[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy protests - Africa, Asia, Americas, Western Europe

[Andy]

*  PHILIPPINES:  Protests, "mass for peace" target Arroyo
*  INDONESIA:  Protests against plans to make hero of Suharto
*  MALAYSIA:  Police attack small opposition rally, Hindu "flower power" 
protest and fuel price rally
*  MALAYSIA:  Malays protest after election losses
*  PAKISTAN:  Protests by indigenous people over rigging in local election
*  MYANMAR:  Self-immolation in protest against regime
*  ZIMBABWE:  MDC defy ban on pre-election rallies
*  ZIMBABWE/SOUTH AFRICA:  Expat Zimbabweans protest over voting rights at 
embassy
*  KENYA:  Kibera supporters in unrest over cabinet deal; opposition earlier 
continues protests, and police continue killings
*  CUBA:  "Signs of protest from patient children of the revolution"
*  JERSEY:  Scandal prompts pro-democracy protests in dependency
*  EGYPT:  Islamists protest government crackdown

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieoSWeNhn7OupRuQAoEcjLKjsjIg

More protests vowed against Philippine leader
Mar 1, 2008
MANILA (AFP) - Foes of embattled Philippine president Gloria Arroyo held a 
"mass for the truth" on Sunday and vowed more street protests in the coming 
weeks to press for her resignation.
Hundreds of students and church workers joined former president Corazon 
Aquino and other members of the opposition in the mass at the University of 
Santo Tomas in Manila.
They sang nationalistic hymns and raised clenched fists as they repeated 
demands for Arroyo to resign.
Also in the gathering was Rodolfo Lozada, a former mid-level government 
official who implicated Arroyo's husband and a political ally in a 
corruption case surrounding a botched telecoms deal.
Lozada's explosive testimony has led to mounting calls for Arroyo to step 
down, and on Friday more than 15,000 people gathered in the capital's Makati 
financial district in the largest protest since the scandal broke last year.
"There will be more rallies to come," said Adel Tamano, a spokesman for the 
political opposition. We believe that the rally last Friday has led to a 
snowballing effect."
He noted that universities around Manila had become major starting points 
for protests, with students coming out in their thousands last week.
"We are beginning to reach a critical mass," Tamano said on local radio, 
adding that the protests in Manila were matched by smaller rallies in key 
cities around the Philippines.
Aquino and another ex-president, Joseph Estrada, were the key figures in 
last week's protest and both called for Arroyo to step down.
Renato Reyes, secretary general of the activist group Bayan, said Friday's 
rally was the "strongest rejection" yet of Arroyo.
"This is an encouraging sign of political maturity among Filipinos," he 
said, adding that the next protest would be on March 8, to coincide with 
International Women's Day.
Arroyo has kept a low profile amid the anti-government protests, and her 
spokesman Ignacio Bunye on Sunday said she had spent Friday chairing a 
mining conference and visiting development projects in the countryside.
The president earlier said she would not step down until her six-year term 
ends in 2010 and denied that her family had profited from government deals.
She has earlier survived three impeachment bids in Congress, and put down 
two coup attempts.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=110062

Protests held as organizers look for new venue for Feb. 25 mass

Small protest actions were held on Friday especially in some universities in 
Metro Manila as well as other cities in the provinces even as organizers 
were left looking for a new venue for a mass on February 25, the 22nd 
anniversary of the EDSA I People Power revolution.
Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada Jr. the Senate's latest star witness said a 
scheduled "Mass for truth" that would be led by former President Corazon 
Aquino was left without a venue as of Friday after officials of Sto. Domingo 
church in Quezon City declined their application.
"I guess somebody called Baby Nebrida from Malacanang already went to Sto. 
Domingo and told them that they also would like to have a mass in Sto 
Domingo on February 25. So we cannot hold our own mass now that we 
originally scheduled on February 25. Pati sa simbahan inano pa nila kami. 
(Even in church they are interfering with us.)," said Lozada.
He said that the church officials decided to decline both applications.
"So ang Sto. Domingo kaysa raw may mag-mass na dalawang kampo, sabi nila (So 
Sto. Domingo officials opted instead of two masses they said) we will just 
not allow anyone to hold a mass here. Its sad but that's the reality," said 
Lozada.
Lozada is the latest star resource person in the investigation of the 
scrapped national broadband network (NBN) deal.
Support has grown for Lozada for his testimonies on briberies and 
overpricing in the NBN deal as well indignation were expressed against the 
Arroyo administration after the alleged kidnapping of the Senate star 
witness purportedly to prevent him from testifying in the Senate.
A "Mass for Truth" in support of Lozada which was led by former President 
Aquino was held last February 16 at the La Salle Greenhills and was attended 
by an estimated 5,000.
Reports said organizers of the mass have applied for a mass to be held in 
Redemptorist Church in Baclaran as a possible alternative to the canceled 
mass in Sto. Domingo church.
QC officials nix rally at People Power monument
A radio dzMM report said earlier that the Quezon City government turned down 
a request of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) to hold a protest rally at 
the People Power Monument on Monday.
Manuel Cabalza, head of the city's Department of Public Order and Safety, 
said the local government does not have the authority to allow political 
gatherings at the monument.
Cabalza instead referred the letter from BAYAN secretary-general Renato 
Reyes Jr. to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which 
coordinates with the Eastern Police District and the Metro Manila 
Development Authority.
The People Power Monument was erected to commemorate the four-day bloodless 
revolt that toppled strongman Ferdinand Marcos and catapulted the wife of 
the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., Corazon, to the presidency.
Mendiola rally gets permit
Manila City government has however allowed BAYAN to hold a protest action on 
Monday at the historic Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola) in 
commemmoration of the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution.
Reyes said in a text message that BAYAN has been given a permit to rally on 
the historic bridge, which is just a few meters away from the front gate of 
Malacañang Palace.
"We expect a medium-sized rally, short program, reaffirming need for people 
power," Reyes said in a text message to abs-cbnNEWS.com.
BAYAN was among the opposition groups that organized the "resignation call" 
demonstrations at Makati City last Friday. The group had promised more 
protest actions to force Mrs. Arroyo's resignation.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has been strictly implementing the city 
government's "no permit, no rally" rule for the historic bridge. The city 
government however allows protesters to hold protests near the bridge during 
holidays. Malacañang had recently declared the date, Feb. 25, 2008, a 
holiday.
A rally and noise barrage would reportedly also be held along with other 
civil society groups and opposition groups at the Mabuhay (Welcome) Rotunda 
along Quezon Boulevard after the rally in Mendiola.
Metro Manila schools hold noise barrage
Students from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila carried out 
noise barrage in an effort to encourage those involved in the ZTE-broadband 
scandal to tell the truth.
The Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College along Katipunan in Quezon 
City expressed their dismay over Malacañang's alleged cover-up to conceal 
the truth by using car horns.
At the St. Joseph's College in E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City, an 
estimated 200 consisting of priests, faculty members and students joined the 
noise barrage followed by a candle lighting event to support Lozada.
Students of the University of the Philippines meanwhile expressed their 
support to Lozada with a walkout from their classes. Lozada was warmly 
welcomed by students during his visit at the UP Malcolm Hall.
>From the balcony, Lozada delivered a short speech about his testimony "in 
the name of truth" which aptly applies to the theme of the gathering set by 
organizers which was for "truth, accountability and reform."
A short program was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony to condemn the 
series of issues against the Arroyo administration.
At the UP Manila campus, students went from room-to-room to encourage other 
students to join the protest while the White Ribbon Movement and Health 
Alliance for Truth and Justice tied white ribbons along Taft Avenue.
At 6 p.m. around 500 students from De La Salle Manila, College of St. 
Benilde and St. Scholastica's College also gathered and used car horns to 
create noise as they called for the resignation of President Arroyo.
Thomasians also did their part by persuading motorists to join in their 
noise barrage along España. The University of Sto. Tomas will also hold a 
Mass for Truth scheduled on March 2.
However, the turnout on the planned meet among law students from different 
universities in Metro Manila was less than expected.
Diverse actions held in key cities
Different progressive and civic groups, non-governmental organizations and 
members of the church held what they dubbed as "Busina para sa Katotohanan" 
at 6 p.m. Friday where vehicles were encouraged to honk their horns while 
passing through major streets in Iloilo City.
A candle-lighting ceremony was also conducted to signify the Ilonggos' 
prayer for truth and urged for government reform and the eradication of 
graft and corruption in the country.
In Cotabato, the Archdiocese of Cotabato stood by the call of the Catholic 
Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for "communal action". The 
Catholic Church here will not join protest-actions to commemorate people 
power on Monday.
In Bacolod, members of the United Negros Yearning for Truth or UNYT, 
affirmed to mount sustaining activities to seek for truth on Lozada's 
testimony regarding the ZTE-NBN deal. The academe has the most number of 
participants in the motorcade Friday with their banners expressing support 
to Lozada.
Seven colleges and universities in the city served as the venue for the 
"Mass for Truth". The church-led activity aimed to awaken and enjoined 
students to participate in moves seeking the truth amid graft and corruption 
issues being hurled against the Arroyo administration, in the wake of Lozada's 
expose.
In Naga, the private sector and religious groups in Camarines Sur backed off 
its initial plans to join Friday's protest rally in Naga City. The decision 
came as some towns in the first district of the province were submerged by 
floodwaters due to heavy and continuous rains. Nevertheless, militant groups 
in Camarines Sur pursued with its protest action at Plaza Quince Martires at 
the center of Naga City around 4:30 p.m.
Officials of the Social Development Council of the Ateneo de Zamboanga 
University issued a statement urging all Zamboangueños to support CBCP's 
call for truth and accountability in the present administration.
After a brief program, faculty and students then marched toward La Purisima 
Street in front of the school for a symbolic candle lighting ceremony.
Different religious schools in Zamboanga City are set convene on February 29 
for its call for transparency and condemn the widespread corruption in the 
country.
In Davao City, the Ateneo de Davao community and other concerned citizens 
here also joined the "Communal Action for Truth" rally at the Freedom Park 
of the main campus.
Students, faculty, administration, staff as well as some members of civil 
society groups joined the prayer rally.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080207-117424/Protest-actions-vs-corrupt-govt-NBN-deal-set

