Results for: Protests

Kenya is on the brink of a nationwide strike as youth-led protests against proposed tax hikes intensify. The demonstrations, sparked by the government’s plan to increase taxes, have surprised President William Ruto’s administration. The protests have been largely peaceful but have led to deaths and injuries, prompting calls for accountability from authorities. The government has partially backtracked on the tax increases, but plans to implement others, leading to concerns about further economic hardship for Kenyans.

Anti-government protests have escalated across Israel, fueled by dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Demonstrators are calling for immediate elections, a ceasefire, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The protests highlight deep divisions within Israeli society over the war’s objectives, Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis, and the influence of his far-right coalition partners.

Amidst ongoing protests over Israel, an Ohio state lawmaker has proposed legislation that would hold rioters financially responsible for any damages they cause while breaking the law. Senate Bill 267, introduced by Republican state Sen. Tim Schaffer, aims to ensure that those who damage property during protests are held accountable for their actions and that taxpayers and businesses are not left to bear the burden.

As the trial of former President Trump continues in New York City, tensions escalated outside the courthouse on Thursday. A group of pro-Trump supporters clashed with anti-Trump protesters, prompting police to intervene and separate the conflicting groups. The anti-Trump protesters faced insults and harassment from the pro-Trump demonstrators, who demanded they leave the area. The altercation occurred as the jury deliberates in Trump’s trial, and the outcome is still pending.

France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia following violent protests against electoral reforms that have resulted in four fatalities, including one police officer. The protests, which have been sparked by concerns that the reforms could marginalize the Indigenous Kanak population, have seen thousands of rioters clashing with gendarmes, resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries. The French government has deployed hundreds of police to the territory and expanded powers for local authorities to restore order. The violence highlights deep-seated tensions between the Kanak people, who seek independence, and descendants of European colonizers, who prefer to remain part of France.

A group of anti-Israel protesters from Queers for Palestine were arrested on Saturday after blocking the exit of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The protesters, who were wearing keffiyeh and holding banners, chanted “Free Palestine” and accused Disney of “supporting genocide.” Some drivers were forced to use the highway’s shoulder to go around the protesters, and one angry motorist confronted them, saying “You are causing people to actually hate you.” The protester verbally attacked him, calling him a “genocide sympathizer.” The protesters claimed that Disney supports Israel without acknowledging the loss of Palestinian lives in the ongoing genocide.

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), protests have erupted over heavy taxation, high inflation, and electricity shortages. The Pakistani government has responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, deploying police who have fired tear gas, pellets, and bullets in an attempt to quell the demonstrations. Two protesters have been killed in the violence.

The protests were organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), an umbrella group representing various political parties in PoK. The APHC has condemned the Pakistani government’s actions and called for an end to the violence.

The Pakistani government has denied that its forces have used excessive force and has blamed the protesters for instigating the violence. However, videos have emerged that appear to show Pakistani police firing live ammunition into the crowd.

The protests have highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among the people of PoK with the Pakistani government. The region has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for decades, and the recent violence is likely to further strain relations between the two countries.

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is facing controversy and protests, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated grand finale. Amidst the excitement of the performances, several incidents have made headlines.

One of the most significant controversies is the expulsion of the Netherlands’ contestant, Joost Klein, from the competition. The nature of the complaint against Klein remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. This unexpected departure has left fans and bookmakers disappointed.

Additionally, Israel’s participation in the contest has sparked protests due to accusations of war crimes committed in Gaza. Residents of Malmo, Sweden, where the finals are taking place, have held marches demanding a boycott of Israel and a cease-fire in the conflict. These protests have even led to booing and heightened security for Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan.

Despite the organizers’ insistence on the contest being apolitical, experts believe that choosing Israel as the winner could intensify protests and draw negative attention to the event. The beleaguered Israeli delegation has also been asked to change the title of its song, which references a controversial incident during the Gaza war.

A crippling strike and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad turned violent on Friday as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The strike, called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was sparked by a police crackdown on its members and activists. Protesters pelted stones at police, who responded with teargas shelling. Businesses remained closed, and normal life was disrupted in several districts. The JKJAAC has been protesting against high electricity bills, demanding that electricity be provided at the production cost of hydropower in the state.

During a demonstration at the University of Mississippi involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestine students, a black female protestor supporting Palestine faced racist taunts and gestures from a group of white male pro-Israel protestors. The protestors disparaged her weight and hurled slurs, including “Lizzo,” while one white man mocked her with monkey gestures and noises. Republican Representative Mike Collins shared a video of the incident, seemingly approving of the behavior. The University of Mississippi denounced the incident as “inappropriate” and “offensive,” while former President Donald Trump featured the incident in an advertisement. The altercation occurred during a larger protest over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with the demonstrators demanding that the university disassociate itself from businesses benefitting from the conflict.