Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

The priest risking jail to protest climate inaction

01 Oct 2023  |  www.prospectmagazine.co.uk  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Reverend Sue Parfitt, an 80-year-old retired priest, is actively involved in climate activism through Christian Climate Action, the Christian wing of Extinction Rebellion. Despite facing multiple trials for her participation in motorway blockades and other direct actions, she remains committed to her cause, viewing climate activism as a justice movement aligned with her Christian faith. Parfitt criticizes the Anglican Church for not doing enough and questions the effectiveness of traditional protest methods, advocating for more radical actions to address the urgent climate crisis.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Activism

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NYEIN AYE is a Burmese journalist based in Syracuse, United States of America. I am a senior journalist and editor with over ten years of experience in online, print, and broadcast media, providing quality journalism for international media, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). I ...

Myanmar coup: The young rebels risking their lives for the future

15 Mar 2023  |  www.bbc.com  |  English  |  Civil disobedience

The article reports on the ongoing protests in Myanmar following the military coup, highlighting the determination and creativity of the protesters despite the severe crackdowns by the military. With at least 55 protesters killed, the people of Myanmar continue to demonstrate, using various forms of peaceful defiance such as clapping, singing, and displaying sarongs. The protests have evolved into neighborhood fortifications, and there is a strong sense of community support. The international response is deemed insufficient by the protesters, who are calling for more decisive action against the military regime. The younger generation, particularly Generation Z, is at the forefront of the movement, willing to pay the price for freedom and democracy. The article conveys the atmosphere of resistance and the hope for an end to military rule, despite the violence and terror that persist.

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Civil disobedience Myanmar coup Protests Military dictatorship

Potkin Azarmehr is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Charity Begins at Home

07 Jun 2018  |  kayhan.london  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Iranians are increasingly frustrated with the regime's allocation of charity funds to foreign causes like Gaza and Lebanon while neglecting domestic needs. This sentiment has sparked a campaign to destroy donation boxes of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, which is accused of lacking financial transparency. The campaign gained traction after a video aired on Manoto TV, leading to widespread civil disobedience. The public's resentment is further fueled by the regime's failure to adequately support earthquake victims in West Iran, despite significant public donations.

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Civil Disobedience Charity Iranian Protests

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Alessandra Bajec is a journalist based in Cairo since 2013. From 2010 to 2011, she lived Palestine where she made her first steps as a freelance journalist. She has experience in writing for print, online media along with some radio experience. Her work has appeared in UN's IRIN, Russia Today's rt....

As Iran doubles down on hijab laws, women fight back

14 Aug 2023  |  www.newarab.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

In Iran, women continue to resist mandatory headscarf laws despite the government's intensified crackdown and the proposed introduction of severe penalties for non-compliance. The death of Jina 'Mahsa' Amini in police custody sparked nationwide protests, which have since subsided, but many women persist in defying the hijab laws. Human rights advocates and experts highlight the ongoing struggle for women's liberation in Iran, where discriminatory laws against women prevail. Despite the risks of state reprisals, Iranian women are increasingly showing their hair in public, signaling a quiet but persistent defiance against the clerical establishment.

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Civil Disobedience Women's Rights Iranian Politics

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Hugh Bohane is an Australian multimedia journalist and producer. Hugh has reported in Asia and elsewhere for over ten years in print, radio and television.

Hugh has covered politics, conflicts, natural disasters, travel, and the arts.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism ...

Myanmar Residents, Expats Voice Dismay Over Coup

01 Feb 2021  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Myanmar's military detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders following allegations of election fraud, sparking dismay among residents and expatriates. The coup has led to a civil disobedience movement, with citizens protesting through socially distanced demonstrations and online activism. The National League for Democracy, which won the disputed election, has widespread support, particularly for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a media blackout, citizens are using VPNs to bypass restrictions. The U.S. is considering sanctions against Myanmar's military leaders, though past sanctions have had mixed effects. The situation remains tense as the public's initial shock turns to anger.