Protest actions vs 'corrupt' gov't, NBN deal set
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:33:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Militant and civil society groups voiced support for 
national broadband network (NBN) deal witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. and 
announced protest actions on Friday to score alleged government corruption 
and abuse of power.
The leftist umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic 
Alliance) slammed what it called a "blatant conspiracy" to cover up the 
truth about the bribes and the overpricing in the NBN deal with China's ZTE 
Corp. through Lozada's alleged abduction.
The civil society group Black and White Movement hailed Lozada as "a great 
Filipino" for coming out in the open to give light on the controversial 
deal, which was scrapped after the Senate opened an inquiry into allegations 
of bribery and kickbacks.
"Though exhausted, stressed and emotionally drained, Lozada showed his 
strength of character as he told his explosive story. By facing his great 
fear, he found the heroism to defeat it at great risk to his personal safety 
and the wellbeing of his family. We have never doubted his resolve to keep 
telling the truth," the group said in a statement.
Bayan and its affiliate groups staged an "emergency protest action" in front 
of the Senate to express support for Lozada and the senators investigating 
the NBN deal.
The scandal is also among the issues to be raised during Bayan's "Black 
Friday" protest caravan, which will start from The Fort in Taguig City all 
the way to Camps Aguinaldo and Crame in Quezon City.
"This is another low point for an already discredited administration," said 
Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., referring to what he described as 
"one of the most outrageous attempts of the Arroyo regime to cover up the 
truth about its corruption."
The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, 
National Federation of Fisherfolk Organizations), a Bayan affiliate, said: 
"Whatever term you call it, it is still political kidnapping done to 
suppress the truth in the name of the President [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] 
and her mafia family's survival."
Reyes said people were becoming "more and more outraged with the desperate 
cover-up tactics employed by the Palace."
"That Malacañang is part of this cover up is basis enough to call for the 
resignation of the President," he said.
Another umbrella group, Sanlakas, will also hold a series of protest rallies 
in the Senate and other places.
Sanlakas information officer Don Pangan lambasted Press Secretary Ignacio 
Bunye's statement belittling the impact of the Lozada exposé on the NBN deal 
and said people were tired of controversies.
"Yes, people are really tired of controversies hounding this illegitimate 
government and that is why majority of the people want Ms. Arroyo out of 
Malacañang," said Pangan said.
"We have to provide a venue for the people to express their sentiments, and 
the street is the only place for them to do so," he said.
Pangan said Lozada's exposé bouyed people's hopes that "genuine change will 
take place by ending this regime."
"People will never get tired of fighting for truth and aspiring for change," 
said Pangan.
Bayan also called for the resignation of Philippine National Police Director 
General Avelino Razon Jr. and the head of the Police Security and Protection 
Office because of their involvement in the alleged cover-up.
"They gave the public and the Senate the runaround. They're clearly part of 
the cover-up. They should be ashamed of staying in office a minute longer," 
Reyes said.
Bayan said Lozada's statements implicating First Gentleman Jose Miguel 
Arroyo and former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. in 
the NBN deal should bolster calls to hold Arroyo accountable.
"There is very strong basis to impeach Arroyo given all these new facts. 
These things happened right under her nose and she did nothing to stop them. 
The important thing now is to sustain public pressure on the administration 
and provide support for Lozada and others who can testify against the 
regime," Reyes said.
Even Commission on Higher Education chair Romulo Neri, another witness in 
the scandal, should consider breaking his silence, Reyes said.
The Senate and the Filipino people have a strong case against the chain of 
command in the PNP, Pamalakaya chairman Fernando Hicap said as he called on 
the House of Representatives to join the Senate in conducting legislative 
inquiries on the incident to "teach a lesson" to Lozada's alleged abductors.

http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-31746720080203

Indonesians protest push to make Suharto hero
Sun Feb 3, 2008 3:56pm IST
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian activists held a protest in central Jakarta 
on Sunday to protest against calls to make former president Suharto a 
national hero, a week after the death of the leader who ruled with an iron 
fist for 32 years.
Suharto, who was ousted in 1998 amid political and economic chaos, died last 
Sunday at the age of 86 of multiple organ failure.
Supporters of the late former general, including members of Indonesia's 
largest political party Golkar, want him to be declared a national hero for 
his contributions to the nation, while opponents say he does not deserve 
such an accolade.
"We held this protest to refuse the calls for the hero title for Suharto as 
he committed a lot of human rights violations when he was a president," said 
Mustar, an activist.
He was among a group of about 50 people from an organisation representing 
families who said they had suffered rights abuses under Suharto.
During the protest at a central Jakarta square, 1,000 mock tomb stones were 
displayed to represent victims.
Some of the group also carried placards saying "Put Suharto on trial" and 
"SBY-JK, Where is your promise?", referring to the initials of President 
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Indonesians are divided over the legacy of Suharto.
The former general is credited by many for pulling millions of Indonesians 
out of abject poverty, but his rule was also marred by human rights abuses 
and widespread corruption.
Attempts to bring criminal charges for graft against Suharto were dropped 
because of the former president's poor health, although before he died he 
faced a $1.4 billion civil suit over allegations of misuse of state funds by 
a charity he headed.
Critics say Suharto and his family amassed as much as $45 billion in 
kickbacks or deals. Transparency International put Suharto's assets at 
$15-$35 billion, or as much as 1.3 percent of gross domestic product.
Suharto and his family always denied any wrongdoing.

http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-31969620080215

Malaysian police arrest two in protest as polls loom
Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:14pm IST

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian police broke up a small anti-government 
protest on Friday, arresting two people after a scuffle, as the country 
braced for a fresh flurry of protests ahead of elections next month.
In a sign of the administration's sensitivity to street protests in the 
run-up to the March 8 poll, about 100 police turned out to disperse a group 
of just 15 opposition party supporters outside the Malaysian king's palace.
They had gathered at the imposing yellow-domed palace to urge the king to 
alter what they said were unfair electoral rules.
The monarch, currently abroad on holiday, is a symbolic head of state, but 
opposition parties have chosen to lobby him because they say they distrust 
the Election Commission and the ruling coalition, which has effectively 
governed since independence.
"The Election Commission lies," said a large yellow banner held aloft by 
protesters outside the palace. A fight broke out when they defied orders to 
disperse, but no one was injured.
The Barisan Nasional coalition is widely expected to regain power in the 
March 8 poll, though with a reduced majority.
The commission denies the electoral system favours Barisan Nasional, but 
opposition parties say electoral boundaries are drawn unfairly and electoral 
rolls stuffed with "phantom voters".
Though small, the protest points to an unruly campaign, with another planned 
for Saturday by a Hindu rights group, which last November brought more than 
10,000 ethnic Indians onto the streets of the capital in an anti-government 
rally.
Many Indians accuse Barisan Nasional, a multi-racial group dominated by 
ethnic Malays, of racial discrimination.

