The strike happened near the town of Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military said a tank had fired at two suspects after suspicious activity near a security fence.

Palestinians have pitched tents on the border for a six-week protest dubbed the Great March of Return.

Palestinian sources say several Palestinians have now also been wounded by Israeli military fire near Jabaliya in northern Gaza.

The Israeli military oversees a no-go zone along the Gaza border, citing security concerns. It has warned Palestinians not to approach security fences.

Tent camps

Hamas, the militant group which dominates the Gaza Strip, has accused Israel of trying to intimidate Palestinians by killing the farmer and by urging them not to participate in the protests.

The Israeli foreign ministry has said the protest is a “deliberate attempt to provoke a confrontation with Israel” and that “responsibility for any clashes lies solely with Hamas and other participating Palestinian organisations”.

Relatives of the dead Palestinian grieve at a hospital in southern Gaza

Palestinian health officials named the dead man as 27-year-old Omar Samour and said a second man had been injured in the incident.

Witnesses say the two men were hit by tank fire while collecting parsley in a field, BBC Gaza producer Rushdi Abualouf reports.

Palestinians have erected five main camp areas along the Israel border for the protest, from Erez in the north to Rafah near the Egyptian border in the south.

The Great March of Return protests are starting on Friday, as 30 March marks Land Day, which commemorates the killing of six protesters by Israeli security forces during demonstrations over land confiscation in 1976.

Palestinians have pitched tents near the border, preparing for mass protests

The protest is scheduled to end on 15 May, which Palestinians call Nakba (catastrophe) and which marks the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the conflict surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948.

Rising tensions

By Sebastian Usher, Middle East editor, BBC World Service

Tents have been pitched by Palestinians in five locations on the edge of the buffer zone near the border. It is a sign that the protest, which has been dubbed the Great March of Return, is in it for the long haul.

Palestinian organisers – Hamas foremost among them – have urged tens of thousands of people to take part in the first protest.

Israel is wary, as tensions have once again been rising along the border with Gaza. The military has deployed more than 100 sharpshooters, while the foreign ministry has made clear it does not believe that Hamas intends the protest to remain peaceful.

Israeli soldiers on their side of the border with the northern Gaza Strip

All of this is happening in the shadow of the upcoming inauguration of the new US embassy in Jerusalem, which is set to happen in May – a development that may well help fuel the protest.

–

Source: BBC

The post Palestinian killed as Gaza protest starts appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Protesters are demanding that President Joseph Kabila – whose expected term of office expired more than a year ago – should step down.

Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters in Kinshasa, where UN peacekeepers have been deployed.

Similar demonstrations three weeks ago led to a number of deaths.

A spokesman for the UN mission to the country said about 50 people were injured in Sunday’s clashes and that dozens had been arrested.

Jean-Baptise Sondji, a former minister, told AFP he had witnessed the death of a 16-year-old girl outside a church in the Kitambo area of the capital.

“An armoured car passed in front of the church. They began firing live bullets, I protected myself… a girl who was at the left side door of the church was hit,” he said.

The widespread marches had been called for by the country’s Catholic Church, which appealed for a large but peaceful demonstration.

The Congolese authorities, however, banned the marches and no formal permission was given. On Saturday evening, internet access in the capital Kinshasa was cut.

Police warned that they would not tolerate “any attempt to disturb public order.”

Despite the ban, protesters gathered after morning Mass on Sunday to march through the streets, accompanied by members of the clergy.

Local media outlet Radio Okapi reported protests in Kinshasa, Kisangani, and Bukavu. Other cities remain quiet, it reports, though a heavy police presence has been seen in many places.

Radio Okapi also later said that one of its journalists had been wounded by a bullet in the Lemba district of the capital.

The UN mission in the country – which has been running continuously since 1999 – said it deployed its troops to the streets to observe and record any violence.

President Kabila has been in power since 2001, and was supposed to step down after his second and final term came to an end in 2016.

