Last week, a new wave of demonstrations in support of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny took place across Russia with almost no arrests. Meanwhile, political unrest in Spain increased with violent demonstrations taking place against the arrest of Pablo Hasel. In Belarus, the demonstrations against President Lukashenko have spotlighted the poor treatment of journalists covering…
Demonstration events in the United States declined by a quarter last week compared to the week prior despite the end of the second impeachment trial. As the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump on 13 February (NPR, 13 February 2021), several pro-Trump demonstrations were reported last week. Unlike the anti-Trump “Reject the Cover-Up” protests following…
Last week in Central Asia and the Caucasus, violence continued in Afghanistan with lethal offensives between Afghan forces and the Taliban, while the Islamic State (IS) also conducted attacks in its previous stronghold of Nangarhar province. In the de facto Republic of Artsakh, landmines remaining from the latest war again caused casualties. In Azerbaijan, women…
Last week in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, unrest and violence continued ahead of key electoral dates. In Haiti, the opposition continued to demonstrate against President Jovenel Moise. A demonstrator was killed by armed men and several journalists covering the demonstrations were injured by police. In Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico, civil servants, members of…
Last week in the Middle East, Houthis in Yemen captured Az Zurin in Marib’s Sirwah district, whereas pro-Hadi forces made gains in Al Jawf and Dali’s Qaatabah. Meanwhile, Houthis continued their drone attacks against airports in Saudi Arabia. In Syria, two IED explosions in Al Bab and Afrin city led to civilian casualties. Clashes between…
Last week in East Asia, solidarity demonstrations against the military coup in Myanmar were reported in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. In North Korea, coronavirus lockdowns on the border with China were lifted earlier than planned following reports of people dying of hunger. In South Korea, a former ‘comfort woman’ demanded the government bring…
Last week in Africa, political tensions between the government and opposition groups turned violent in the Somali capital of Mogadishu; bandits carried out a mass kidnapping at a school in Nigeria; and the Allied Democratic Forces carried out a series of attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune…
Last week in South Asia, clashes between security forces and various militant groups took place in India and Pakistan. Islamist and separatist militants increased their activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Union Territory in India. Maoist rebels reappeared in Madhya Pradesh state in India and attacked civilians and security forces. Pakistani military forces carried out…