Bolivia declares state of emergency amid nationwide protest blockades
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has declared a state of emergency after weeks of protests and road blockades that have paralysed large parts of the country. The measure is intended to give the government broader powers to clear blocked roads and restore normal movement of goods and people. Paz said the step was needed to "free the country's roads" and return the country to normalcy.The declaration comes after demonstrations that began at the end of April and have been led by miners, farmers and Indigenous groups. Protesters are demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, a rollback of austerity measures and the... [Continue Reading]
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Paris police ban Iranian opposition rally over security concerns
French police have banned a planned Iranian opposition rally in Paris at the last minute, citing a risk of violence and public-order disruption. The demonstration, organised by the National Resistance Council of Iran, was due to take place on Saturday. Authorities said the route would have passed close to public buildings and diplomatic missions.The police order said there was a serious risk that clashes could break out between activists with opposing views in what it described as a particularly tense national and international context. The National Resistance Council of Iran said the cancellation came after business hours on Thursday and... [Continue Reading]
Iranians voice anger as United States signs ceasefire deal with Tehran after more than 100 days of war
People in Iran are reacting with anger and disappointment after the United States signed a memorandum of understanding with Tehran to end hostilities. The agreement comes after more than 100 days of war, according to the supplied material, and follows a period of severe disruption inside Iran. Those interviewed described feeling betrayed by the deal and said they had expected a different outcome from the conflict.The row says the memorandum of understanding was signed between Washington and Tehran, and that Donald Trump told reporters in France he had signed the deal. It also says the war began on 28 February,... [Continue Reading]
Bolivia signs $20m deal with US to fight drug trafficking
Bolivia says it has signed a new co-operation deal with the United States to combat drug trafficking, in a move officials describe as part of a thaw in relations between the two countries. The foreign ministry said the agreement will see Washington provide up to $20m to train and equip Bolivian forces. It was signed in La Paz and is aimed at strengthening institutions involved in public security, criminal investigations and the fight against organised crime.The ministry said the deal comes less than two weeks after President Rodrigo Paz named Ernesto Justiniano, previously described as the country's "drug czar", as... [Continue Reading]
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US charges 15 Minnesota activists over alleged antifa-linked violence
The US Justice Department has announced criminal charges against 15 activists in Minnesota, accusing them of involvement in alleged antifa-linked violence tied to protests against immigration enforcement operations. Prosecutors say the case centres on conduct they describe as an effort to interfere with federal officers and government property. Twelve of the defendants were taken into custody on Tuesday morning, while two remain at large and one had already been detained.At a news conference, US Attorney Daniel Rosen said the charges included conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, solicitation to commit violence, interstate threats, interstate stalking, assaulting federal officers and... [Continue Reading]
India blocks Telegram until June 22 over medical entrance exam fraud concerns
India has temporarily blocked access to Telegram until 22 June, saying the messaging app was being used to defraud candidates taking a national medical entrance examination. The move was announced by the Ministry of Education and applies for a defined period, according to the government statement. It marks a rare and sweeping intervention against a major messaging platform in one of the world's largest internet markets.The restriction was issued under a provision of India's information technology law that allows the government to block access to online services in the interest of sovereignty and integrity. Officials said the action was taken... [Continue Reading]
Iranians in Los Angeles divided over whether to cheer or jeer World Cup team
Los Angeles is seeing a split among Iranian Americans as Iran prepares to begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand. In the city's Westwood neighbourhood, known by many as Tehrangeles, some residents are planning protests near the stadium while others say they want to focus on the match rather than politics. The debate has become visible in shopfronts, community spaces and public displays of the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag.Several protests have already taken place against Iran's participation in the tournament, according to people in the community. Roozbeh Farahanipour, a business owner and veteran opposition activist, said the community is divided... [Continue Reading]
Swiss police fire tear gas as anti-G7 protesters target UN buildings in Geneva
Swiss police fired tear gas in Geneva on Sunday after anti-G7 demonstrators began targeting buildings linked to the United Nations, according to witnesses and police. The protest was tied to the upcoming Group of Seven summit in France, which is due to take place from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains, near Lake Geneva. Most of the march was described as peaceful, but the situation turned tense when some protesters moved towards UN-related sites in the city.Police said up to 7,000 people attended the demonstration and that officers confiscated knives and pyrotechnic devices. Witnesses said some demonstrators threw stones at... [Continue Reading]
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India protests US strikes on ships in Gulf as death toll of Indian mariners deepens row
India and the United States have sharpened their diplomatic dispute over US missile strikes on commercial ships in the Gulf region after three Indian seafarers were killed in an attack on 10 June. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reiterated India's "strong protest" over what he described as lethal actions against commercial shipping. The exchange comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump head to the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, where a possible meeting could add another layer to the talks.The Indian side said the Ministry of... [Continue Reading]


