sanchez to suspend Catalonia's autonomy just as the central government did in 2017 after the Catalan parliament declared independence following a banned secession referendum.

The streets of Barcelona and other Catalan cities have been rocked by protests since Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine separatist leaders, many of them former regional government ministers, last Monday to jail terms of up to 13 years for sedition over the failed 2017 independence bid.

Nearly 600 people have been injured in clashes with police since the protests started. A police officer was in "very serious condition" and a demonstrator was in "critical condition" according to Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

'No dialogue'

In an interview published in top-selling daily newspaper El Pais, the leader of the main conservative opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado, accused the government of "pretending nothing has happened" and promising that everything will return to normal "with moderation".

"There can be no dialogue with those who make Catalonia burn," he said in reference to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-must-stop-now-says-catalan-president-as-barcelona-burns-256362">Catalonia's separatist president Quim Torra</a> who on Saturday called for "unconditional" negotiations with Sanchez.

That appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a legal referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, was up for discussion.

Sanchez, who came to power in June 2018 with the support of Catalan separatist parties, refused to meet with Torra until he "clearly" condemns this week's violence and recognises that half of Catalonia's roughly 7.5 million residents do not want independence.

A poll published in July by a public Catalan institute showed support for an independent Catalonia at its lowest level in two years, with 48.3 per cent of people against and 44 per cent in favour.

'Increase polarisation'

The court's decision has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-police-clash-in-fresh-violence-256595">thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate</a> ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years.

According to the first poll since Monday's verdict, the ruling Socialists are likely to secure the most votes but again fall short of a majority. The PP was tipped to make significant gains.

Published by the daily El Mundo, the survey predicted Sanchez's Socialists would capture&nbsp;122 seats in the 350-seat parliament, slightly down from 123 it took in the last election in April, while the PP would win 98 seats, up from 66.

"Order and territory has never been a winning bet for the Socialists," Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III university, wrote in a blog post on Saturday, adding the Catalan crisis will "increase polarisation" which would benefit parties with more extreme positions like the far-right Vox and radical separatists CUP.

Barcelona returned to relative calm Saturday night after six days of demonstrations against the jailing of separatist leaders.

But on iconic Las Ramblas street, protesters set up barricades and lit fires before they were dispersed by police firing foam projectiles.&nbsp;

Overnight Friday, radical separatists had hurled rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his handling of violent Catalan separatist protests even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight.

Ahead of next month's general election, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced sharp criticism Sunday for his handling of violent Catalan separatist protests even as calm returned to Barcelona and other cities overnight. The centre-right Ciudadanos party, which was born out of opposition to Catalan separatism, held a rally in front of Catalonia's regional government headquarters in Barcelona under the slogan: "That's enough! Justice and coexistence". "We have had enough of seeing how radicals roam freely and scare millions of Spaniards on their land. The streets belong to everyone," Ciudadanos leader Alberto Rivera tweeted before the rally began. He has called on Sanchez to suspend Catalonia's autonomy just as the central government did in 2017 after the Catalan parliament declared independence following a banned secession referendum. The streets of Barcelona and other Catalan cities have been rocked by protests since Spain's Supreme Court sentenced nine separatist leaders, many of them former regional government ministers, last Monday to jail terms of up to 13 years for sedition over the failed 2017 independence bid. Nearly 600 people have been injured in clashes with police since the protests started. A police officer was in "very serious condition" and a demonstrator was in "critical condition" according to Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. 'No dialogue' In an interview published in top-selling daily newspaper El Pais, the leader of the main conservative opposition Popular Party (PP), Pablo Casado, accused the government of "pretending nothing has happened" and promising that everything will return to normal "with moderation". "There can be no dialogue with those who make Catalonia burn," he said in reference to Catalonia's separatist president Quim Torra who on Saturday called for "unconditional" negotiations with Sanchez. That appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a legal referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, was up for discussion. Sanchez, who came to power in June 2018 with the support of Catalan separatist parties, refused to meet with Torra until he "clearly" condemns this week's violence and recognises that half of Catalonia's roughly 7.5 million residents do not want independence. A poll published in July by a public Catalan institute showed support for an independent Catalonia at its lowest level in two years, with 48.3 per cent of people against and 44 per cent in favour. 'Increase polarisation' The court's decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate ahead of Spain's November 10 general election, its fourth in as many years. According to the first poll since Monday's verdict, the ruling Socialists are likely to secure the most votes but again fall short of a majority. The PP was tipped to make significant gains. Published by the daily El Mundo, the survey predicted Sanchez's Socialists would capture 122 seats in the 350-seat parliament, slightly down from 123 it took in the last election in April, while the PP would win 98 seats, up from 66. "Order and territory has never been a winning bet for the Socialists," Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III university, wrote in a blog post on Saturday, adding the Catalan crisis will "increase polarisation" which would benefit parties with more extreme positions like the far-right Vox and radical separatists CUP. Barcelona returned to relative calm Saturday night after six days of demonstrations against the jailing of separatist leaders. But on iconic Las Ramblas street, protesters set up barricades and lit fires before they were dispersed by police firing foam projectiles. Overnight Friday, radical separatists had hurled rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Spanish Prime Minister under pressure over Catalan protests

Residents of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-declares-state-of-emergency-after-violent-protests-256846">Chile's capital awoke Saturday to a ravaged city</a> as burned-out buses, bikes and garbage littered the streets after a day of violent protests that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and call out soldiers to maintain order for the first time in decades.