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Civil Disobedience Military Coup Political Activism

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How 4/20 Became the Biggest Day in the Stoner Calendar

19 Apr 2022  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The annual 4/20 celebrations in London's Hyde Park, a mass civil disobedience event protesting against cannabis laws, may see a change this year with police allegedly promising not to arrest peaceful participants. The event's origins trace back to American students and has grown into a global movement. UK's adoption of 4/20 is believed to have been influenced by US hip-hop culture in the 90s. The legalization movement in the UK has seen steady growth, with significant events like the Independent on Sunday's 1998 march and the establishment of the United Patients Alliance. Attitudes towards cannabis are softening, with increased acceptance of its therapeutic qualities and a shift away from negative narratives. Recent developments include a mayoral policy in London to prevent arrests for possession of small amounts and the issuance of medical cannabis prescriptions. The event in Hyde Park, despite not being authorized, will continue to be a focal point for legalization advocacy and community building.

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Civil Disobedience Cannabis Culture Legalization Movements

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Gabriele Di Donfrancesco is a freelance journalist and fixer based in Rome, Italy, focused on investigations and stories on environmental crimes, housing, religion, politics, and social justice.

He has covered Italian affairs for US and UK news outlets, including the Daily Dot, Jacobin, Euronews,...

Inside the global rebellion of scientist-activists agitating for climate action

31 Aug 2022  |  Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The article discusses the Scientist Rebellion, a movement where scientists engage in civil disobedience to advocate for climate action. It highlights actions against companies like Eni and Scottish Power, accusing them of greenwashing and contributing to climate change. The movement, which started in the UK, has gained international traction, with over 1,000 scientists in more than 25 countries participating in protests. The article contrasts the experiences of activists in the Global North, like Italy, with those in the Global South, like Sierra Leone, where activism strategies differ due to varying levels of risk and awareness. It also touches on the role of African countries in exploiting natural resources and the challenges faced by local populations in understanding and responding to climate change. The Scientist Rebellion supports initiatives like 'Debt for Climate' and seeks to leverage scientists' credibility to influence public opinion and policy on climate issues.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Change Environmental Activism Global Warming Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Greenwashing Climate Education Sustainable Development

I am a bilingual (French/English) journalist/radio producer/audio editor based in Paris. I have extensive experience producing radio news and features from A-Z (research, reporting, writing, voicing, editing, mixing). Currently working as a journalist for the English service of Radio France ...

Podcast: Bullfighting, civil disobedience, Vikings lay siege to Paris

17 Nov 2022  |  Modern Ghana  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

In southern France, bullfighting is a deep-rooted tradition facing opposition from northern lawmakers who consider it immoral. Climate activists from the group Dernière Rénovation are engaging in civil disobedience to demand more ambitious housing renovation legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Viking siege of Paris in 885 marked a pivotal moment in French history, leading to the decline of the Carolingian Empire and shaping modern France.

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Civil Disobedience Bullfighting Historical Events

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Tom Fawthrop journalist aurhor & film-maker based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Previously based in Phnom Penh /Manila the Philippines.
Covered many major events in Asia during last 40 years- Cambodia refugees 1979 Inside Phnom Penh 1981 rebirth from Year Zero.

Phillippine protest revolt after ...

Can Myanmar’s Protesters Win?

01 Apr 2021  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The military coup in Myanmar has sparked widespread outrage and a Civil Disobedience Movement, with a multi-ethnic alliance forming to oppose the dictatorship. Despite a brutal crackdown by the military, with over 536 civilian deaths, the resistance persists. The National League for Democracy's leaders were detained, but some parliament members formed the CRPH, claiming to be the legitimate government. International response is mixed, with some countries attending a military parade while others abstain. The U.N. has not recognized the junta, and the struggle for representation at the U.N. General Assembly continues. The article suggests that despite the military's power, historical precedents from other nations show that the determination of the people should not be underestimated.