Under a deal reached more than a year ago, he was due to step down by the end of 2017 – but that has not happened.

Instead, the election to replace him, originally planned for 2016, has now been delayed until December 2018.

The country’s powerful Catholic Church has been a voice of opposition to Mr Kabila. The Church also called for the demonstrations in late December which led to at least seven deaths, according to UN peacekeepers.

Dozens were arrested in the aftermath of those protests.

Sunday’s demonstrations were also backed by the country’s Muslim community. Before the march, representative Cheikh Ali Mwinyi M’Kuur told AFP: “I ask the authorities to avoid repressing the march.”

“If they decide to repress, there will be no peace. But if they let the march take place, they will respect the constitution and peace will prevail,” he said.

DR Congo’s evangelical Christian churches also lent their support to the march organised by their Catholic counterparts.

–
By: BBC

The post DR Congo: Several deaths in anti-Kabila protests appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Accra Regional Police Operations Officer, Chief Superintendent Kwasi Ofori, about 300 Togolese had to be dispersed lawfully at the Kawukudi Park because their intended action was in clear breach of Ghana’s public order act.

[contextly_sidebar id=”dV9OUY0YkyjxH3l3794snbqM8p3okj6q”]This is the second occasion in recent times that Togolese in Ghana have tried demonstrating in solidarity with efforts back home by the opposition to have presidential term limits.

Chief Superintendent Kwasi Ofori  told Citi News that, there was “the need for them to sit down and discuss possible routes and also security matters dear to the good people.”

But since this did not happen, he said the police “used every legitimate means to disperse them.”

“We’ve arrested 26 of them and they are in lawful custody as I speak to you. We’ve also seized some of their motorbikes and we are investigating.”

Togolese crisis

In Togo, a coalition of 14 opposition parties wants among other things, a return to constitutional term limits for the Presidency, and also for President Faure Gnassingbe to step down.

Gnassingbe has won three elections since taking power in 2005 after the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for nearly 50 years.

Over 15 people have been killed and scores injured in anti-government protests in Togo that have seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets across the country.

Three new street marches have been announced for November 7, 8 and 9, despite the Togolese government’s ban on weekday protests.

–

By: Duke Opoku Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post 26 Togolese arrested for illegal protest in Accra appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Togo’s security forces over the weekend clashed with some anti-Gnassingbe protesters that erupted in the capital Lome, with parallel demonstrations in Sokode in Togo.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ZGdI4Yrx9PDtVqx2BMIaS9RxmzA7hRBz”]Two protesters lost their lives in the process while 13 others had various degrees of injury after the security forces opened fire to disperse the demonstrators who were demanding a restoration of term limits for the president.

The demonstrators were demanding the country’s return to its 1992 Constitution which allowed multi-party democracy with a limited Presidential term of office; as many of them sang and chanted “50 years is too long”.

They also accused the President of superintending over corruption in the country.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Ablakwa asked the President to serve as a neutral mediator between the opposition parties and President Faure Faure Gnassingbe because Ghana is “the closest neighbour and we will bear the brunt when things spiral out of control.”

“I’m not asking for a military intervention, just a diplomatic reach out to his Faure Gnassingbe that he will be willing to play some role. Because I believe that President Akufo-Addo will be able to generate the confidence on both sides.

“It’s not about meddling or questioning the sovereignty of Togo, not at all. But it’s just offering to be of assistance, it happens always. The ideal situation would have been ECOWAS stepping in and appointing a mediator at that level but this is the situation where the current Chairman is Faure Gnassingbe so I think that elder statesmen, his peers should be able to show some concern and interest and want to mediate,” he added.

Immigration service warning: Don’t travel to Togo on Friday

Meanwhile Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Volta region has cautioned Ghanaians against travelling to Togo on Friday.

According to the GIS, it has picked up intelligence that the opposition in the country is planning a political protest in the capital, Lome to herald the burial of some civilians who lost their lives in last Saturday’s protest against the President and his family.

