Greece through to Eurovision Grand Final
Marina Satti from Greece advanced to the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “ZARI” after a captivating performance.
demonstration
Police arrest dozens after protests on US campuses
Police arrested at least 25 pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Virginia and cleared an encampment as tensions flared on campus. The protesters were violating university policies by setting up tents and using amplified sound. The protests are part of a larger movement across U.S. campuses calling for an end to the Gaza war and divestment from companies supporting Israel. Other campuses, like the University of Michigan, saw peaceful disruptions at graduation ceremonies by pro-Palestinian protesters. Many schools have called in police to quell protests, resulting in over 2,000 arrests nationwide. The protests have become a political flashpoint in a divisive U.S. election year.
Christodoulides arrives to Lebanon with von der Leyen
President Nikos Christodoulides and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Lebanon for a joint visit on the migration crisis. The main objective of the visit is to provide political and economic support to Lebanon from the EU, discuss challenges facing the country, and promote stability and prosperity through necessary reforms. The EU will present an Economic Support Package for Lebanon during the visit.
Georgian police disperse protesters as parliament approves ‘foreign bill’ second reading
Georgia’s parliament approved a bill on “foreign agents” that requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. The bill has caused a political crisis in Georgia, leading to large protests in the country. President Zourabichvili advised protesters to focus on the upcoming election to change the government. The bill has been criticized as being inspired by Russian laws used to suppress dissent. The European Union has condemned the violence in Georgia, and the bill could affect Georgia’s integration into the EU. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters outside parliament. The bill must pass one more vote before becoming law.
Limassol protest: Detainees speak of police verbal and physical abuse
Ten individuals arrested at a Limassol demonstration speak of an unprovoked police attack, horrible detention conditions, and abuse by the police. They were arrested following scuffles between protesters and police officers demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protestors and lawyers dispute the police’s account, describing the clash as an “unprovoked attack” and accusing the police of abuse.
Municipalities are key players in energy democracy
Local authorities must support the creation of renewable energy communities, which are cooperatives involving residents and stakeholders in renewable energy production, distribution, and consumption. Municipalities play a key role in empowering these communities to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainability, and lower energy bills.
Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the New York campus. The activists entered Hamilton Hall, hung a banner reading “Hind’s Hall,” and blocked the doors with outdoor tables. The protesters stated the building was liberated in honor of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child, who was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces funded by Columbia University. Police arrived outside the school gates but did not enter the campus unless someone was injured. The university limited access to the campus to students residing in residential buildings and essential employees. The crackdown at Columbia occurred after negotiations failed to end the protest camp set up in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Similar protests and arrests also took place at other universities across the U.S.
Columbia suspends pro-Palestinian protesters after encampment talks stall
Columbia University has begun suspending pro-Palestinian student activists who refused to dismantle a protest camp on campus after negotiations failed. The crackdown follows similar protests at other university campuses across the U.S. Students are demanding divestment, transparency in university finances, and amnesty for those disciplined for participating in protests. The protests have sparked intense debate over freedom of expression and hate speech, with some students facing censure for criticizing the Israeli government or expressing support for Palestinian rights. Other campuses, like UCLA, have seen clashes between pro-Israeli activists and pro-Palestinian protesters. Law enforcement tactics, such as the use of pepper spray and flash-bang charges, have been criticized. Arrests have occurred at various universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Tech.
Increasing tolerance of corruption in the north
Fact: Turkish Cypriots held a protest against corruption, demanding accountability for those responsible for corruption in the northern part of Cyprus.
Officer injured during Limassol protest
A police officer was injured at a demonstration in Limassol, leading to the arrest of ten people.