Tag: Protester

US urges Myanmar junta to yield power after protester death

  YANGON, Myanmar (AFP) — Washington has urged the leaders of Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from violence and relinquish power, after the death of a young anti-coup protester sparked new anger against the junta. Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with large street demonstrations in both urban centres and isolated villages. Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying […]

First death hits Myanmar’s anti-coup movement as pressure swells against generals

  YANGON, Myanmar (AFP) — A young protester died Friday, more than a week after being shot in anti-coup demonstrations in Myanmar, offering a fresh source of anger inside the country as international pressure grows on the generals who seized power. Much of the country has been in open revolt since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with disparate strands of Myanmar society uniting to protest against a return to […]

Venezuela enters crucial week in battle over constitution rewrite

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Agence France Presse CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) — Pro- and anti-government groups are battling fiercely for public support over a contested plan by President Nicolas Maduro to have a new body elected this month to rewrite the constitution. The opposition, energized by the release from jail of one of its emblematic leaders, Leopoldo Lopez, is leading the charge against the new assembly to be chosen in a July 30 election. On Monday […]

S. Koreans jubilant, or stunned by president’s sacking

SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) — The rival crowds outside South Korea’s constitutional court Friday for the verdict on impeached president Park Geun-Hye epitomised the opposing passions and generational splits over the country’s sweeping political scandal. Around 3,000 anti-Park demonstrators, mostly in their 20s to 40s, erupted with joy as the verdict was read out in a live television broadcast. “We won, we won,” they chanted, waving banners. “This is a victory of democracy,” 27-year-old student […]

International Women’s Day in Madrid draws 40,000 protesters

MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Around 40,000 protesters took to the streets of Madrid on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day and call for an end to domestic violence. Gathered in the central square, the protesters carried posters reading “Justice” and “We are not all here” — in reference to victims of violence who have lost their lives. Municipal officials estimated at least 40,000 people had rallied in Madrid, and smaller protests were held in Barcelona […]

Protesters rally outside White House against Trump immigration policies

WASHINGTON, United States (Reuters) — Immigrant and refugee advocates on Wednesday (January 25) denounced White House plans to temporarily stop receiving refugees and suspend visas for people from seven Middle Eastern and North African countries, saying they target Muslims and will make America less safe. Protesters marched and rallied outside the White House denounced the Trump administration’s plan to to enact the new immigration policies. A draft executive order seen by Reuters that Trump is […]

Mexicans build makeshift wall around US embassy in Trump protest

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) — Protesters in Mexico City used boxes to build a makeshift wall outside the US embassy on Friday (January 20) to protest plans from US President Donald Trump to build a border wall. He has vowed to move fast on construction which he claims its southern neighbor will pay for. But protesters in Mexico disagreed. “We are against the construction of the wall and we’re marching because the Mexican government has […]

Trump election win sparks protests across US

by Gregory FEIFER WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Protesters rallied across the United States Wednesday to express shock over Donald Trump’s election victory, vowing to oppose divisive views they say helped the Republican billionaire win the presidency. In Washington, several hundred protesters gathered in front of the White House for a candlelight vigil on a damp, chilly evening, criticizing what they called Trump’s racism, sexism and xenophobia, and carrying signs reading “We have a voice!” […]

Four police killed at US race bias protest: chief

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Four police officers were killed, at least seven were wounded and a civilian was also hurt late Thursday when two snipers opened fire during a protest in Dallas against police racial bias, authorities said. City Police Chief David Brown said two gunmen shot at “police officers from elevated positions during the protest/rally”, sparking an intense search for at least two suspects, adding that they had threatened to plant a bomb. The […]

Philippine protesters say harassed by Chinese during flag stunt

MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Filipino protesters said Monday that Chinese coastguard ships blocked and sprayed them with water as they sailed to a disputed South China Sea shoal to plant a Philippine flag for independence day. China claims most of the strategic and resources-rich sea and has controlled Scarborough Shoal, just 230 kilometres (145 miles) off the main Philippine island of Luzon, since a 2012 standoff with the Philippine Navy. The Kalayaan Atin Ito (Freedom […]

Anti-Trump protesters attack supporters at California rally

by Mariano Andrade SAN JOSE, United States (AFP) — Protesters who oppose Donald Trump scuffled with his supporters Thursday as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee held a rally in California, with fistfights erupting and one supporter hit with an egg. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked a police van and then entered the parking area of the San Jose Convention Center where the event took place, insulting Trump supporters in their cars and attacking those leaving the […]