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Tag Archives: demonstrators
Wimbledon: Demonstrators dragged off after dumping confetti on grass courts to protest fossil fuels – Yahoo Sports
- Wimbledon: Demonstrators dragged off after dumping confetti on grass courts to protest fossil fuels Yahoo Sports
- Just Stop Oil protesters interrupt play at Wimbledon The Times and The Sunday Times
- Controversy Erupts at Wimbledon as ‘Circus’-Like Scenes Unfold as Fans React in Dismay to Protestors Turning Grass to Clay in Bizarre Scenes EssentiallySports
- Just Stop Oil storms Wimbledon court with orange confetti The Telegraph
- Environmental activists disrupt play at Wimbledon during match on Court 18 and get arrested KTVN
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Argentina vice president asks demonstrators to go home after unrest
BUENOS AIRES, Aug 27 (Reuters) – Argentina’s Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner asked her supporters to halt a protest on Saturday, while defending their right to demonstrate, after prosecutors requested a 12-year prison sentence for alleged corruption.
After a tense day in which thousands took to the streets to defend her and two were detained in clashes that injured seven police officers, Fernandez de Kirchner gave a brief evening speech on a makeshift stage in front of her house.
“In a democracy, the right to freedom of expression is fundamental,” she said. “I want to say thank you and to ask you to go get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
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Prosecutors on Monday accused Fernandez de Kirchner on Monday of defrauding the state and involvement in a scheme to divert public funds while president between 2007 and 2015. read more
The largest demonstration of her supporters took place outside the vice president’s home in the elegant Buenos Aires neighborhood of Recoleta, where in the early morning hours police had set up fences in an effort to prevent a large gathering.
Supporters gathered outside the house of Argentina’s Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner face police officers, days after Fernandez was accused in a corruption case, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, August 27, 2022. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
In the afternoon, the demonstrators, who claim that Fernandez de Kirchner is the victim of judicial persecution and that the fences were erected by Buenos Aires’ opposition mayor as a provocation, tore down the barriers and clashed with police. Hydrant trucks tried to disperse the crowds with water.
“Today I woke up with the corner of my house literally besieged,” Fernandez de Kirchner said in a tweet. “They want to ban demonstrations of love and support that are absolutely peaceful and joyful, which are taking place in the face of the judiciary’s already undeniable persecution.”
As a sign of support, President Alberto Fernandez later took to Twitter to criticize “the institutional violence unleashed by the city government.”
Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta justified the placement of fences and the actions of the police, telling a news conference that “the demonstration turned into a situation of violence.”
Fernandez de Kirchner leads the most hardline wing of the center-left Peronist coalition that has governed Argentina since the end of 2019.
The verdict and any potential sentence will be decided by a judge, which could take months, though Fernandez de Kirchner could appeal any decision, possibly delaying a final verdict for years.
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Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by William Mallard
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Baghdad: More than 100 injured in clashes as demonstrators storm Iraq’s parliament
Crowds of angry demonstrators loyal to the powerful cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have broken into the secure area where government buildings are located despite security forces using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.
The protesters then stormed the parliament, according to Iraqi State News agency (INA). Videos circulating on social media appeared to show people waving the Iraqi flag walking past security through the doors of parliament.
At least 125 people have been injured, including 100 civilians and 25 military personnel, according to the country’s Ministry of Health.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) described the recent escalation in tensions as “deeply concerning.”
“Voices of reason and wisdom are critical to prevent further violence. All actors are encouraged to de-escalate in the interest of all Iraqis” UNAMI said in a tweet.
Outgoing Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, who is currently Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, has called for peace and for demonstrators “not to escalate the situation.”
In a statement Saturday, he asked protesters to abide by the orders of security forces and stressed security forces “have a duty to protect official institutions and emphasized the need to take all legal measures to maintain order.”
The protests began after Mohammed Shiya al-Sudani was formally nominated to lead the country on Monday by the Coordination Framework, the largest Shiite alliance in the Iraqi parliament.
His nomination followed the mass resignation of al-Sadr’s parliamentary bloc, a group of over 70 lawmakers who withdrew from the governing body last month in an apparent show of force after months of political stalemate.