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31980420080216

Tear gas scatters Malaysian 'flower power' protest
Sat Feb 16, 2008 4:37pm IST

By Liau Y-Sing
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian police used water cannon and tear gas on 
Saturday to break up an anti-government protest by ethnic Indians carrying 
roses to symbolise a peaceful demand for justice.
With the Malaysian government concerned about street protests in the run-up 
to early general elections on March 8, around 100 policemen, including riot 
police with helmets and shields, turned out to disperse a gathering of about 
300 men, women and children.
Nine protesters were arrested, state-run Bernama news agency quoted a police 
spokesman as saying. The rally's organiser had earlier said 20 were 
arrested.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's ruling coalition is widely expected 
to retain power at the polls, although with a reduced majority, but many 
Indians accuse his multi-racial coalition, dominated by ethnic Malays, of 
racial discrimination.
The Hindu Rights Action Force first announced the protest in January as a 
way to press its demand for the release of five of its leaders jailed under 
tough internal security laws.
The Malaysian government detained the men without trial soon after more than 
10,000 ethnic Indians marched in the capital last November to complain about 
a lack of job and education opportunities, in response to a call from the 
group.
"I want the five to be released," said Parvathy Raman, a 30-year-old 
accounts executive from Kuala Lumpur, who joined the protest. "I want the 
government to hear our problems. Everyone knows there is discrimination, but 
the government denies it."
Children as young as 10 were among the demonstrators at Saturday's protest, 
where some people carried yellow and red roses, while chanting slogans such 
as "We love Badawi". Others wore orange T-shirts printed with the slogan 
"People Power".
The protesters aimed to march to the Malaysian parliament to give the roses 
to Abdullah, but were halted by police a short distance away after being 
refused a permit to assemble in public.
The red roses symbolised love and peace, while the yellow roses symbolised 
the group's demand for justice and the release of the jailed men, Hindraf 
said.
"We want our rights and justice," said one demonstrator, Tamilarasu, 21, a 
casual labourer at a golf resort who rode a bus for several hours from his 
home on the northern island of Penang to attend the protest in the capital. 
"We're not happy with the government."
Police helicopters hovered overhead as protesters waved the Malaysian flag, 
portraits of the Malaysian king, and orange banners that read, "We want our 
rights, No to the Internal Security Act".
Protesters defied police orders to disperse, but scattered when sprayed with 
tear gas and water laced with chemicals.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/25C616BD-7520-4106-A000-A38E39AF6564.htm

Hindu protest broken up in Malaysia

In the run up to elections any gathering of more than four people requires a 
police permit [Reuters]

Police in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur have used tear gas and 
chemical-laced water to break up an anti-government protest by ethnic 
Indians demanding racial equality.

On Saturday about 300 men, women and children were dispersed by about 100 
policemen, including riot police with helmets and shields.

"Police were too rough. They used their power," said S Manikavasagam, a 
spokesman for the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), the ethnic Indian 
group that organised the protest.

Leaders detained

Since Friday about 60 people, including two leaders of Hindraf who organised 
the protest, have been detained in a police crackdown, said N Surendran, a 
lawyer and Hindraf member.

Protesters were carrying roses to symbolise a peaceful demand for justice.

Police disperse ethnic Indian protesters in KL

The Malaysian government is concerned about street protests in the run up to 
early general elections on March 8 and any gathering of more than four 
people requires a police permit.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Malaysian prime minister, is widely expected to 
retain power at the polls with his ruling party coalition, but with a 
reduced majority.

Many Indians accuse his multi-racial coalition, which is dominated by ethnic 
Malays, of racial discrimination.

Hinraf first announced the protest in January to press the government to 
release five of its leaders who have been jailed under tough internal 
security laws.

Indian grievances

The men were detained without trial after more 10,000 ethnic Indians marched 
in the capital last November to complain about a lack of job and education 
opportunities.

The protesters on Saturday planned to gather outside parliament to hand a 
protest note and roses to Abdullah, but they were halted by police a short 
distance away.

"I want the five to be released," Parvathy Raman, a 30-year-old accounts 
executive from Kuala Lumpur, said.

"I want the government to hear our problems. Everyone knows there is 
discrimination, but the government denies it."

Hindraf said the red roses symbolised love and peace, while the yellow roses 
symbolised the group's demand for justice and the release of the jailed men.

Protesters defied police orders to disperse, but scattered when sprayed with 
tear gas and water laced with chemicals.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/27/nation/20143884&sec=nation

56 held for attending illegal protest rally
KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-six people, including several opposition and 
non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders, were arrested for attending a 
rally to protest against rising prices of fuel and other essential items.
City police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Muhamad Sabtu Osman said police obtained 
an order from the magistrate's court to stop the rally by the Coalition 
Against Inflation (Protes).
He said police dispersed the rally without using any force.
Among those arrested were five members of Protes named in the court order: 
PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli, PKR information chief Tian Chua, Arutchelvam 
Subramaniam, Simon Oii and DAP leader Ronnie Liew.
Others included Parti Sosialis Malaysia pro tem chairman Dr Mohd Nasir 
Hashim, PAS vice-president Mohamad Sabu, PAS think-tank head Dr Zulkifli 
Ahmad and Tian Chua's secretary Ginie Lim.
Malaysiakini journalist Syed Jamal Zahiid was detained for "asking too many 
questions". According to Jamal, all he had asked was on what grounds were 
the police arresting people.
Dr Hatta, Tian Chua and lawyer Jonson Chong were arrested while they were 
giving a press conference at a restaurant opposite the Australia High 
Commission in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng near KLCC.
Dr Hatta told reporters that they would challenge the court order obtained 
by the police.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/world/asia/15malay.html?_r=1&ref=asia&oref=slogin

Privileged Status at Risk, Malays Protest After Election Losses

By THOMAS FULLER
Published: March 15, 2008
PENANG, Malaysia - Chanting "Long live the Malays!" several hundred members 
of Malaysia's largest ethnic group gathered Friday on this largely ethnic 
Chinese island, defying a police ban on protests and raising tensions after 
sharp electoral losses by the country's Malay-dominated governing coalition.
Skip to next paragraph
Related
Malaysia's Governing Coalition Suffers a Setback (March 9, 2008)
Newly elected state governments have moved rapidly to abolish some of the 
long-held privileges of ethnic Malays. Those efforts have challenged the 
core of Malaysia's ethnically based political system and inflamed Malays' 
sensibilities. Before elections last Saturday, Malays dominated politics 
through the country's largest party, the United Malays National 
Organization, known as U.M.N.O.
The opposition parties that beat the governing party and its partners in 
five states say the nation's affirmative action program for Malays should be 
based on need rather than ethnicity. But the opposition, too, is struggling 
to contain fissures along ethnic lines as a Chinese opposition party 
competes with its Malay counterpart.
The affirmative action program, more than 35 years old, gives Malays 
benefits like discounts on new houses and 30 percent quotas in companies' 
initial public offerings.
"I don't think many people have bothered to investigate the details of the 
policy itself," said Tricia Yeoh of the Center for Public Policy Studies, an 
independent research center in Kuala Lumpur, the capital. "But it's an 
affirmation of their identity in the country, of their significance and 
their worth."
Demonstrators here on Friday chanted "Allahu akbar!" - "God is great!" in 
Arabic - and vowed to return for more protests. They were dispersed by riot 
police officers. Nasarudin bin Mat Nor, 70, a retired teacher who took part 
in the protest, said, "If there is no help for the Malays, they will get 
poorer."
Malaysians are split as much along religious lines as ethnic, with Muslim 
Malays governed by a separate legal system. The protest Friday immediately 
followed Friday Prayer at a mosque. But the election showed that the Malays 
are also divided between educated, wealthy and often urban Malays and poorer 
families in the countryside.
"U.M.N.O. is going to go through some sort of consolidation," said Ibrahim 
Suffian of the Merdeka Center, an independent polling agency. "A lot of 
people are looking for someone to take the fall for the results."
For the first time since independence from Britain in 1957, the governing 
coalition has lost control of Malaysia's largest and wealthiest states, 
including Penang, Selangor and Perak.
The governing coalition, the National Front, won slightly more than 60 
percent of the seats in the federal Parliament, down from 90 percent of the 
seats in the 2004 elections.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has vowed to stay, but is under 
pressure to quit. Mukhriz Mahathir, the son of former Prime Minister 
Mahathir Mohamad, who is from the same party, called Friday for Mr. Abdullah 
to step down.
Mr. Abdullah came to power in 2003 promising to end corruption and make 
government more accountable. But scandals, rising prices and protests by 
ethnic Indians over religious freedom and income inequality caused his 
popularity to fall.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C02%5C20%5Cstory_20-2-2008_pg7_32

Tribesmen protest against post-poll 'rigging'
* Jirga meets political agent
* Authorities declare Qadri as winning candidate, while Kokikhel tribesmen 
not ready to accept result

Staff Report

LANDI KOTAL: Local people besieged the office of political administration in 
Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency and pelted it with stones in protest against 
the alleged post-election rigging here on Tuesday.

