Rare protest in China tech hub over Covid lockdown

13 Sept 13:54 Key points summarised by AI

Shenzhen residents staged a rare protest against a snap Covid lockdown, imposed despite only 10 new infections, reflecting frustration with China's strict zero-Covid policy.
Officials ordered residents in three districts to stay home, adhering to China's zero-Covid strategy ahead of a crucial political meeting in Beijing.
Videos verified by AFP showed dozens chanting "lift the Covid lockdown" with police present, and reports of police hitting people.
This protest highlights ongoing public discontent with China's zero-Covid approach, which has led to severe disruptions and previous protests in cities like Shanghai and Sanya.

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

Today 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.