South Asia has experienced organic, leaderless youth protests driven by economic and political anger. Despite challenging ruling establishments from India to Bangladesh, these movements often struggle to convert street power into electoral success.
India's Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, declined an urgent hearing on alleged police brutality against students protesting at Jantar Mantar, citing lack of time for video evidence. Protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over exam irregularities turned violent.
A young woman is on ventilator support after being injured during the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Sansad Chalo' protest in Delhi, which saw clashes with police. Opposition leaders and a Union minister visited the hospital, while the protest continues into its second day with a sit-in and hunger strike.
Thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters marched towards Parliament, leading to clashes with security forces who used batons and tear gas near Shastri Bhawan. Some protesters and police were injured, and detentions occurred. CJP leaders engaged in talks with the government, while founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike.
Over 10,000 "Cockroach movement" supporters marched towards India's parliament in New Delhi, demanding the education minister's resignation and action on exam corruption. Police used tear gas and batons, while protesters chanted slogans, fueled by activist Sonam Wangchuk's forced hospitalization.
A delegation from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met Union minister JP Nadda in New Delhi, demanding accountability for the NEET-UG paper leak, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and compensation for affected families. Protests continued, with police using force as demonstrators marched towards Parliament.
Thousands of India's "Cockroach" movement supporters, protesting leaked medical exam papers and demanding the education minister's resignation, were caned and tear gassed by police while attempting to march on parliament in New Delhi, sparking a major confrontation.
Albanian police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protests against a planned resort linked to Jared Kushner, resulting in 18 detentions and 12 officer injuries. The "Flamingo Revolution" protests, initially focused on environmental damage to a flamingo habitat, have broadened into anti-government demonstrations.
Thousands protested the G7 summit in Geneva, with clashes erupting between demonstrators and riot police. Violence included smashed bank windows, a car fire, and stone-throwing, leading to boarded-up businesses. Organizers aimed to highlight issues like environment and human rights.
Opposition coalition C64 organised a rally in Kinshasa against a proposed law that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to extend his term. The demonstration turned violent with clashes between opposition and pro-government activists, and police used tear gas. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu was among those injured.
A student protest in Brussels over education reform turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police, setting e-scooters on fire, and smashing shop windows. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
An incident at a Tokyo mall saw 19 people hospitalized after a man sprayed an irritating substance, possibly tear gas. The affected individuals reported headaches and throat pain, but their conditions are not life-threatening. Authorities are searching for the suspect who fled the scene.
Over 20 people reported throat pain and other discomfort near Ginza Six mall in Tokyo after an unknown individual allegedly sprayed a tear gas-like substance in a bank lobby. Authorities have cordoned off the area and are investigating.
Turkish riot police used tear gas to evict ousted opposition leader Ozgur Ozel from the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters after a court annulled his election. Ozel vowed to continue the struggle from the streets.
Turkish riot police used tear gas to evict ousted opposition leader Ozgur Ozel from the CHP headquarters. A court had annulled Ozel's election, reinstating Kemal Kilicdaroglu. The move fuels a crisis and raises concerns about democracy in Turkey.
Police used tear gas to storm the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, attempting to reinstate former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu following a controversial court ruling. Party members resisted the intrusion, leading to clashes.
Violence and arson broke out in Kapurthala Central Jail late Saturday night after a minor altercation between inmates escalated. Unverified videos show inmates on rooftops claiming they were thrashed and shot at, with one reportedly suffering a bullet injury. Authorities used tear gas to control the situation.
Police fired tear gas in northeastern DR Congo during a dispute over the burial of a suspected Ebola victim, a footballer. Protesters burned tents for Ebola patients, highlighting challenges in enforcing safe burial practices to contain the outbreak.
Thousands protested in La Paz, Bolivia, demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation amid an economic crisis. Clashes with riot police, arrests, and injuries were reported. The government blames political operatives linked to former president Evo Morales.
Limited edition Swatch watches, a collaboration with Audemars Piguet, caused chaos in Paris, Milan, and near The Hague. French police used tear gas to control a crowd of 300 outside a Paris store, where security gates were damaged.
Turkish police fired tear gas and arrested nearly 400 people during May Day demonstrations in Istanbul on Friday. Rallies took place across the country amid heavy security, with Taksim Square sealed off and unions calling for bread, peace and freedom as inflation remains high.
Istanbul police detained approximately 350 people participating in unauthorized May Day protests who attempted to enter Taksim Square, using tear gas to disperse the crowds. For years, authorities have prohibited mass rallies in Taksim Square on May 1, designating alternative areas in two districts for labor union events. Transportation restrictions were imposed in Istanbul, while demonstrations also took place in Ankara and other Turkish cities under heightened security.
Turkish police arrested nearly 400 people in Istanbul on Friday during May Day demonstrations, firing tear gas from riot-control vehicles and sealing off Taksim Square. The protests, held under the slogan "Bread. Peace. Freedom," drew thousands across the country amid inflation officially at 30% but closer to 40% by independent estimates. The president of the Turkish Workers' Party was pepper-sprayed and a union official arrested after denouncing the Taksim lockdown.
Hundreds of animal rights protesters tried to enter a research facility.