The supporters of Ibrahim Kokikhel, a candidate from NA-45 in Jamrud, 
blocked all routes leading from Jamrud to Landi Kotal and Torkham when they 
heard that Khyber Agency political administration had declared Noorul Haq 
Qadri as winner from the constituency. Malik Ibrahim Khan accused the 
political authorities of post-election 'rigging' in favour of Noorul Haq 
Qadri. He said that till 1:00 am the polling day, he (Ibrahim) was leading 
the election race with a great margin.

Ibrahim claimed to have proofs from the concerned presiding officers in 
written, which showed he had won the election.

Jirga meets PA: Later, a jirga led by Ibrahim Koki Khel met Khyber Agency 
Political Agent Ameerudin Shah at the Khyber House and lodged their 
complaints. However, a jirga member named Wazir Ahmad quoted the political 
agent as saying that he was helpless to arrange a re-election or recounting 
of votes. He said the PA advised jirga members to move the courts if they 
had any solid proof.

Meanwhile, local elder Malik Attaullah told a gathering in Jamrud that their 
protest would continue till the authorities declare Ibrahim as winning 
candidate. He also demanded a re-election or re-counting of votes to resolve 
the issue. Qadri successful? According to tribal authorities, Noorul Haq 
Qadri secured 14,115 votes, Ibrahim remained runner-up with 12,535 votes and 
Zahid Khan obtained 5,155 votes.

A grand jirga of Kokikhel tribe would decide the next phase of their protest 
today (Wednesday), local tribesman Akram Ullah Jan said.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/23/asia/AS-GEN-Myanmar-Fire-Protest.php

Man sets himself ablaze in political protest in military-ruled Myanmar

The Associated Press
Published: March 23, 2008

YANGON, Myanmar: A man set himself on fire at Yangon's most famous landmark 
in a political protest against Myanmar's military junta, witnesses said 
Sunday.
Thousands of pilgrims were gathered at the city's famed Shwedagon pagoda for 
a Buddhist holiday Friday when a 26-year-old man shouted "Down with the 
military regime," doused himself with gasoline and set himself ablaze, 
witnesses said. They spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear of 
official reprisal.
The man remained in critical condition with severe burns at a hospital 
Sunday, a hospital official said on condition of anonymity because he did 
not have the authority to speak to the press.
The incident was the first known case of self-immolation in Myanmar since 
the military regime took over in 1962.
Shwedagon pagoda was one of the main gathering points for Buddhist monks and 
pro-democracy protesters last September when at least 31 people were killed 
and thousands more were detained when the country's military rulers cracked 
down on peaceful demonstrations.
Myanmar's current junta seized control of the government in 1988 after 
violently suppressing nationwide pro-democracy protests. It held a general 
election in 1990, but failed to hand over power to the victors, the National 
League for Democracy Party led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu 
Kyi.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7201141.stm

Last Updated: Monday, 21 January 2008, 17:51 GMT

MDC to defy ban on Harare protest

People are facing economic meltdown in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean opposition says it will defy a police ban and hold a protest 
march in the capital on Wednesday.
The Movement for Democratic Change said the protest was aimed at 
highlighting the economic crisis in the country.
It also wants a new constitution before parliamentary and presidential 
elections due in March.
The MDC warned earlier this month that it would boycott the polls if it was 
not satisfied with preparations to ensure they would be free and fair.
"We're marching because our people are suffering... there's no water, no 
electricity," Tendai Biti, secretary-general of the MDC faction that is led 
by Morgan Tsvangirai, told reporters.
"The government is totally bereft and bankrupt of any capacity to govern 
this country."
'Rioting'
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena said the police had reversed its decision 
to allow the march saying they feared it could degenerate into rioting.
"The march is not going to be peaceful as the MDC told us, so we have 
cancelled it," he told AFP news agency.
"As the police, we cannot stand idly while people break the law. Anyone who 
participates in this march will be arrested."
But Mr Biti rejected the ban.
"The illegality of the action by the police is in blatant disregard of the 
new provisions of the Public Order and Security Act."
The government last year said it would relax tough security laws which have 
been used to block political rallies.
The MDC has said it called the march to test the government's commitment to 
political reform.
South African President Thabo Mbeki is trying to mediate between the 
government and the opposition to try and resolve differences.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200801230961.html

Zimbabwe: MDC Stages Successful Protest March, Despite Police Crackdown

SW Radio Africa (London)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
Tichaona Sibanda
The political crisis in Zimbabwe deepened on Wednesday after opposition 
leader Morgan Tsvangirai was prevented from leading a protest march, calling 
for a change to the country's electoral laws.
Tsvangirai, together with two of his closest aides, were taken by police 
from their homes at 4am but were released soon after 8am. The other two who 
were detained were Ian Makone, the party's director for elections, and 
Dennis Murira, a top aide to Tsvangirai. They were all released without 
charge.

The MDC leader told Newsreel from his home in Harare that the police had 
wanted to know what their plans were for the protest rally. 'I told the 
police I had nothing to say to them because we had a court case which was 
going to hear our appeal against the police ban. They also threatened to 
come after me if our supporters defied the ban and went ahead with the 
protest march.'
At the urgent court hearing Harare magistrate Priscilla Chigumba allowed the 
MDC to proceed with their rally but prevented them from marching in the 
streets of the capital, giving possible disruption of traffic as her reason 
for ordering them to go straight to their meeting point.
She told the hearing; 'The MDC marchers should withdraw peacefully and in a 
non-riotous behaviour, and proceed to the Glamis Stadium.'
The ruling was met with wild jubilations from MDC activists gathered outside 
the court. But before the activists could march, heavily armed police in 
riot gear began breaking up the groups of supporters. Running battles broke 
out between the police and the protestors but Tendai Biti, the party's 
secretary-general, managed to lead the supporters to the stadium. Tsvangirai 
did manage to travel to the stadium and address the crowd, which the MDC 
claims was close to 20,000.
In his address the MDC President said Wednesday's protest march was only the 
beginning and that nothing was ever going to stop him from leading the 
protests from the front. He blamed Mugabe for what was happening in Zimbabwe 
and said he had reneged on promises given at the talks to Thabo Mbeki, that 
the elections would be free and fair.
Police in Harare had originally given the MDC permission for the protest 
march, but cancelled it on Monday saying that new intelligence suggested the 
protest would turn violent.
Commenting on Tsvangirai's arrest, Biti said it only goes to show they are 
dealing with a 'fascist party and hooligans' who are not yet ready to 
recognise that the people of Zimbabwe are suffering.
'Effectively we are dealing with reckless people, violent people, bankrupt 
people, people with no plans for Zimbabwe,' Biti said.
The outspoken MP for Harare East said even in the face of a court order 
allowing them to march to Glamis stadium, a few kilometres west of the city, 
the police still beat and tear gassed their supporters.
'This is typical behaviour you see in a dying horse. The days of 
dictatorship are numbered. We will live to fight another day,' he said.
This was the first time this year that a crowd had gathered to express its 
opposition to the regime and demand free and fair elections. Luke 
Tamborinyoka, the MDC director of information, said a number of their 
activists were abducted and taken to the Zanu-PF headquarters.