The stunning spasm of unrest was triggered by an increase in metro fares but reflected much broader anger over economic and social conditions, including a yawning gap between rich and poor in a country considered one of the most stable in Latin America.&nbsp;

"It is sad, but this destruction was people's way of demanding they be heard. Chile was a pressure cooker, and it exploded in the worst way," said a civil servant who gave her name only Maria, waiting to catch a bus amid the detritus of Friday's protests.

Soldiers patrolled some parts of the city Saturday in their first such deployment since Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after the Augusto Pinochet rightwing dictatorship. But there was no sign of them outside the presidential palace.

Conservative President Sebastian Pinera called them out in the wee hours of the night after the worst violence the city has seen in years.

Throughout Friday, rampaging protesters clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital, and the subway system was shut after attacks on stations. A total of 41 stations were destroyed, some completely charred.&nbsp;

The system was closed altogether on Saturday, and no one knows when it will reopen.

The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres, is the largest and most modern in South America and a source of great pride for Chileans.

The general placed in charge of security, Javier Iturriaga, said some 500 soldiers are patrolling the streets. Things calmed down in Santiago, a city of seven million, overnight, he said.

"This morning, the city is quiet," he said.

More than 300 people were arrested, and 156 police were injured, as were 11 civilians.

The state of emergency is initially set for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. Due to the emergency, the National Football Association has suspended matches this weekend.

Government 'perplexed and dazed'

Iturriaga said the military would patrol major trouble spots but would not impose a curfew at present.

Violent clashes escalated as night fell, and the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire.

Several metro stations also hit with Molotov cocktails.

The ENEL tower blaze was put out with no one injured, firefighters said.

Barricades were erected in several parts of the city, and masked protestors armed with sticks and stones clashed with riot police, who repelled them with water cannon and tear gas.

Residents in many districts of Santiago banged their pots in a show of support for the protestors.

The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from $1.13 to $1.17&nbsp;for peak-hour travel, following a 20 peso rise in January.

The fare hike was blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso.

There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans.

Chile has the highest per capita income of Latin America at 20,000 dollars, with expected economic growth this year of 2.5 per cent and just two per cent inflation.

But there is an undercurrent of frustration with rising health care and utility costs, low pensions and social inequality.

The metro fare hike served to wake up a society that was averse to violence after the horrors of the Pinochet dictatorship from 1973-1990, which left more than 3,200 people dead or missing, sociologists say.

However, tech-savvy younger Chileans, who did not live through that dark period, are leading the current protests.&nbsp;

"I think social media explains the coordination and synchronized nature of the actions that destroyed infrastructure yesterday," said Santiago Marcelo Mella, and analyst at the University of Santiago.

He said the government was "perplexed and dazed" by the eruption of violence, and this "must make us think about the quality of the intelligence services.

"One gets the feeling that the government reacted too slowly," he said.

Residents of Chile's capital awoke Saturday to a ravaged city as burned-out buses, bikes and garbage littered the streets after a day of violent protests that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and call out soldiers to maintain order for the first time in decades.

Residents of Chile's capital awoke Saturday to a ravaged city as burned-out buses, bikes and garbage littered the streets after a day of violent protests that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and call out soldiers to maintain order for the first time in decades. The stunning spasm of unrest was triggered by an increase in metro fares but reflected much broader anger over economic and social conditions, including a yawning gap between rich and poor in a country considered one of the most stable in Latin America. "It is sad, but this destruction was people's way of demanding they be heard. Chile was a pressure cooker, and it exploded in the worst way," said a civil servant who gave her name only Maria, waiting to catch a bus amid the detritus of Friday's protests. Soldiers patrolled some parts of the city Saturday in their first such deployment since Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after the Augusto Pinochet rightwing dictatorship. But there was no sign of them outside the presidential palace. Conservative President Sebastian Pinera called them out in the wee hours of the night after the worst violence the city has seen in years. Throughout Friday, rampaging protesters clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital, and the subway system was shut after attacks on stations. A total of 41 stations were destroyed, some completely charred. The system was closed altogether on Saturday, and no one knows when it will reopen. The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres, is the largest and most modern in South America and a source of great pride for Chileans. The general placed in charge of security, Javier Iturriaga, said some 500 soldiers are patrolling the streets. Things calmed down in Santiago, a city of seven million, overnight, he said. "This morning, the city is quiet," he said. More than 300 people were arrested, and 156 police were injured, as were 11 civilians. The state of emergency is initially set for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. Due to the emergency, the National Football Association has suspended matches this weekend. Government 'perplexed and dazed' Iturriaga said the military would patrol major trouble spots but would not impose a curfew at present. Violent clashes escalated as night fell, and the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire. Several metro stations also hit with Molotov cocktails. The ENEL tower blaze was put out with no one injured, firefighters said. Barricades were erected in several parts of the city, and masked protestors armed with sticks and stones clashed with riot police, who repelled them with water cannon and tear gas. Residents in many districts of Santiago banged their pots in a show of support for the protestors. The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from $1.13 to $1.17 for peak-hour travel, following a 20 peso rise in January. The fare hike was blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso. There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans. Chile has the highest per capita income of Latin America at 20,000 dollars, with expected economic growth this year of 2.5 per cent and just two per cent inflation. But there is an undercurrent of frustration with rising health care and utility costs, low pensions and social inequality. The metro fare hike served to wake up a society that was averse to violence after the horrors of the Pinochet dictatorship from 1973-1990, which left more than 3,200 people dead or missing, sociologists say. However, tech-savvy younger Chileans, who did not live through that dark period, are leading the current protests. "I think social media explains the coordination and synchronized nature of the actions that destroyed infrastructure yesterday," said Santiago Marcelo Mella, and analyst at the University of Santiago. He said the government was "perplexed and dazed" by the eruption of violence, and this "must make us think about the quality of the intelligence services. "One gets the feeling that the government reacted too slowly," he said.