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Civil Disobedience Myanmar Coup Political Crisis

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I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

London climate protesters defy police ban

15 Oct 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Extinction Rebellion vowed to contest a London-wide protest ban imposed by police, aiming to continue their disruptive actions. The ban, effective from 9pm Monday, was deemed 'proportionate and reasonable' by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor due to the protests' cumulative impact. Extinction Rebellion challenged the ban as disproportionate and unlawful. Despite the ban, activists gathered at MI5's headquarters to highlight climate change's risks to food security. Over 1,450 arrests have been made since the protests resumed. Amnesty International criticized the ban as an 'unlawful restriction' on rights to expression and assembly. Extinction Rebellion plans to maintain their protest actions throughout the week.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Change Protests

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Freelance journalist and researcher from Rakhine State, covering politics, humanitarian crisis, civil war, and military coup in Myanmar.

Five Myanmar voices on a year in turmoil

04 Jul 2021  |  asia.nikkei.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Since the military coup on February 1, Myanmar has faced turmoil and economic decline. Massive demonstrations and a civil disobedience movement have emerged, aiming to undermine the military's economic and infrastructural base. The State Administration Council, the military regime, is reversing a decade of reforms and imposing martial law, curfews, and internet blackouts to suppress resistance.

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Civil Disobedience Political Crisis Military Coup

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Imran Khan is a multimedia journalist living in Washington, DC. Khan graduated from the Corcoran College of Art & Design with a BFA in Fine Arts Photography. He received his master's degree from George Washington University in New Media Photojournalism. His master's thesis included a documentary ...

Sudan protesters threaten civil disobedience campaign

30 May 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Protest leaders in Sudan have declared their two-day strike a success, with people across the nation stopping work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Protest groups are now threatening a civil disobedience campaign to force the military council to hand over power to civilian rule.

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Civil Disobedience Protests Military Rule

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Sam Knights is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He is the editor of This Is Not A Drill, which was published in 2019 by Penguin Books and includes essays by Vandana Shiva and Rowan Williams. He has been involved in climate activism and political organising for many years and has ...

Movement Soup

25 Oct 2022  |  Medium  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The article discusses the logic and impact of direct action in climate activism, using recent protests by Just Stop Oil and historical examples like the suffragette movement. It explores the effectiveness of attention-grabbing tactics, the moral power of direct action, and the need for a coherent strategy in the climate movement. The text emphasizes the importance of innovation, coalition-building, and a new narrative to mobilize people effectively. It critiques the fixation on controversial stunts and calls for a more strategic approach to achieve systemic change.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Activism Protests

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I am a journalist based in Washington DC. I have been writing for BBC Vietnamese and VOA Tieng Viet for years. 

I also worked as an independent legal consultant for many developmental projects in Vietnam. I understand about Vietnamese social & political system. Recently, I've moved to Washington ...

Myanmar’s civil disobedience movement is built on decades of struggle

29 Mar 2021  |  www.eastasiaforum.org  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The civil disobedience movement in Myanmar is rooted in decades of activism aimed at building a multi-ethnic civil society and independent media under military rule. The movement leverages historical knowledge, international alliances, and digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter to coordinate and disseminate information. Despite the focus on new technologies, the movement's strength lies in its historical foundation and the support of civil society organizations. The current struggle against the Tatmadaw is bolstered by the experiences of past generations and the solidarity of transnational protest movements like the Milk Tea Alliance. Continued support for civil society and independent media is crucial for democratic change.

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Civil Disobedience Democracy Movement Military Dictatorship

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Multi-media reporter and news producer covering politics, conflict, and society in the Middle East and around the world. 

Visit my digital portfolio at **** to view a selection of my work.