'Police made it very difficult for our people to proceed to the Glamis 
stadium in compliance with the court ruling. This merely confirms some of 
the reasons why we are marching; we are merely marching for equal access to 
the media. The mere fact there is a media blitz of misinformation also 
confirms one of the reasons why we want equal space in the media,' 
Tamborinyoka said.
Earlier in the day, an aide to Tsvangirai described the scene to Newsreel 
when he drove around the streets of the capital. He said he saw many 
opposition activists being beaten and many others being arrested.
Some of the peaceful protesters were waving white handkerchiefs, to 
emphasise their peaceful intent.

http://voanews.com/english/archive/2008-01/2008-01-29-voa71.cfm?CFID=214543723&CFTOKEN=76330279

Zimbabwean Youth In Voting-Rights Protest At Harare's Pretoria Embassy
By Patience Rusere
Washington
29 January 2008

About 200 young Zimbabwean activists demonstrated at the Zimbabwean Embassy 
in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday to demand the right for Zimbabwean 
expatriates to cast ballots in presidential, general and local elections set 
for March 29.
The protest was organized by the Zimbabwe Revolutionary Youth Movement, a 
South African based group of young Zimbabwean emigrés. The protesters 
marched to the Zimbabwean Embassy carrying banners and singing songs dating 
from the black Zimbabwean struggle in 1980s Rhodesia to bring about majority 
rule.
The demonstrators tried to hand a petition to Zimbabwean Ambassador Simon 
Moyo. But sources among the demonstrators said Moyo declined to accept it 
and remained at a distance standing outside the embassy accompanied by 
security guards.
The petition demanded that Zimbabweans residing outside the country be 
allowed to vote in the elections to be held in nine weeks. It also demanded, 
as the opposition has urged, that a new constitution be adopted before the 
next elections are held.
Secretary General John Chikwari of the Zimbabwe Revolutionary Youth Movement 
told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that his group 
will keep organizing such demonstrations at the embassy to press those 
demands.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/01/24/wzim124.xml

Riot police break up Zimbabwe protests

By Byron Dziva in Harare
Last Updated: 2:11am GMT 28/01/2008

Thousands of opposition supporters in the Zimbabwean capital Harare were 
dispersed with tear gas and baton charges yesterday as the first test of 
supposedly more liberal security laws failed miserably.
·  Morgan Tsvangirai arrested in Zimbabwe
Scores of supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were 
injured as they marched from the city centre to a rally two miles away.

Scores of opposition supporters were injured as they marched from Harare 
city centre to a rally
Protesters ran for cover after riot police fired tear gas into the 
procession. Running battles ensued, and the police beat the marchers with 
batons, prompting a stampede that left several injured. Gas hung in the 
streets for hours afterwards and the MDC claimed several supporters were 
arrested, while an unconfirmed number of women were reportedly taken to the 
intensive care unit at a private clinic in Harare after the skirmishes.
Police had banned the rally the previous day, but a court intervened to give 
it the go-ahead in a rare judicial defeat for the authorities.
The "freedom walk" was called to demand political reforms ahead of 
presidential and parliamentary elections due in March, which the opposition 
wants delayed so that a new constitution can take effect.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200802070824.html

Zimbabwe: 15 Woza Members Detained Briefly By Riot Police in Harare

SW Radio Africa (London)
7 February 2008
Posted to the web 7 February 2008
Tererai Karimakwenda
About fifteen members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were briefly 
detained Thursday afternoon after riot police descended on them in Harare's 
Africa Unity Square. The WOZA members hail from Bulawayo and were in the 
capital to attend the "People's Convention" that starts Friday morning.
WOZA coordinator Jenni Williams said there was some mix up at the hotel and 
security staff told them to clear the area. They decided to wait in the 
Square where riot police immediately approached them and searched their 
bags. Soon after several vehicles arrived and took the activists to Harare 
Central Station. It is not clear why they were detained.

About 30 minutes later more police vehicles arrived at Africa Unity Square 
looking for the remaining WOZA activists. But lawyers were already at the 
scene and they blocked additional arrests.
Williams explained that the People's Convention had received police 
clearance. But on Thursday lawyers were summoned back to the station where 
the police interrogated them about trivial issues such as the location of 
toilets at the Convention. Williams believes the police were being 
difficult, as always.

WOZA members from all over the country are in Harare to attend the People's 
Convention. The event provides a platform for ordinary Zimbabweans to 
discuss critical issues that affect their lives. This includes the type of a 
democratic dispensation they want and expect. The group said 4,000 people 
are expected at the Convention.
Despite notifying the police WOZA members have been arrested on several 
occasions over the past few years. Many have been severely assaulted during 
the arrests and while in police custody. Additionally, police have 
consistently raided the homes of WOZA members, claiming they are looking for 
WOZA coordinators Jenni Williams and Magodonga Malhangu.
The defiant activists have vowed to continue their street actions pressuring 
for a decent living, including affordable food, housing, school fees and 
health care.

http://www.nehandaradio.com/zimbabwe/mdc/kadomarally120208.html

Riot police block MDC Kadoma rally

Morgan Tsvangirai confronts riot police at a prayer rally in Highfields last 
year.
Nehanda Radio

12 February 2008
KADOMA- Thousands of MDC supporters were on Saturday, 9 February turned away 
from attending a rally by armed riot police in the central business district 
of Kadoma Town despite the MDC officials notifying the police about the 
rally.

Ketayi Makosa, the district chairman for Kadoma Central, said the move by 
the police was in contradiction with the new Public Order and Security Act 
(POSA) which stipulates organisations including political parties only need 
to notify the police of their intention to hold a public gathering.

"We notified the Kadoma District Police Headqaurters (KDPH) last Monday 
about our intention of holding a rally in Kadoma Central district at Cameron 
Square but by Friday they had not given us a reply.

"So we decided to go ahead with the rally but we were surprised when over 50 
armed riot police details stormed the venue when we were about to start the 
rally and ordered everyone to disperse," said Makosa.

Several senior MDC officials in Mashonaland West including the sitting 
Member of Parliament for Kadoma Central, Hon Editor Matamisa, were expected 
to address the rally.

The SADC-brokered talks between the MDC and Zanu PF broke down after the 
regime reneged on key issues such as the election date, the implementation 
of a transitional constitution and the political environment.-MDC Press.

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=49308

Rowdy Kibera youths riot over Cabinet
Written By:Anthony Kaikai   , Posted: Tue, Apr 08, 2008
Rowdy youths Thursday engaged police in running battles in Kibera slums when 
they protested over the delay in the naming of a grand coalition cabinet.
The youth who engaged police in running battles for the better part of the 
day barricaded several roads and lit bonfires in Olympic area before 
anti-riots police dispersed them.
It took the intervention of the local provincial administration to calm down 
the rioters who were demanding an immediate solution to the political 
stalemate.
Property of unknown value was destroyed during the riots.
The riots came as opposition leader Raila Odinga suspended talks meant to 
bring about a new cabinet.
Odinga failed to show up for a meeting with President Mwai Kibaki Monday, 
saying Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) was not willing to share 
power, despite an accord brokered in February that would create a coalition 
government between their parties.
On Tuesday, Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said it would suspend 
all talks until PNU agrees to a 50-50 split of ministries.
"We regret that PNU's refusal to equally share power with ODM ... now 
threatens the future stability of this country and that of the grand 
coalition," said ODM party secretary Anyang Nyong'o.
However President Mwai Kibaki Monday issued a statement saying he has been 
ready to name the cabinet all along and asked the ODM not to issue new 
pre-conditions and ultimatums which are clearly not envisaged by the 
National Accord and Reconciliation Act.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5h6b_55YjReGbnAy76-Bh0GPaz0RQ