Chile's capital stunned by violent street protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-escalates-in-barcelona-after-500000-separatists-rally-256801">Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government</a> to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters.

Nearly 200 people were hurt in another night of clashes with radical separatists hurling rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

A hardcore movement of young separatists, Arran, called for a new demonstration "against repression" for 1600 GMT in central Barcelona.

"We exhort the head of the government to fix today a day and hour to sit with us for unconditional talks," regional president Quim Torra said in a speech.

His demand for "unconditional" negotiations, addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, is up for discussion.

Barcelona has been rocked all week by protests against a Spanish court's jailing of nine separatist leaders on sedition charges over a failed independence bid.

Emergency services said Saturday that 152 people were injured in overnight clashes in Barcelona, and dozens more hurt elsewhere in Catalonia, taking the total to 182.

Authorities had already reported 500 injured since protests started Monday even before the latest clashes erupted.

The interior ministry said 83 people were detained in the overnight violence, in addition to 128 arrests police had reported previously.

Smell of burning

"This can't go on, Barcelona does not deserve this," said Ada Colau, the city's leftist mayor on Saturday, condemning "all kinds of violence".

The air in the Catalan capital was heavy with a burning stench as municipal workers cleared the streets of broken glass, rocks and rubber bullets, and repaired pavements where bricks had been ripped out.

"All this is very sad, and is not helping our cause," said Assumpcio Segui, a 75-year old pro-independence pensioner.

Torra urged demonstrators to remain calm, saying "the defence of rights and freedoms must always be expressed peacefully."

Around half a million people had rallied in Barcelona on Friday in the biggest gathering since Monday's court ruling as separatists also called a general strike in the major tourist destination.

While most marchers appeared peaceful, hordes of young protesters went on the rampage near the police headquarters, igniting a huge blaze that sent black smoke into the air as police fired teargas to disperse them, an AFP correspondent said.

Other fires broke out near Plaza de Catalunya at the top of the tourist hotspot Las Ramblas, where hundreds of demonstrators had rallied to defy the police.&nbsp;

'Our streets'

"Anti-fascist Catalonia!" they roared. "The streets will always be ours!"

Police vans fanned out around the city, sirens screaming as regional police warned people in a message in English on Twitter "not to approach" the city centre.&nbsp;

Thousands of "freedom marchers" from five regional towns arrived in Barcelona for the rally, which coincided with a general strike.&nbsp;

That prompted the cancellation of flights and the closure of shops, business and top tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia basilica.&nbsp;

Public transport slowed to a trickle in a region that accounts for about a fifth of Spain's economic output.

Activists also cut off Catalonia's main cross-border highway with France.

Watch:&nbsp;Streets of Barcelona marred by violence as Catalan protesters clash with police

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'No surrender'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sedition-in-spain-government-jails-leaders-of-catalonia-secessionist-movement-255825">In downtown Barcelona, luxury shops were closed on the Paseo de Gracia</a>, with blackened, charred patches a reminder of the nightly clashes that have raged since Monday.&nbsp;

Retired lawyer Jaume Enrich called the Spanish court ruling "the straw that broke the camel's back". &nbsp;

"Madrid is putting Spanish unity above everything, including basic rights," he told AFP, wearing a badge saying "No surrender".

Spain's Clasico postponed

With the region mired in chaos, football authorities cancelled the Barcelona and Real Madrid Clasico set for October 26 at the Camp Nou stadium. Both clubs had reportedly refused an offer to hold the match in Madrid.

The Supreme Court's explosive decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate as Spain heads towards a fourth election in as many years, which is to be held on November 10.

Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters.