Iraq has struggled to form a new government since parliamentary elections in October; Sadr’s own attempts to form a government have previously foundered amid opposition from rival blocs.
“If the Sadrist bloc remaining [in parliament] is an obstacle to government formation, then all lawmakers of the bloc are honorably ready to resign from parliament,” Sadr said in a televised speech in June.
The cleric, who positions himself as against both Iran and the United States, is immensely popular. His bloc’s success in the October vote threatened to sideline Iran-aligned Shiite blocs that have long dominated the oil-rich country’s politics.
On Wednesday, al-Sadr told protesters at the parliament building that their “message” had been received and that they should return home.
“A revolution of reform and rejection of injustice and corruption. Your message has been received. You have terrified the corrupt. Pray, and return home safely,” he tweeted.
The outgoing government of Prime Minister al-Kadhimi also issued a statement calling on the Sadrist protesters to “to immediately withdraw from the Green Zone,” preserve public and private properties and to abide by the instructions of the security forces.
“The security forces will be committed to protecting state institutions and international missions, and preventing any disturbance of security and order,” al-Kadhimi added.
Aqeel Najim reported from Baghdad, Hamdi Alkhshali reported from Atlanta and Eyad Kourdi reported from Gaziantep. Obaida Nafaa in Dubai and Alex Stambaugh in Hong Kong contributed reporting. Ivana Kottasová wrote in London.
Freedom Convoy in Canada: Canadian police working to clear Ottawa downtown of protesters say they have arrested more than 100 demonstrators
“Anyone who fell, got up and walked away. We’re unaware of any injuries,” police said on Twitter.
One person was arrested when a bicycle was thrown in the direction of a horse farther down the line, police said.
City, provincial and federal law enforcement officers began an unprecedented operation Friday morning to remove protesters and their trucks and cars that have been blockading Ottawa’s streets for weeks. By Friday night, more than 100 people had been arrested and 21 vehicles were towed.
“You must leave. You must cease further unlawful activity and immediately remove your vehicle and/or property from all unlawful protest sites,” police tweeted on three occasions Friday night. “Anyone within the unlawful protest site may be arrested.”
At an afternoon news conference, interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell said authorities would work all day and all night to move protesters out.
“We’re in control of the situation on the ground and continue to push forward to clear our streets,” Bell said.
Several trucks and cars have voluntarily left the protest but dozens continue to block streets in and around Parliament.
Ottawa police earlier tweeted protesters placed children between police operations and the protest site.
“The children will be brought to a place of safety,” the tweet said.
CNN has observed those children on the protest site in the last several days. Bell said police have not needed to interact with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa in connection with children in the crowd. The society, according to its website, is a non-profit community organization funded by Ontario’s government and is legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect.
“Even through all the planning, it still shocks and surprises me that we are seeing children put in harm’s way, in the middle of a demonstration where a police operation is unfolding,” Bell said. “We will continue to look after their safety and security but we implore all the parents who have kids in there, get the kids out of there.”
Local media showed live pictures of several arrests that occurred earlier Friday without incident. Police searches and arrests took place at a location less than a half-mile from the main protest site at Parliament Hill.
In his news conference earlier Friday, Bell said no protesters were hurt during the day and one officer suffered minor injuries.
Debate in Parliament on using the Emergencies Act was slated to continue Friday, but the House of Commons will not meet because of police activity in downtown Ottawa, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota said in a statement.
Ottawa police on Friday confirmed the arrests of two protest organizers, Tamara Lich, 49, and Christopher John Barber, 46.
Lich was charged with counseling to commit the offense of mischief and Barber has been charged with counseling to commit the offense of mischief, counseling to commit the offense of disobeying a court order, and counseling to commit the offense of obstructing police.
Barber had a contested bail hearing Friday, attorney Diane Magas said in an email to CNN. He was released on conditions and a bond, she added. Lich is scheduled to appear in court Saturday morning for her arraignment.
Video posted on social media shows Lich interacting with a police officer, then being handcuffed and led away to a police cruiser.
Lich has encouraged protesters to convene in Ottawa, and recently called for supporters to continue their protest despite it being declared unlawful. She created a GoFundMe campaign for the “Freedom Convoy” which raised millions of dollars before it was suspended by the platform.