Kenyan opposition calls for fresh protests
Jan 19, 2008
NAIROBI (AFP) - Kenya's opposition called Saturday for another day of 
peaceful protest next week after a violent police crackdown on three days of 
demonstrations against President Mwai Kibaki's re-election left more than 30 
people dead.
"On Thursday, we will stage our next set of peaceful rallies throughout the 
country," Henry Kosgey, chairman of opposition leader Raila Odinga's Orange 
Democratic Movement (ODM), told a news conference.
Other days of the week would be devoted to prayers, he said.
Odinga says he was robbed of the presidency by Kibaki in December 27 
elections that fell short of international standards. Ensuing violence left 
at least 700 people dead as international mediation efforts failed.
Opposition protests Wednesday, Thursday and Friday provoked a fierce 
crackdown by anti-riot and paramilitary police.
Police said Saturday that they had shot dead three people in the Nairobi 
slums of Baba Dogo and Kibera. Five others were killed in Kisumu in the west 
of the country.
"We will restore law and order no matter the case," a top police official, 
who requested anonymity, told AFP, adding that the killings in Kisumu were 
being investigated.
Five other people were killed near the western town of Kipkelion when a 
group of youths attacked displaced people, pushing the death toll to 38 dead 
since Wednesday, police said.
The ODM had said Friday it was ending the protests because civilians were 
paying too heavy a price, saying it was switching to a "new phase" including 
a boycott of large companies owned by Kibaki's cronies.
The situation in the main trouble spots appeared calmer Saturday, with 
inhabitants of the Kibera slum -- where on Friday police with AK-47 assault 
rifles clashed with stone-throwing locals -- going about their daily 
business.
But police were on high alert in Nairobi and several western opposition 
strongholds, amid fears of fresh protests and violent action by ODM 
supporters against companies owned by members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
Calm had returned to the western town of Eldoret after several days of 
unrest, with streets busy and shops open again, though police vehicles were 
still visible in the city centre.
The killing of two demonstrators by a police officer was caught on tape by a 
local television station, it emerged on Saturday, prompting the police to 
launch an enquiry.
"Following complaints aired in the media that a police officer in Kisumu 
unjustifiably used his firearm, occasioning the death of two demonstrators, 
the Commissioner of Police has constituted a new independent team of 
investigators to proceed to Kisumu and conduct a fresh inquiry into the 
matter," a statement said.
International efforts were due to resume, meanwhile, with former UN head 
Kofi Annan due to arrive in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Louis Michel, European development commissioner, met separately Saturday 
with Odinga and Kibaki and said that a solution to the crisis could be found 
with "a little political will".
"Having heard the parties, I have noted that even on issues of substance, 
there are large areas where we can find agreement, easily, in my opinion, 
with a little political will," he said.
"President Kibaki of course recognises that there is a serious problem in 
his country and he's very concerned about that, that there is a need for 
dialogue, cooling down, and trying to get peaceful solutions."
Michel, referring to both men as president, added that Kibaki was "really 
demanding for a meeting with Raila Odinga. He even asked me to transmit that 
demand to president Odinga."
Asked about the opposition's plan for new demonstrations, Michel said both 
sides should avoid creating further tensions and allow for negotiations.
On Thursday members of the European Parliament called for a freeze in EU aid 
to Kenya until the current political crisis is resolved.
Nine Western governments, including Australia, Britain and Canada, said 
security forces should "exercise their duties strictly within the boundaries 
of law and desist from any extraordinary or disproportionate use of force 
and, in particular, the killing of unarmed protestors."
The United States called for negotiations to start in earnest and condemned 
the violence.
"We've already seen too much of it already and the two parties need to act 
with haste and seriousness in seeking a solution between them," US State 
Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.
Britain on Saturday toned down its travel advice for Kenya, but warned 
nationals against all but essential travel to certain parts of the east 
African country.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23065411-1702,00.html

Two killed, several wounded at protest rally
>From correspondents in Nairobi
January 17, 2008 12:39am
Article from: Agence France-Presse
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KENYAN police fired on opposition protesters Wednesday (AEDT), killing two 
and wounding several others as rallies protesting against President Mwai 
Kibaki's disputed re-election spread across the country.
The worst violence took place in the western opposition stronghold of 
Kisumu, the country's third city, when riot police clashed with supporters 
of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"One man was shot in the back as police were trying to disperse about 1000 
youths who were trying to to gather here," a police commander said.
Three young supporters of Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) were 
also wounded when police fired live rounds in Kibera, Nairobi's largest 
slum.
Small groups of supporters were trying to converge on Nairobi city centre to 
heed Mr Odinga's call for a mass rally, which he also vowed to join despite 
a police ban.
Police vehicles criss-crossed the central business district, shouting orders 
through loudspeakers for everybody to leave town, beating suspects and 
dispersing groups with tear gas.
"The police are using strong-arm tactics, but the people are coming out. 
This is not an event, it is a process and the struggle continues," ODM 
secretary general Anyang Nyongo said.
Police launched tear gas at Mr Nyongo and several other senior ODM leaders 
outside a central Nairobi hotel, causing them to seek shelter inside.
In the western city of Eldoret, which saw the worst violence following 
President Kibaki's December 30 re-election, two demonstrators were slightly 
wounded when the 2000-strong crowd clashed with police.
Police broke up the protest march several times, but the demonstrators 
regrouped, chanting "No Raila, no peace, Kibaki must go". One cardboard 
banner read: "Kibaki rest in peace, in a coffin, buried alive."
The decision by Mr Odinga's ODM to take to the streets for three days of 
rallies had heightened fears of a fresh eruption of violence.
At least 700 people have already been killed in riots, police raids and 
tribal violence following Mr Kibaki's re-election last month, which Mr 
Odinga claims he obtained by rigging the ballot.
As protests picked, Mr Odinga was defiant and warned that his movement's 
victory in a parliament election for the post of speaker on Tuesday was the 
beginning of a fresh challenge to President Kibaki's rule.
"Nothing will stop us from mounting such rallies," he said. "We showed in 
parliament yesterday that there will be no business as usual in our 
country."
The opposition's narrow victory in parliament was a first setback for the 
government since President Kibaki was sworn in more than two weeks ago, but 
the session nevertheless ended with ODM lawmakers swearing allegiance to the 
president.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/83da7784-c49e-11dc-a474-0000779fd2ac.html

Bullets and tear gas greet Kenyans as protest is taken back to the street
By Barney Jopson and Matthew Green in Nairobi
Published: January 17 2008 02:00 | Last updated: January 17 2008 02:00
Police fired tear gas and bullets to break up groups of opposition 
supporters in cities across Kenya yesterday as Raila Odinga's party 
succeeded in disrupting urban life as part of its strategy to keep President 
Mwai Kibaki under pressure.
Senior figures from the opposition Orange Democratic Movement began the day 
in high spirits after the party scored its first parliamentary victory over 
the government on Tuesday by winning a vote to install one of its members as 
speaker.
But the focus of attention turned from parliament to the streets as the ODM 
launched three days of "mass action" to protest against the government's 
alleged rigging of December's disputed presidential election.
The opposition's success in mobilising activists in the face of a police ban 
was mixed. In Rift Valley province, which has seen the worst violence 
between rival political supporters, about 4,000 people massed in the town of 
Eldoret, while in Kisumu, an Odinga stronghold in the west, witnesses said 
police shot dead two protesters while dispersing a crowd of more than 1,000.
A small protest was broken up in central Mombasa, while in Nairobi's 
business district police dispersed gatherings of as few as 12 people by 
firing tear gas.
The opposition nonetheless succeeded in preventing the capital from 
functioning normally as buses were blocked from entering the city centre and 
many office workers left early to avoid further trouble.
ODM leaders are pushing for the formation of a coalition government in which 
Mr Kibaki's powers would be reduced and the opposition would be given full 
control of certain ministries - but they are willing to negotiate only 
through international mediators.
The government has shown no signs of being willing to compromise and has 
played down the significance of a planned mediation trip by Kofi Annan, the 
former secretary-general of the United Nations.
Opposition leaders have discussed putting pressure on Mr Kibaki through a 
campaign of civil disobedience, strikes and boycotts that would hit tax 
revenues and damage businesses owned by his many corporate allies. Some 
economists have downgraded growth forecasts this year in east Africa's 
biggest economy from about 7 per cent to 4 or 5 per cent.
But the opposition has not issued specific plans and is likely to face 
difficulty in maintaining momentum among its supporters. Yesterday's 
protests were not on the scale of those two weeks ago because people who are 
able to return to work safely have been keen to do so and the ODM's 
parliamentary victory on Tuesday lowered tensions.
"We showed in parliament that there will be no business as usual in Kenya," 
Mr Odinga told reporters in Nairobi. "The government seems to be completely 
unaware that it has been left without a shred of international credibility."
The movement emerged as the largest party after a broadly credible 
parliamentary poll. Opposition leaders say that by capturing the speaker's 
position they have increased their ability to harry Mr Kibaki by, for 
example, obstructing the budget. Parliament, however, is not likely to open 
until March.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200801180907.html

Kenya: One Killed in Mombasa Riots

The East African Standard (Nairobi)
19 January 2008
Posted to the web 18 January 2008
Nairobi
At least one person was shot dead by police in Mombasa as ODM supporters 
staged a demonstration.
Red Cross official, Mr Abdalla Athman, said the man was shot dead along 
Hail-Selassie Road as he was running away from charging police officers.