Separatist Catalan leaders on Saturday called on the Spanish government to enter into talks as Barcelona braced for fresh violence after days of clashes between police and protesters. Nearly 200 people were hurt in another night of clashes with radical separatists hurling rocks and fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. A hardcore movement of young separatists, Arran, called for a new demonstration "against repression" for 1600 GMT in central Barcelona. "We exhort the head of the government to fix today a day and hour to sit with us for unconditional talks," regional president Quim Torra said in a speech. His demand for "unconditional" negotiations, addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, appeared to be aimed at ensuring that a referendum on independence, currently a non-starter for Madrid, is up for discussion. Barcelona has been rocked all week by protests against a Spanish court's jailing of nine separatist leaders on sedition charges over a failed independence bid. Emergency services said Saturday that 152 people were injured in overnight clashes in Barcelona, and dozens more hurt elsewhere in Catalonia, taking the total to 182. Authorities had already reported 500 injured since protests started Monday even before the latest clashes erupted. The interior ministry said 83 people were detained in the overnight violence, in addition to 128 arrests police had reported previously. Smell of burning "This can't go on, Barcelona does not deserve this," said Ada Colau, the city's leftist mayor on Saturday, condemning "all kinds of violence". The air in the Catalan capital was heavy with a burning stench as municipal workers cleared the streets of broken glass, rocks and rubber bullets, and repaired pavements where bricks had been ripped out. "All this is very sad, and is not helping our cause," said Assumpcio Segui, a 75-year old pro-independence pensioner. Torra urged demonstrators to remain calm, saying "the defence of rights and freedoms must always be expressed peacefully." Around half a million people had rallied in Barcelona on Friday in the biggest gathering since Monday's court ruling as separatists also called a general strike in the major tourist destination. While most marchers appeared peaceful, hordes of young protesters went on the rampage near the police headquarters, igniting a huge blaze that sent black smoke into the air as police fired teargas to disperse them, an AFP correspondent said. Other fires broke out near Plaza de Catalunya at the top of the tourist hotspot Las Ramblas, where hundreds of demonstrators had rallied to defy the police. 'Our streets' "Anti-fascist Catalonia!" they roared. "The streets will always be ours!" Police vans fanned out around the city, sirens screaming as regional police warned people in a message in English on Twitter "not to approach" the city centre. Thousands of "freedom marchers" from five regional towns arrived in Barcelona for the rally, which coincided with a general strike. That prompted the cancellation of flights and the closure of shops, business and top tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia basilica. Public transport slowed to a trickle in a region that accounts for about a fifth of Spain's economic output. Activists also cut off Catalonia's main cross-border highway with France. Watch: Streets of Barcelona marred by violence as Catalan protesters clash with police 'No surrender' In downtown Barcelona, luxury shops were closed on the Paseo de Gracia, with blackened, charred patches a reminder of the nightly clashes that have raged since Monday. Retired lawyer Jaume Enrich called the Spanish court ruling "the straw that broke the camel's back". "Madrid is putting Spanish unity above everything, including basic rights," he told AFP, wearing a badge saying "No surrender". Spain's Clasico postponed With the region mired in chaos, football authorities cancelled the Barcelona and Real Madrid Clasico set for October 26 at the Camp Nou stadium. Both clubs had reportedly refused an offer to hold the match in Madrid. The Supreme Court's explosive decision has thrust the Catalan dispute to the heart of the political debate as Spain heads towards a fourth election in as many years, which is to be held on November 10.

Catalan leaders demand talks with Madrid after violent clashes

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plans-presence-across-northeast-syria-says-erdogan-256798">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal.

If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri.

Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-erdogan-told-him-he-wants-ceasefire-to-work-256782">Erdogan also provided some details from his talks with the Americans</a>, adding that Ankara agreed to the 120 hour time deadline after its initial demand of "one night" for the withdrawal.

"If the promises given to our country are not kept, as we did in the past we will not wait and restart the operation as soon as the time we have given ends," he said.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader said he also informed US President Donald Trump of Ankara's position during a phone call late Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-to-restart-syria-operation-tuesday-if-deal-not-respected-256748">Erdogan is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next Tuesday, which overlaps with the end of the 120-hour deadline.

Ankara considers Syrian Kurdish YPG militants to be an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that has fought a bloody insurgency inside Turkey for 35 years.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal. If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri. Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara. Erdogan also provided some details from his talks with the Americans, adding that Ankara agreed to the 120 hour time deadline after its initial demand of "one night" for the withdrawal. "If the promises given to our country are not kept, as we did in the past we will not wait and restart the operation as soon as the time we have given ends," he said. The Turkish leader said he also informed US President Donald Trump of Ankara's position during a phone call late Friday. Erdogan is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next Tuesday, which overlaps with the end of the 120-hour deadline. Ankara considers Syrian Kurdish YPG militants to be an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that has fought a bloody insurgency inside Turkey for 35 years.

Erdogan vows to 'crush the heads' of Kurdish forces if no pullout

Indigenous leaders and Ecuador's president prepared Sunday for face-to-face talks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-president-lenin-moreno-orders-curfew-military-control-in-quito-255562">nearly two weeks of violent street protests</a> over austerity measures instituted to obtain a multibillion-dollar loan from the IMF.

As both sides geared up for negotiations in the afternoon, one indigenous leader said protesters who have converged from far away will stay in the capital Quito until some kind of agreement is reached on painful reforms such as a doubling of some fuel prices.

"Not just the leaders but the rank and file -- and we will stay until there is a solution," said Salvador Quishpe of an indigenous umbrella grouping called CONAIE.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-indigenous-group-rejects-talks-to-end-fuel-protests-255404">The 12 days of rolling demonstrations have left six people dead</a> and nearly 2,100 wounded or detained, according to authorities. Protesters on Saturday targeted a television station and a newspaper and set fire to the controller general's office.

President Lenin Moreno declared a curfew and placed the city under military control to stop the unrest. On Sunday, police dispersed a group of protesters who tried to erect a barricade with debris from Saturday's violence.&nbsp;

The crisis broke out in early October after Moreno ordered fuel subsidies cut as part of a deal struck by his government to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

CONAIE had previously rejected an offer of dialogue but reversed course Saturday and said the talks would focus on "the repeal or revision of the decree" that has left consumers paying more than double for fuel.

"Our hope is that, God willing, today we can sit down and talk and end all this," said Quishpe, a former governor of an Amazon province.

Ecuador's indigenous groups make up a quarter of the country's 17.3 million people. Thousands from disadvantaged communities in the Amazon and the Andes have travelled to Quito where they are spearheading demands that the subsidies continue.

Media attacked

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-at-protests-in-ecuador-over-fuel-price-hike-oil-facilities-seized-254404">Demonstrators on Saturday ransacked and set fire to the building housing the controller general's office</a>, which was shrouded in thick smoke after being attacked with fire bombs.

The prosecutor's office said 34 people were arrested.

Nearby, protesters built barricades in front of the National Assembly building as police fired tear gas at them.

The Teleamazonas TV channel interrupted its regular broadcast to air images of broken windows, a burned vehicle and heavy police presence on the scene.