Mass civil disobedience and the War of Independence

07 Mar 2020  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ireland saw significant use of peaceful mass mobilization and civil disobedience as tools against British rule. Key movements included Daniel O’Connell’s Catholic Emancipation campaigns, the Land League, and the anti-conscription efforts of 1918. Sinn Féin and other nationalist groups effectively used these tactics to build resistance, culminating in the War of Independence. The Dáil established a counter-state with its own courts, which gained public support and undermined British authority. Mass civil disobedience, including boycotts and propaganda, played a crucial role in the struggle for Irish independence, engaging large segments of the population and demonstrating the viability of self-governance.

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Civil Disobedience Irish War of Independence British Rule

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

This Is What It Looks Like When a City of 5 Million People Goes on Strike

10 Dec 2021  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Yangon and Mandalay, major cities in Myanmar, were brought to a standstill by a 'silent strike' protest against the military government. The strike, organized by anti-junta protest groups, is part of the Civil Disobedience Movement that has been active since the February 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government. The protest aims to show the junta's lack of control and express grief for those killed in the resistance. Recent tensions escalated with a military vehicle running down protesters, resulting in deaths, and the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi to prison.

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Civil Disobedience Protest Military Coup

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Francis Moriarty is a journalist based in Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.

Pro-Democracy Students in Hong Kong Spared Jail Time

21 Sept 2016  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The Hong Kong government failed in its attempt to imprison three prominent pro-democracy students, Joshua Wong, Alex Chow, and Nathan Law, who were instead sentenced to community service. Magistrate June Cheung Tin-ngan rejected the government's request for jail time, citing a lack of new evidence. The administration of Chief Executive C.Y. Leung, which had taken a hard line against the Umbrella Movement, was dissatisfied with the lenient punishment. Legal experts suggested that the government's actions might be influenced by pressure from Beijing. The students expressed gratitude for the judiciary's independence and reflected on the support for civil disobedience in Hong Kong.

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Civil Disobedience Pro-Democracy Movement Judicial Decisions

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Gustavo Ocando Alex is an experienced journalist and newspaper editor based in Maracaibo, western Venezuela. He currently develops his journalist career as a freelancer for Voice of America, BBC Mundo, The Miami Herald (USA), NPR (USA), Armando.Info (Caracas, Venezuela) and has collaborated with ...

María Corina Machado's Ally Revives 'Political Disobedience' in Venezuela

21 Aug 2023  |  Voz de América  |  Spanish  |  Civil Disobedience

Antonio Ledezma, an exiled opposition leader, suggested that civil disobedience might be necessary to ensure the candidacy of opposition figure María Corina Machado in Venezuela's 2024 presidential elections, despite her being banned from holding public office. Machado is leading in private polls for the opposition's primary on October 22, but the government has indicated she will not be allowed to run if she wins. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has spoken of thwarting military conspiracies, and the UN has accused his government of human rights abuses. The opposition hopes to negotiate better electoral conditions, while the government has issued an arrest warrant for Ledezma on charges including treason. Political analysts offer varied views on the feasibility and wisdom of civil disobedience as a strategy.

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Civil Disobedience Politics Elections

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I'm an experienced journalist and reporter with over 15 years of experience worldwide, and I have written extensively about politics, women's issues, youth issues, and international conflicts. I've spoken to people about their lives, successes, and struggles worldwide, from Haiti to the US, ...

Movement demanding 'the right to choose one's clothes' spreads on social media, started by one woman

01 Mar 2018  |  BuzzFeed  |  Japanese  |  Civil Disobedience

A movement demanding the right for women to choose their own clothing has gained traction on social media in Iran, challenging the country's strict dress code. Despite the risks of defying the regime, which is quick to crack down on any hint of dissent, Iranian women have been protesting the mandatory hijab since it was enforced on March 8, 1979. The Iranian police have arrested 29 women for removing their scarves, labeling them as 'misled'. Activists and experts express concerns that these acts of civil disobedience could provide hardliners with ammunition against President Hassan Rouhani's more moderate stance. However, Rouhani has been adept at using social unrest to warn that refusing to listen to the public could lead to the republic's end. The protests come amid wider national demonstrations against corruption and economic hardship, with the government wary of further inciting public anger. The movement has drawn comparisons to the '#MeToo movement' and is seen as a grassroots model of civil disobedience that is difficult to suppress. While some Iranians are optimistic that the protests could lead to change, others note that international media focus heavily on the issue of women's clothing, despite broader concerns about inflation, low wages, corruption, and a general lack of freedom in Iran.