Coast General Provincial Police Officer, Mr King'ori Mwangi, declined to 
comment when contacted.
During the demonstration, the police shot and injured several people.
Two people were shot in the hand while another was hit in the thigh. They 
were admitted to Coast Provincial General Hospital.
Those shot by police included a two-and-half year-old boy, who was admitted 
to the Mombasa Hospital in critical condition.
The violence, which erupted in various parts of the town after 1pm Muslim 
prayers, saw the demonstrators and the police engage in running street 
battles that paralysed business in the city centre.
Mvita MP, Mr Najib Balala, evaded arrest as ODM supporters shielded him from 
riot-police.
Balala had just left Mbaruk mosque after 1pm prayers in the company of 
several demonstrators when riot police - under the command of Mombasa OCPD 
Mr Wilfred Mbithi - intercepted them and ordered them to disperse.
Immediately, supporters allied to Balala formed a strong human shield to 
prevent police from arresting him.
Balala walked from the mosque towards the General Post Office (GPO) where 
police called for reinforcement and started shooting in the air and lobbying 
tear gas canisters.
Balala was whisked away into his car, which sped towards Mwembe Tayari.
Police pursued Balala and his convoy but lost track.
At Sakina mosque near Majengo, protesters engaged police in running battles 
for many hours after the 1pm prayers led by Council of Imams and Preachers 
of Kenya (CIPK) Organising Secretary, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa.
In Kisumu, hundreds of ODM supporters engaged riot police in running battles 
during the third day of mass action.
But for the first time since the protests began, no killings were reported. 
Police only shot in the air to scare away the demonstrators.
Transport paralysed
The town, however, remained deserted. Government services were also 
paralysed for the third straight day with only a handful of civil servants 
turning up for duty.
Transport out of town also remained paralysed.
Kondele, Kachok, Nyalenda, Obunga, Manyatta and Bandani areas were battle 
zones as police dispersed demonstrators who attempted to force their way 
into Kenyatta Sports Grounds in the town centre.
Demonstrators blocked all roads leading to the lakeside town, paralysing 
transport to and out of town.
Neither boda boda nor motorbike operators were allowed to ferry passengers, 
forcing residents to walk to their destinations.
Demonstrators assembled at Kondele, barricaded the road and lit bonfires.
One group pushed a lorry, parked it at the market, before setting it ablaze.
As all these happened, riot police watched from the Kondele Police Station.
On realising that police had no intention of dispersing them, the 
demonstrators started marching to town.
They almost managed to reach the Kenyatta Sports Ground but their efforts 
were thwarted by APs at Kisumu Bus Park.

What started as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic as police descended 
on them as they approached the Kisumu Bus Park.
The situation was the same at Nyalenda, Kachok and Manyatta as police lobbed 
teargas canisters at the demonstrators who wanted to push their way to town.
In Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay, police battled demonstrators who lit bonfires 
and blockaded roads.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23067952-32682,00.html

Riot police fire on Kenyan protesters

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January 18, 2008
NAIROBI: Kenya was braced for more violence yesterday as opposition 
protesters continued with nationwide protests, a day after police opened 
fire, killing two and wounding several others.
Kenyan police fired tear gas and live bullets on protesters rallying against 
President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election, in the latest post-election 
violence that has claimed more than 700 lives and forced more than 250,000 
people from their homes.
The worst violence took place in the western opposition stronghold of 
Kisumu, the country's third city, when riot police clashed with supporters 
of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"One man was shot in the back as police were trying to disperse about 1000 
youths who were trying to gather here," a police commander said, adding that 
several others had been wounded, one seriously.
He later said another man died of gunshot wounds in hospital.
Three young supporters of Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement were also 
wounded when police fired live rounds in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum, 
witnesses said.
Mr Odinga, who claims Mr Kibaki engineered his narrow victory in the 
December 27 election through a rigged ballot count, called the three days of 
demonstrations after talks to find a political solution failed.
The announcement on December 30 of Mr Kibaki's re-election, despite concerns 
expressed by international vote monitors and complaints by the opposition, 
sparked unrest that rapidly descended into Kenya's worst tribal violence in 
more than 25 years. As protests picked up on Wednesday, Mr Odinga was 
defiant.
"They are shooting at our supporters, but this will not intimidate us from 
carrying on with our protests. It is an illegal Government using brute force 
on unarmed people," he said.
A victory this week for the opposition candidate in the election of the 
parliament speaker was the first setback for the Government since Mr Kibaki 
was sworn into office more than two weeks ago.
Mediation efforts suffered a fresh blow on Tuesday when former UN chief Kofi 
Annan postponed his scheduled mission to Kenya because of "severe flu". He 
had been expected in Nairobi to try to broker direct talks between Mr Kibaki 
and Mr Odinga.
The Kenyan Government initially urged him to stay at home, arguing there was 
nothing to mediate, but issued a statement on wednesday insisting he was 
welcome.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/20/cuba2

Signs of protest from patient children of the revolution
Oliver Balch in Havana
The Guardian,
Wednesday February 20 2008
Article history
About this article
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This article appeared in the Guardian on Wednesday February 20 2008 on p14 
of the International section. It was last updated at 00:30 on February 20 
2008.
In a country of shortages, political symbols are one of the few objects of 
plenty in Cuba. Hasta la victoria siempre (always, on towards victory) 
screams from billboards and television screens across the Caribbean island.
But, almost 50 years after Fidel Castro marched into Havana, many younger 
Cubans are beginning to ask how much longer the promised "victoria" will 
take. Hospitals may be free, they say, but they lack medicines; pupils may 
not pay for school, but there are few textbooks.
Before yesterday's announcement of Castro's retirement, many had already 
started tuning out of Cuba's revolutionary rhetoric. "They [younger 
generations] don't care who died in the attack on the Moncada barracks or in 
the Sierra Maestra," said José Arango, 46, a lawyer in Havana, referring to 
events leading to the 1959 revolution. "These things are as relevant to 
youngsters as Arthur and his Round Table are for young Britons."
Low incomes, high prices and increasing inequality are the daily realities 
that concern people. The average wage in Cuba hovers around 250 Cuban pesos 
(£5.50) per month. Doctors, lawyers and other trained professionals can 
expect around £11. "It's not enough to get through the first week, let alone 
the whole month," said Alabardo, the driver of a government-owned taxi in 
Havana, who survives on tips from tourists.
Monthly state rations of rice, sugar and other basic necessities last at 
best 10 days, according to Alabardo. Cuba imports around 85% of its food.
The increasing number of everyday goods that are now sold in convertible 
pesos (CUC) aggravates popular disgruntlement. The CUC was introduced as a 
parallel currency primarily for foreign tourists. Cubans still receive their 
wages in Cuban pesos, worth 25 times less.
"If you've got Convertibles, you can buy whatever you like; medicines, food, 
you name it," said Yidrany León, a plumber. "Those of us that don't [have 
them] suffer an internal embargo, in addition to the external embargo 
imposed by the United States."
Restrictions on self-employment, quotas on agricultural goods and a ban on 
the sale of private property add to daily aggravations. Rarely do Cubans 
complain in public. But in a debate at the University of Information 
Sciences, a group of students openly criticised restrictions on internet 
access, foreign travel and staying in tourist hotels.
Alejandro Hernández, a student, questioned the validity of January's 
parliamentary elections, which saw 614 candidates present themselves for 614 
seats. "Who are these people? I don't know them," he said.
The criticisms were voiced in the presence of the president of Cuba's 
national assembly. A video of the interchange was circulated on the 
internet.
The previous month, workers at Acorec, the state-run employment agency that 
contracts Cuban employees out to foreign companies, protested about a tax 
paid on gratificaciones received from international employers.
The increase in public complaints is credited to Raúl Castro's stint in 
charge. Perceived as a moderate reformer, Raúl called for a national debate 
about Cuba's problems and their potential solutions.
"If there's a change that has taken place in the last 18 months, it's that 
more people are open about the problems Cuba faces," said a senior western 
diplomat in Havana.
The state-run newspaper, Granma, now publishes the occasional critical 
letter from readers. Rumours of a relaxation on private and cooperative 
ownership of small farms, are also circulating.
Dramatic change should not be expected overnight, the diplomat said. 
"Whether Fidel is officially president or not, it doesn't make much 
difference to the running of government. He'll still be the one in charge."
The ex-president has committed to "carry on fighting like a soldier of 
ideas" through his newspaper columns. But for the seven in 10 Cubans who 
have never known another leader, a change of face will be a symbol in 
itself.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/after-decades-of-silence-islanders-of-jersey-rise-up-in-protest-at-their-political-masters-793144.html