The station evacuated 25 employees, none of them hurt.

El Comercio newspaper reported on Twitter that its offices were attacked by a "group of unknowns." It did not provide further details.

"We have nothing to do with the events at the comptroller's office and Teleamazonas," said CONAIE.

Protesters did not immediately heed the curfew that went into effect at 2000 GMT, with security forces still struggling to impose order in some parts of the city as night fell.

"Where are the mothers and fathers of the police? Why do they let them kill us?" cried Nancy Quinyupani, an indigenous woman.

The restrictions in Quito, a city of 2.7 million, came on top of a state of emergency Moreno had declared on October 3, deploying some 75,000 military and police and imposing a nighttime curfew in the vicinity of government buildings.

The violence has forced Moreno to relocate his government to Ecuador's second city, Guayaquil, and has hit the oil industry hard with the energy ministry suspending more than two-thirds of its distribution of crude.

Protesters seized three oil facilities in the Amazon earlier this week.

Moreno is struggling with an economic crisis that he blames on waste and corruption by Correa's administration.

Indigenous leaders and Ecuador's president prepared Sunday for face-to-face talks after nearly two weeks of violent street protests over austerity measures instituted to obtain a multibillion-dollar loan from the IMF.

Indigenous leaders and Ecuador's president prepared Sunday for face-to-face talks after nearly two weeks of violent street protests over austerity measures instituted to obtain a multibillion-dollar loan from the IMF. As both sides geared up for negotiations in the afternoon, one indigenous leader said protesters who have converged from far away will stay in the capital Quito until some kind of agreement is reached on painful reforms such as a doubling of some fuel prices. "Not just the leaders but the rank and file -- and we will stay until there is a solution," said Salvador Quishpe of an indigenous umbrella grouping called CONAIE. The 12 days of rolling demonstrations have left six people dead and nearly 2,100 wounded or detained, according to authorities. Protesters on Saturday targeted a television station and a newspaper and set fire to the controller general's office. President Lenin Moreno declared a curfew and placed the city under military control to stop the unrest. On Sunday, police dispersed a group of protesters who tried to erect a barricade with debris from Saturday's violence. The crisis broke out in early October after Moreno ordered fuel subsidies cut as part of a deal struck by his government to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. CONAIE had previously rejected an offer of dialogue but reversed course Saturday and said the talks would focus on "the repeal or revision of the decree" that has left consumers paying more than double for fuel. "Our hope is that, God willing, today we can sit down and talk and end all this," said Quishpe, a former governor of an Amazon province. Ecuador's indigenous groups make up a quarter of the country's 17.3 million people. Thousands from disadvantaged communities in the Amazon and the Andes have travelled to Quito where they are spearheading demands that the subsidies continue. Media attacked Demonstrators on Saturday ransacked and set fire to the building housing the controller general's office, which was shrouded in thick smoke after being attacked with fire bombs. The prosecutor's office said 34 people were arrested. Nearby, protesters built barricades in front of the National Assembly building as police fired tear gas at them. The Teleamazonas TV channel interrupted its regular broadcast to air images of broken windows, a burned vehicle and heavy police presence on the scene. The station evacuated 25 employees, none of them hurt. El Comercio newspaper reported on Twitter that its offices were attacked by a "group of unknowns." It did not provide further details. "We have nothing to do with the events at the comptroller's office and Teleamazonas," said CONAIE. Protesters did not immediately heed the curfew that went into effect at 2000 GMT, with security forces still struggling to impose order in some parts of the city as night fell. "Where are the mothers and fathers of the police? Why do they let them kill us?" cried Nancy Quinyupani, an indigenous woman. The restrictions in Quito, a city of 2.7 million, came on top of a state of emergency Moreno had declared on October 3, deploying some 75,000 military and police and imposing a nighttime curfew in the vicinity of government buildings. The violence has forced Moreno to relocate his government to Ecuador's second city, Guayaquil, and has hit the oil industry hard with the energy ministry suspending more than two-thirds of its distribution of crude. Protesters seized three oil facilities in the Amazon earlier this week. Moreno is struggling with an economic crisis that he blames on waste and corruption by Correa's administration.

Ecuador's president, protest leaders in talks to end deadly violence

While months of anti-government protests have taken a toll on businesses across Hong Kong, from luxury retailers and hotels to shops and restaurants, Keita Lee's pop-up stall is thriving

Gas masks and hard hats: Hong Kong hardware store capitalises on protests

Fault lines of Iraq become visible as protests roar

A homeless&nbsp;man wielding a metal pipe beat four other&nbsp;homeless&nbsp;people to death Saturday in New York, police said.

A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition.

Police detained a 24-year-old male as the suspect in the attack in the Chinatown area of Lower Manhattan in the small hours of Saturday.

The victims were apparently asleep when they were set upon, said Michael Baldassano of the New York police department.

"The motive appears to be, right now, just random attacks," he told reporters. "No one was targeted by race, age, anything of that nature."

Every night more than 63,000 people sleep in the New York City shelter system, says the Bowery Mission, an advocacy group. But nearly 4,000 more sleep on the street, in the subway or in other public areas.&nbsp;

The group says factors causing homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing and problems keeping a job.

A homeless man wielding a metal pipe beat four other homeless people to death Saturday in New York, police said. A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition.