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Civil Disobedience Women's Rights Iran Protests

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Rupert Read is a professor of philosophy at the University of East Anglia. He is a former chair of Green House think tank, and a former Green Party of England and Wales councillor, spokesperson, European parliamentary candidate and national parliamentary candidate. Until recently Rupert was a ...

Emergency action

25 Apr 2024  |  qoshe.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The article reflects on the author's journey from recognizing the environmental degradation in his local area to becoming actively involved in Extinction Rebellion (XR), an organization focused on climate activism. The author discusses the impact of XR in raising climate consciousness and the challenges it faced, including the controversial Canning Town action. The piece explores the philosophical justification for civil disobedience in the face of climate crisis and the emergence of more radical groups like Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil. The author questions the effectiveness of XR's approach and considers the need for new strategies to address the escalating climate emergency.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Change Environmental Activism

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I am Santosh Sithu from Yangon, Myanmar.

Santosh Sithu is a freelance multimedia journalist formerly based in Yangon, Myanmar.

He joined the media industry in 2016. And then worked as a freelance photographer for local and international clients since 2019 and get published in famous ...

'They want division': on patrol with Myanmar's civilian night watch

15 Feb 2021  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

The article discusses the growing civil disobedience movement in Myanmar following the military coup on February 1. Residents of Yangon have started forming community defense units to protect their neighborhoods from the military and police, who are arresting dissidents. These units, which include people like tour operator Aung Than, are keeping watch overnight, equipped with makeshift weapons. The military's actions, including the release of over 23,000 prisoners and the intimidation of government workers, have escalated fear and rumors among the populace. Despite the risks of curfew and potential military action, the community's response has led to increased coordination and solidarity. The article also touches on the historical context of the 1988 uprising and the current sentiment towards the military leadership.

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Civil Disobedience Myanmar Coup Community Defense Units Protests

Trygve Lyshagen Tømmerås is a freelance journalist based in Retalhuleu, Guatemala.

Nature guide, politician and environmental activist. 
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Ecology and Environmental Management.

Large network in tourism, community devlopment and environmental ...

MDG-Trygve's hidden arrest plan

27 Aug 2021  |  dagbladet.no  |  Norwegian  |  Civil Disobedience

Trygve Tømmerås, a 24-year-old second parliamentary candidate for the Green Party (MDG) in Telemark, Norway, participated in a road blockade in central Oslo with the intention of being arrested for civil disobedience. He kept his plans secret from authorities to avoid jeopardizing the activists' efforts. Tømmerås aims to initiate the largest civil disobedience campaign since the Alta controversy 40 years ago, highlighting the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources and ceasing the search for new oil reserves.

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Civil Disobedience Climate Change Political Activism

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Video journalist and videographer based in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Bulgaria anti-government protesters hunger strike as demonstrations enter second month

12 Aug 2020  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Civil Disobedience

Anti-government protests in Bulgaria have entered their second month, with demonstrators employing tactics such as road blockades, hunger strikes, and threats of self-immolation. Protesters, including military journalist Silvia Sirakova-Gvozden and lawyer Nikolay Gatsev, are expressing their discontent with the government, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, his administration, and the chief prosecutor over allegations of corruption. Despite initial indications of willingness to resign, Borissov has decided to remain in office until the end of his term, citing the need to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. The protests have seen thousands of participants and have been met with police action to clear blockades.

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Civil Disobedience Protest Government

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