After decades of silence, islanders of Jersey rise up in protest at their 
political masters
By Jerome Taylor
Saturday, 8 March 2008
The Royal Square in Jersey's capital, St Helier, is one of the most visible 
signs of the island's proud history of self-rule. The cobbled, pigeon-filled 
square stands at the site of the Battle of Jersey - France's final, 
disastrous attempt in 1781 to recapture an island that had been a British 
possession since William the Conqueror arrived in 1066. On the north side of 
the square stands the States of Jersey, the island's parliament, where 12 
senators, 12 constables and 29 deputies vote on all matters pertaining to 
the island other than defence and foreign policy, which is decided in 
Westminster.
The battle is re-enacted each January to celebrate Jersey's heritage and 
independence. But today Royal Square will host a very different crowd - 
protesters angry at the way politicians are running the island and dealing 
with the child abuse investigation that has shaken the community.
Ever since police found fragments of a child's skull at the former Haut de 
la Garenne children's home while investigating child abuse allegations 
stretching back four decades, Jersey's political elite has struggled to cope 
with the scrutiny of the world's media now encamped on the island.
Last night, the latest revelation to emerge was that specially trained dogs 
have found blood spots invisible to the naked eye on a bath inside an 
underground chamber at the former care home.
Last week, the chief minister, Frank Walker, accused his political rival 
Stuart Syvret of "trying to shaft Jersey internationally" for highlighting 
recent child abuse scandals in care homes and detention centres. The 
off-hand remark outraged some islanders, who felt their leader cared more 
about Jersey's international reputation than the victims.
This week, the Health minister, Ben Shenton, caused further embarrassment 
with a leaked email in which he mocked the officer in charge of the inquiry. 
Mr Shenton compared Lenny Harper, the island's deputy police chief, to the 
comic Lenny Henry, saying: "My wife keeps referring to Lenny Harper as Lenny 
Henry - I don't think she's far wrong."
Mr Harper described the email as "childish and bizarre", saying he could not 
understand why "the very man responsible for children's welfare on this 
island would wish to sabotage the investigation". Mr Shenton said his 
remarks were taken out of context and has since apologised.
But many of those behind today's protest say it is time to reform Jersey's 
political system and, in particular, the way the chief minister is chosen by 
his fellow senators in a secret ballot.
"The protest is going to be an opportunity for people to finally speak out 
at how our island is run," said Montford Tadier, one of the organisers. 
"Your average person in Jersey looks upon the island's political system, 
particularly over the past two weeks, as a total sham. The way they have 
reacted to Haut de la Garenne is just revelatory. We are ruled by a 
government that is totally incompetent."
Since the investigation at Haut de la Garenne began, more than 160 victims 
have come forward to police and up to 40 potential suspects have been 
identified. Mr Syvret, a former health minister, has accused the government 
of operating within a "culture of concealment" by covering up the abuse 
allegations, a claim that the States of Jersey vehemently denies.
But Mr Tadier believes the inquiry has encouraged islanders to be more vocal 
in their criticism of politicians. "I think the abuse scandal mirrors our 
political scandal," he said. "For years, people have kept quiet but now they 
are speaking out."
Martyn Day, a Jersey-born student, runs the Facebook discussion group "Vote 
Frank Walker Out Of The States", which already has more than 1,000 members. 
He said the abuse investigation had made islanders more determined than ever 
to seek some sort of political reform. "It is certainly a good time now for 
the people of Jersey to try and speak up," he added.
In a statement, Jersey's Council of Ministers criticised the rally 
organisers for their "political undertones" and said none of its members 
would be attending. Mr Walker, meanwhile, refused to say whether he thought 
the island's political system, including the secret election of the chief 
minister, was in need of reform.
An ancient regime independent of Westminster
*Jersey is not a part of the United Kingdom or the European Union. It is 
constitutionally a dependency of the British Crown, with the Queen as head 
of state.
* The island, 12 miles off the coast of France, has its own legislative and 
taxation systems, which are a blend of Norman and English methods.
* Jersey (population 88,000) jealously guards its independence governing 
rights of residency. It is also reluctant to accept controls over its 
thriving financial services industry.
*It does not have a formal party political system.
* The legislature is called the States of Jersey and has 53 elected members: 
12 senators (elected for six-year terms), 12 constables (heads of parishes 
elected for three years), 29 deputies (elected for three-year terms); the 
Bailiff and the Deputy Bailiff (appointed to preside over the assembly) and 
three non-voting members (the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the 
Solicitor General) who are appointed by the Queen.
* Senators have an island-wide mandate; deputies are elected for their local 
area.
* The British Government is responsible for the island's defence and global 
affairs.

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPpE_JU8JMlxJaWgLgVKEA7DsQmA

More bones found at children's home
Mar 8, 2008
Further pieces of bone have reportedly been unearthed by forensic teams at a 
former Jersey care home where it is claimed children were raped and flogged.
The fragments have been found at Haut de la Garenne as police complete their 
search of an underground chamber at the home and the fields surrounding it, 
the Sunday Telegraph has reported.
Earlier, sorrow for the victims of alleged child abuse and anger at a 
claimed "culture of secrecy" on the island brought residents out on to the 
streets. The crowd laid daffodils at the door of the government building, 
both as symbol of hope for the future and to represent lives shattered by 
abuse.
Several hundred people gathered in Royal Square, St Helier, outside the main 
government building to voice their support for those alleging abuse at Haut 
de la Garenne and to call for political change.
Former residents of the home, many of whom found their memories too painful 
to speak about, stood in the crowd. A number wept silently as they listened 
to speakers from the newly formed Time 4 Change, a group calling for an end 
to what they say is "a culture of secrecy" in Jersey.
The bones, which are believed to be human remains, add to the grim discovery 
two weeks ago of the partial remains of a child buried in a stairwell.
Tests will have to be run on the bones before officers can confirm if they 
were human. Officers are also waiting for the analysis of blood spots found 
on Friday on a concrete bath in the same cellar.
Police are reportedly now poised to make three arrests in the next two 
weeks, two in Jersey and one in the UK mainland.
The man leading the investigation, Jersey's deputy chief officer Lenny 
Harper, told the newspaper that police are concerned that one incident could 
have lead to the death of a child.
Officers also fear, reports the newspaper, that bones could have been 
removed from the home as recently as five years ago, either accidentally or 
in a deliberate attempt by perpetrators to cover their tracks.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-03-09-voa21.cfm

Thousands of Egyptian Islamists Protest Government Crackdown
By VOA News
09 March 2008

Thousands of opposition Muslim Brotherhood members demonstrated in Egypt 
Sunday to protest a government crackdown on their movement ahead of local 
elections.
Egyptian security officials say about 5,000 protesters gathered outside a 
local council building in the Nile Delta town of Tanta. The Egyptian 
Islamist group put the figure at 10,000.

Egyptian islamists face riot police in Alexandria, 09 Mar 2008
A similar rally in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria drew hundreds of 
Brotherhood supporters.
The Brotherhood says it is protesting the arrest of hundreds of its members 
by Egyptian security forces in recent weeks. Many of those arrested were 
potential candidates in local elections scheduled for April 8.
The opposition group also accused authorities of refusing to accept 
nomination papers from other Brotherhood activists who want to run in the 
elections.
The Brotherhood is banned in Egypt as a political party, but its members run 
for office as independents.
The movement did better than expected in the 2005 parliamentary elections, 
winning a fifth of the seats.
Egypt's local councils have long been dominated by Egyptian President Hosni 
Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party.
The councils previously held little power, but they became more important in 
2005, when a constitutional amendment gave elected council members a role in 
nominating presidential candidates.