A homeless man wielding a metal pipe beat four other homeless people to death Saturday in New York, police said. A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition. Police detained a 24-year-old male as the suspect in the attack in the Chinatown area of Lower Manhattan in the small hours of Saturday. The victims were apparently asleep when they were set upon, said Michael Baldassano of the New York police department. "The motive appears to be, right now, just random attacks," he told reporters. "No one was targeted by race, age, anything of that nature." Every night more than 63,000 people sleep in the New York City shelter system, says the Bowery Mission, an advocacy group. But nearly 4,000 more sleep on the street, in the subway or in other public areas. The group says factors causing homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing and problems keeping a job.

Four homeless men in New York beaten to death

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and&nbsp;clandestine file transfers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-death-toll-nears-100-rights-panel-253906">young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout</a> aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond.&nbsp;

Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday,&nbsp;before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday.

The termination of Wifi, 3G and 4G access left protestors with just regular phone calls and mobile messages -- a few notable exceptions aside.&nbsp;

Ahmad, 29, works at an internet service provider that helped implement the government's shutdown, but still has internet access at its headquarters.&nbsp;

"I go to the protests in the morning and shoot video on my phone, then use the internet at work to upload them to Facebook or send them to media outside Iraq," he said, using a fake name for fear of retribution or legal action by the government.

Protesters say the internet outage is an attempt to suppress reports of security forces using indiscriminate force including tear gas, live rounds and water cannons.

Ahmad showed AFP footage he planned to send to international media later that evening -- shots could be heard fired across a mostly-empty street in Baghdad&nbsp;as Ahmad and fellow protesters took cover behind a concrete barrier.

"Friends are even giving me the footage they shoot on flash drives so everyone outside Iraq can see what's happening here," said Ahmad.&nbsp;

Before Tuesday, many Iraqis had taken to Facebook and Instagram to call for initial protests against a range of grievances: unemployment, mass government corruption, nepotism, poor public services, and more.&nbsp;

Images of young men and women marching towards the emblematic Tahrir Square flooded social media the first day, using the hashtag #save_Iraqi_people.&nbsp;

When restrictions on Facebook began, Iraqis acted quickly: many downloaded virtual private network (VPN) applications.

Others even began surreptitiously posting the details of the next protests in the comments section of Cinemana, a popular streaming service in Iraq.

But those avenues were shut off by the systemic shutdown.

Those that could afford to, therefore, erected costly satellites on their rooftops to get a window into the outside world.

'Follow the gunfire'

Nearly 100 people have died in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-death-toll-rises-to-73-over-3000-injured-rights-commssion-253886">demonstrations since Tuesday</a>, most of them protesters but also personnel from the security forces, according to authorities.&nbsp;

"They’re trying to fight us not just with arms, but with this blackout," said 31-year-old protester Osama Mohammad.&nbsp;

"We used to check the different neighbourhoods' Facebook pages to know where to go for protests. Now we just follow the sound of gunfire," Mohammad told AFP.

"If they cut off regular phone lines, we'll be completely blind," he noted.&nbsp;

For 25-year-old women's rights activist Rasha, taking to the streets carries too much risk, but she says she has found a different way to get involved.

Every day, her male friends text her dozens of updates from protest squares across the country, which she then texts and phones through to friends in the United Arab Emirates and Europe.

"I'm an intermediary. I can’t protest myself so this is the least I can do," she said, telling AFP the phone credit she buys has cost her around $100 (90 euros) per day for the last three days.

Rasha, who comes from Baghdad, is also saving videos and other unpublished material from one of the first protests that turned violent. She attended that initial demonstration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They think we'll forget they fired at us, they think people won’t know. But I've got the videos and I'll publish everything I saw that day the minute the internet comes back," she said.&nbsp;

Jaafar Raad, an unemployed 29-year-old Iraqi who has frequently protested, is also storing dozens of images and videos to release once the blackout is lifted.

He even records voice notes from the protests themselves in applications like Whatsapp and Facebook, so that the audio messages will automatically send to friends abroad and international media outlets as soon as the internet returns.&nbsp;

"People must know what happened to us. This is so we can hold those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-authorities-lift-baghdad-curfew-253920">behind the violence</a> accountable," he told AFP.&nbsp;

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and clandestine file transfers, young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond.

