Hong Kong police arrest 29 as city returns to violence, further protests planned

14 Sept 10:00 Key points summarised by AI

Hong Kong police arrested 29 individuals following renewed overnight clashes where tear gas was deployed against protesters using petrol bombs and bricks, signaling a return to intense violence.
Protesters escalated tactics by throwing Molotov cocktails, dismantling "smart" lamp posts, and erecting roadblocks, leading to police intervention and the closure of four MTR stations.
Further demonstrations are anticipated, including transport "stress tests" and city-wide strikes, as protesters continue to demand greater democracy, an independent inquiry into police actions, and universal suffrage.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.