The convoy first arrived in Ottawa on January 29 to express their disapproval of a vaccine mandate to enter the country or face testing requirements. Over the course of more than two weeks, the protest has since spiraled into a wider grievance against all Covid-19 measures, including mask-wearing and vaccinations.
Ottawa police began erecting barriers and fencing throughout the downtown core Thursday in an effort to clear the area of demonstrators, who have used trucks to block city roads and remained defiant amid calls by police to disperse.
Overnight, the three police forces hardened the perimeter in the downtown core, which includes checkpoints at on-ramps from highways and side streets.
The secured area would ensure that those seeking entry for an “unlawful reason such as joining a protest cannot enter the downtown core,” according to Bell.
With nearly 100 checkpoints, the perimeter encompasses most of Ottawa’s downtown area and is far larger than the protest footprint to date.
Those who live, work or have a lawful reason to be in the area would be allowed access, authorities said.
Trudeau defends call for emergency powers
Amid opposition in Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his decision to invoke emergency powers to put an end to the demonstrations during an address Thursday to legislators.
Officials have said a primary aim of invoking the Emergencies Act is to stifle funding to the demonstrators in Ottawa.
“These illegal blockades are being heavily supported by individuals in the United States and from elsewhere around the world,” Trudeau said. “We see that roughly half of the funding that is flowing to the barricaders here is coming from the United States. The goal of all measures, including financial measures in the Emergencies Act, is to deal with the current threat only, and to get the situation fully under control.”
The act, passed in 1988 and never before invoked, can temporarily suspend citizens’ rights to free movement or assembly. It can also provide for the use of the military, but Trudeau has said this would not be necessary.
“We did it to protect families and small businesses. To protect jobs and the economy. We did it because the situation could not be dealt with under any other law in Canada,” Trudeau said. “For the good of all Canadians, the illegal blockades and occupations have to stop, and the borders have to remain open.”
Border crossing blockades in Alberta and Ontario came to an end this week, with arrests being made as police cleared the areas. Four individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder at the blockade at Coutts, Alberta, and multiple weapons and rounds of ammunition were seized.
Another blockade in Manitoba ended without incident, authorities said. The port of entry connecting Surrey, British Columbia to Blaine, Washington, has also been reopened.
Candice Bergen, interim leader of the Conservative Party, said Wednesday the party won’t be supporting a motion by the federal government to fully use those powers, according to CNN newsgathering partner CTV.
“The first act that he does when he has a chance to do something — he doesn’t go through step one, two, three — he goes straight to 100 and invokes the Emergencies Act,” Bergen told CTV News. “I don’t think anything that we will see will change our mind, we will be opposing it.”
The government must propose a motion in both the House and Senate explaining why federal officials need the powers and specifying what actions will be taken, then both the House and Senate must confirm the motions, according to CTV.
The federal government will work with premiers across the country “until the situation is resolved,” Trudeau said.
“Like I said on Monday, the scope of the Emergencies Act is time-limited and targeted as well as reasonable and portioned. It strengthens and supports law enforcement agencies, so they have more tools to restore order and protect critical infrastructure.”
CNN’s Raja Razek, Chris Boyette, Amir Vera and Jenn Selva contributed to this report.
Trucker protests: Demonstrators join rallies across Canada as Covid-19 trucker protests spread
With persistent and noisy horn honking, protesters are demanding governments at all levels lift their health restrictions, including vaccine and mask mandates, lockdowns and restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
“The whole event has gone beyond just vaccines and it is now about the entire ordeal,” protester James MacDonald told CNN, adding he’s been in Ottawa since last weekend and has no intention of leaving until health measures are dropped.
The “Freedom Convoy” was initially started by truckers protesting a recent mandate requiring drivers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements. But others have joined the cause. Demonstrators reached Ottawa, Canada’s capital, last weekend, and its organizers said the protests will linger there and elsewhere if necessary.
“We do not have sufficient resources to adequately and effectively address this situation while adequately, effectively providing policing in this city,” Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly warned during a police services meeting Saturday.