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and clandestine file transfers, young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond. Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday. The termination of Wifi, 3G and 4G access left protestors with just regular phone calls and mobile messages -- a few notable exceptions aside. Ahmad, 29, works at an internet service provider that helped implement the government's shutdown, but still has internet access at its headquarters. "I go to the protests in the morning and shoot video on my phone, then use the internet at work to upload them to Facebook or send them to media outside Iraq," he said, using a fake name for fear of retribution or legal action by the government. Protesters say the internet outage is an attempt to suppress reports of security forces using indiscriminate force including tear gas, live rounds and water cannons. Ahmad showed AFP footage he planned to send to international media later that evening -- shots could be heard fired across a mostly-empty street in Baghdad as Ahmad and fellow protesters took cover behind a concrete barrier. "Friends are even giving me the footage they shoot on flash drives so everyone outside Iraq can see what's happening here," said Ahmad. Before Tuesday, many Iraqis had taken to Facebook and Instagram to call for initial protests against a range of grievances: unemployment, mass government corruption, nepotism, poor public services, and more. Images of young men and women marching towards the emblematic Tahrir Square flooded social media the first day, using the hashtag #save_Iraqi_people. When restrictions on Facebook began, Iraqis acted quickly: many downloaded virtual private network (VPN) applications. Others even began surreptitiously posting the details of the next protests in the comments section of Cinemana, a popular streaming service in Iraq. But those avenues were shut off by the systemic shutdown. Those that could afford to, therefore, erected costly satellites on their rooftops to get a window into the outside world. 'Follow the gunfire' Nearly 100 people have died in the demonstrations since Tuesday, most of them protesters but also personnel from the security forces, according to authorities. "They’re trying to fight us not just with arms, but with this blackout," said 31-year-old protester Osama Mohammad. "We used to check the different neighbourhoods' Facebook pages to know where to go for protests. Now we just follow the sound of gunfire," Mohammad told AFP. "If they cut off regular phone lines, we'll be completely blind," he noted. For 25-year-old women's rights activist Rasha, taking to the streets carries too much risk, but she says she has found a different way to get involved. Every day, her male friends text her dozens of updates from protest squares across the country, which she then texts and phones through to friends in the United Arab Emirates and Europe. "I'm an intermediary. I can’t protest myself so this is the least I can do," she said, telling AFP the phone credit she buys has cost her around $100 (90 euros) per day for the last three days. Rasha, who comes from Baghdad, is also saving videos and other unpublished material from one of the first protests that turned violent. She attended that initial demonstration. "They think we'll forget they fired at us, they think people won’t know. But I've got the videos and I'll publish everything I saw that day the minute the internet comes back," she said. Jaafar Raad, an unemployed 29-year-old Iraqi who has frequently protested, is also storing dozens of images and videos to release once the blackout is lifted. He even records voice notes from the protests themselves in applications like Whatsapp and Facebook, so that the audio messages will automatically send to friends abroad and international media outlets as soon as the internet returns. "People must know what happened to us. This is so we can hold those behind the violence accountable," he told AFP.

Innovative Iraqis dodge net blackout to illuminate protest violence

Hong Kong fell eerily silent on Saturday, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-return-to-hong-kong-streets-as-metro-shops-shut-after-violence-253910">the subway and most shopping malls closed</a> in an unprecedented shutdown of one of the world's biggest commercial centres after the government invoked emergency measures to curb months of unrest.

Hundreds of anti-government protesters defied a ban on face masks and took to the streets across the Chinese-ruled city earlier in the day. But by evening they had largely dispersed in preparation for bigger marches planned for Sunday.

Rail operator MTR Corp suspended all services, paralysing transport in the Asian financial hub, while malls and shops closed early after a night of chaos in which police shot a teenage boy and protesters torched businesses and metro stations.

Protests had erupted on Friday across the former British colony hours after its embattled leader, Carrie Lam, invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years to ban the use of face masks demonstrators have been using to hide their identities.

The night's "extreme violence" justified the use of the emergency law, Beijing-backed Lam said in a television address on Saturday.

"The radical behaviour of rioters took Hong Kong through a very dark night, leaving society today half-paralysed," she said in pre-recorded remarks.

"The extreme violence clearly illustrated that Hong Kong's public safety is widely endangered. That's the concrete reason that we had to invoke emergency law yesterday to introduce the anti-mask law", she added.

Undeterred by the ban and transport shutdown, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-mask-ban-as-city-grinds-to-halt-253888">several hundred pro-democracy protesters</a> - many wearing masks - marched through the normally bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay on Saturday, but there was no repeat of Friday's violence.

Other groups gathered in Sheung Shui close to the border with mainland China and in the busy shopping and tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui.

"We felt we had to get out and show our basic right to wear a mask," said one protester, Sue, 22, who wore a black mask and dark glasses to the Causeway Bay march.

"The government needs to learn it can’t squeeze Hong Kong people like this", she added.

The increasingly violent demonstrations that have roiled the city for four months began in opposition to a bill that would have allowed people to be extradited to mainland China for trial. They have since spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The unrest has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis since its handover from Britain to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that granted it autonomy and broad freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday the protests were evolving into a revolution backed by foreign forces and could not continue indefinitely.

The United Nations human rights chief called on Saturday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-invokes-emergency-powers-to-quell-escalating-violence-253684">for an independent probe</a> into the violence seen during the protests.

Michelle Bachelet told a media conference in Kuala Lumpur the U.N. was&nbsp;"alarmed by the injuries to the police and protesters, including journalists and protesters shot by law enforcement officers".

&nbsp;

Hong Kong fell eerily silent on Saturday, with the subway and most shopping malls closed in an unprecedented shutdown of one of the world's biggest commercial centres after the government invoked emergency measures to curb months of unrest.

Hong Kong fell eerily silent on Saturday, with the subway and most shopping malls closed in an unprecedented shutdown of one of the world's biggest commercial centres after the government invoked emergency measures to curb months of unrest. Hundreds of anti-government protesters defied a ban on face masks and took to the streets across the Chinese-ruled city earlier in the day. But by evening they had largely dispersed in preparation for bigger marches planned for Sunday. Rail operator MTR Corp suspended all services, paralysing transport in the Asian financial hub, while malls and shops closed early after a night of chaos in which police shot a teenage boy and protesters torched businesses and metro stations. Protests had erupted on Friday across the former British colony hours after its embattled leader, Carrie Lam, invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years to ban the use of face masks demonstrators have been using to hide their identities. The night's "extreme violence" justified the use of the emergency law, Beijing-backed Lam said in a television address on Saturday. "The radical behaviour of rioters took Hong Kong through a very dark night, leaving society today half-paralysed," she said in pre-recorded remarks. "The extreme violence clearly illustrated that Hong Kong's public safety is widely endangered. That's the concrete reason that we had to invoke emergency law yesterday to introduce the anti-mask law", she added. Undeterred by the ban and transport shutdown, several hundred pro-democracy protesters - many wearing masks - marched through the normally bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay on Saturday, but there was no repeat of Friday's violence. Other groups gathered in Sheung Shui close to the border with mainland China and in the busy shopping and tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui. "We felt we had to get out and show our basic right to wear a mask," said one protester, Sue, 22, who wore a black mask and dark glasses to the Causeway Bay march. "The government needs to learn it can’t squeeze Hong Kong people like this", she added. The increasingly violent demonstrations that have roiled the city for four months began in opposition to a bill that would have allowed people to be extradited to mainland China for trial. They have since spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement. The unrest has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis since its handover from Britain to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that granted it autonomy and broad freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday the protests were evolving into a revolution backed by foreign forces and could not continue indefinitely. The United Nations human rights chief called on Saturday for an independent probe into the violence seen during the protests. Michelle Bachelet told a media conference in Kuala Lumpur the U.N. was "alarmed by the injuries to the police and protesters, including journalists and protesters shot by law enforcement officers".

Hong Kong goes quiet as subway, shops close after night of violence

Hong Kong is set to enact an emergency law to ban face masks at rallies, media reported on Thursday (October 3), as authorities grapple with nearly four months of anti-government protests. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong might ban face masks in bid to curb violence

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

Violence resumes on the streets of Hong Kong

Grace Lee speaks on Hong Kong Protests

Afghans <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rocked-by-blasts-during-presidential-election-252567">voted in presidential elections</a> amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead.

The first-round vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that despite a large field of candidates is seen as a close race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers targeting residents as they cast their votes.

Polls closed at&nbsp;1230 GMT&nbsp;after a two-hour extension due to long queues of people still waiting to vote, the Independent Election Commission said.

Compared to previous elections, the initial toll appeared relatively light, though authorities provided little information about reported blasts and ongoing armed clashes with the Taliban in various provinces.

A security official who requested anonymity told AFP that two civilians had been killed and 27 wounded in Taliban bombings and mortar attacks at polling centres across the country.

Serious security incidents were reported in several provinces including Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kabul, Bamiyan and Kandahar.

The Taliban, who unleashed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enormous-good-done-by-us-in-afghanistan-says-jaishankar-252176">a string of bombings</a> during the two-month election campaign, claimed to have conducted hundreds of attacks against Afghanistan's "fake elections".

Ghani, having voted at a Kabul high school, said the most important issue was finding a leader with a mandate to bring peace to the war-torn nation.

"Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace," said Ghani, who is seeking a second term.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many lack faith that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

Observers from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said turnout appeared to be low, especially among women.

Still, many voters braved insurgent attacks and long queues to cast a ballot.

"I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP.

"I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes", he added.

Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election - a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

"The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," said Afghan voter Sunawbar Mirzae, 23.

Problems voting

Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election was supposed to take place at some 5,000 polling centres across the country but hundreds were closed due to the security situation.

Many Afghans said voting went smoothly, triumphantly holding up fingers stained in indelible ink to show they had cast a ballot, but several said they had experienced problems.&nbsp;

"I came this early morning to cast my ballot. Unfortunately, my name was not on the list," said Ziyarat Khan, a farmer in Nangarhar. "The whole process is messy like the last time."

Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul.

The interior ministry said it had deployed 72,000 forces to help secure polling stations.

Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud".

Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban.&nbsp;

That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-says-hell-never-accept-division-of-power-251944">Afghanistan's next president</a> will likely face the daunting task of trying to strike a bargain with the Taliban.

Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared the outright winner, or else the top two will head for the second round in November.

Afghans voted in presidential elections amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead.

Afghans voted in presidential elections amid tight security on Saturday, even as insurgents attacked polling centres in a series of blasts and clashes across the country that left at least two people dead. The first-round vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that despite a large field of candidates is seen as a close race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers targeting residents as they cast their votes. Polls closed at 1230 GMT after a two-hour extension due to long queues of people still waiting to vote, the Independent Election Commission said. Compared to previous elections, the initial toll appeared relatively light, though authorities provided little information about reported blasts and ongoing armed clashes with the Taliban in various provinces. A security official who requested anonymity told AFP that two civilians had been killed and 27 wounded in Taliban bombings and mortar attacks at polling centres across the country. Serious security incidents were reported in several provinces including Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kabul, Bamiyan and Kandahar. The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month election campaign, claimed to have conducted hundreds of attacks against Afghanistan's "fake elections". Ghani, having voted at a Kabul high school, said the most important issue was finding a leader with a mandate to bring peace to the war-torn nation. "Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace," said Ghani, who is seeking a second term. Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many lack faith that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. Observers from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said turnout appeared to be low, especially among women. Still, many voters braved insurgent attacks and long queues to cast a ballot. "I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP. "I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes", he added. Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election - a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. "The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," said Afghan voter Sunawbar Mirzae, 23. Problems voting Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election was supposed to take place at some 5,000 polling centres across the country but hundreds were closed due to the security situation. Many Afghans said voting went smoothly, triumphantly holding up fingers stained in indelible ink to show they had cast a ballot, but several said they had experienced problems. "I came this early morning to cast my ballot. Unfortunately, my name was not on the list," said Ziyarat Khan, a farmer in Nangarhar. "The whole process is messy like the last time." Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul. The interior ministry said it had deployed 72,000 forces to help secure polling stations. Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud". Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban. That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out, and Afghanistan's next president will likely face the daunting task of trying to strike a bargain with the Taliban. Results are not expected until October 19. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared the outright winner, or else the top two will head for the second round in November.

Afghans vote in presidential election amid violence

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