While mostly nonviolent, the protests have been noisy and chaotic, and some residents, especially in Ottawa, said they feel like they’re being held hostage by demonstrators.
“I understand the police force does not want to directly intervene for fear of violence,” Ottawa resident Jack Krentz told CNN this week, “but it feels like we’ve been left alone a little bit.”
Numerous businesses in Ottawa have complained to city officials they are losing money and customers, and the majority of businesses in Ottawa’s downtown core have been closed for more than a week or have been operating with reduced hours.
Ottawa police said they have responded to more than 400 calls for service related to the demonstrations since they began last week. At least 50 criminal investigations are underway, including 11 involving potential hate crimes.
Trucker protests spread to Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec
In Vancouver, five people were arrested Saturday for allegedly adding to the general havoc as police received reports of “rocks and eggs being thrown, cars being kicked, and nails being strewn on roadways,” police said. Several hundred vehicles traveled through the city en route to the demonstration, Vancouver Police said.
The five people were taken to jail and have since been released from custody, police said.
One of them, a 29-year-old US citizen from Washington state, was arrested after officers saw him wearing a balaclava and pulling a wagon full of egg cartons. The man had a knife in a sheath tied to his belt, and two eggs in his jacket pocket, police said.
“Everyone has the right to peacefully assemble and express their views, and the Vancouver Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment for lawful protest,” said police Sgt. Steve Addison. “Today’s protests attracted thousands of people who feel passionately about their causes. While most protesters were peaceful, some had to be arrested for violent behavior and unlawful conduct.”
In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, thousands took to the streets Saturday. And despite the efforts of Toronto police, several trucks blocked a major intersection for hours.
Police reported problems clearing the way for emergency vehicles close to the protest, warning again in a statement this was “unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Quebec City similarly reported thousands of protesters and hundreds of trucks clogging streets while residents and visitors tried to enjoy a winter carnival.
While the protests were started by truckers, those who have joined them and donated money include many who said they are vaccinated and have so far complied with public health measures.
“We’re asking for freedom, that’s all,” said one couple who joined the protest in Ottawa this week.
CNN’s Melissa Alonso contributed to this report.
Five Israeli police officers wounded in clashes with ultra-Orthodox demonstrators over coronavirus restrictions
Five Israeli police officers were wounded Sunday in clashes with ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protesting coronavirus restrictions in cities across the country.
Police reported the five officer injuries and at least four arrests as large crowds of ultra-Orthodox protesters confronted officers in multiple cities in Israel, The Associated Press reported.
Israeli law enforcement has been mostly hesitant to crack down on people in the ultra-Orthodox community for noncompliance with COVID-19 requirements, including by reopening schools, praying in synagogues and holding large weddings and funerals.
But on Sunday, officers were faced with the crowds of demonstrators speaking out against the restrictions.
In Bnei Brak, young men challenged police and threatened journalists, leading an officer to fire his pistol into the air to deter the crowd, according to the AP. Two days earlier, ultra-Orthodox demonstrators had attacked a police vehicle in the city.
Law enforcement used tear gas and putrid-smelling water to break up hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters who were outside of a reopened school and calling police “Nazis.” Dozens of demonstrators also faced off with police in Ashdod outside of an ultra-Orthodox school.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE condemned disobedience of the coronavirus restrictions, saying a small minority of people were behaving in an “unacceptable” way.
“I expect all citizens of Israel to respect the safety guidelines,” he said, according to the AP. “That includes all the sectors, including the ultra-Orthodox.”
Israel has one of the highest rates of infection of any country in the world, with an average of more than 8,000 cases being confirmed per day. Health experts have attributed the recent spread of the virus to the lack of compliance among the ultra-Orthodox community.
Israel has recorded almost 600,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 4,400 fatalities, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up more than one-third of Israel’s cases while being slightly more than 10 percent of the population.
The uptick in cases could endanger the success of Israel’s vaccination effort after the country has vaccinated more than a quarter of its 9.2 million population, according to the AP.
The protests also come as Netanyahu announced that the nation will shut down its international airport to almost all flights beginning on Tuesday until Jan. 31. Exceptions will be made for a small amount of humanitarian cases and cargo flights.