In an interview with Citi News, the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration in the Volta region, Isaac Owusu Mensah said it will be in the best interest of Ghanaians hoping to travel there to hold on.

“The only issue that has necessitated this is the fact that they are planning a big demonstration so we are just apprising our compatriots to just go about their normal duties and not to get involved in any form of political activity,” said.

Although he added that currently the town is relatively calm Mr. Mensah said a joint security team is monitoring developments at the borders.

“National security, BNI, Customs, Immigration and the police are all there. We don’t have any mass movement. From the statistics that I received from the borders yesterday, there hasn’t been any significant movement, it’s within the average.”

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ablakwa to Nana Addo: Intervene in Togo’s political crisis appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

So far two protesters have been reported killed and 13 others wounded after the security forces opened fire to break up demonstrations against the ruling Gnassingbe family dynasty.

The demonstrators are demanding the country’s return to its 1992 Constitution which allowed multi-party democracy with a limited Presidential term of office; as many of them sang and chanted “50 years is too long”.

They also accuse the President of superintending over corruption in the country.

President Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 when his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe, died. His father had ruled the country for 38 years.

But the demonstrators say they are demanding “good elections with real results”, according to Civil Society member and Coordinator of the National Platform for Social Universities, Prof. David Dosseh.

Though the demonstrations were started by the main opposition PNP, CAP 2015, a coalition of five smaller opposition parties, and another coalition of six other smaller opposition parties, have both expressed support for the demonstrations.

“The military is said to have been deployed with many checkpoints erected following this support in fears that the demonstration may escalate in the coming hours”, Prof Dosseh said.

President Faure Gnassingbe is however yet to speak on the demonstrations and the killings.

–

By: Sixtus Dong Ullo/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Togo: Security forces clamp down on anti-Gnassingbe protestors appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

President Faure Gnassingbe has been in power in the West African country since the death in 2005 of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had been at the helm for 38 years.

Wearing the red colors of the opposition PNP party, chanting and singing “50 years is too long!”, thousands of demonstrators in the capital Lome called for the reinstatement of the constitution limiting terms that Eyadema introduced in response to protests in 1992.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse them.

But in a parallel protest in Sokode, 210 miles (338 km) north of the capital, clashes erupted and Togolese forces used live bullets.

The security ministry said that apart from the casualties among protesters 12 gendarmes had also been wounded.

“We do not understand our little Togo,” said demonstrator Ali Boukari. “The father Eyadema was in power for 38 years, his son will soon have done 15 years. All we are demanding is a term limit and they shoot (tear gas) at us.”

The 1992 constitution brought in notional multi-party democracy after decades of dictatorship, and limited presidential terms to two, but ten years later lawmakers amended it to enable Eyadema to run for another term – a common pattern in Africa.

Then, when he died, the military effectively tore up the constitution by installing his son as interim president, instead of the head of the national assembly, as was legally required.

The protests that followed Faure Gnassingbe’s first election victory in 2005 triggered a violent security crackdown in which around 500 people were killed.

“We are protesting against the arbitrary nature of governance and denial of freedom to assemble,” PNP leader Tikpi Atchadam said.

–

Source: Reuters

The post Togo: Two killed in protests against ’50-year Gnassingbe dynasty’ appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The head of the main opposition party said an activist had been shot dead.

The country’s 1992 constitution, introduced after 35 years of dictatorship, limits the president to a single five-year term.

But sitting President Horacio Cartes is trying to remove the restriction and run for re-election.

Protesters were photographed smashing in windows of the congress building in Asuncion on Friday night and setting fire to the interior.

The AFP news agency said protesters “ransacked” the offices of those who backed the bill.

Police used mounted units, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Local media reports said dozens of people had been injured, including protesters, politicians, and police officers.

The head of Paraguay’s opposition Liberal party, Efrain Alegre, said a young man had been killed during the protests. Police are yet to confirm this.

Santi Carneri, a journalist in Asuncion, told the BBC the congress building was on fire for “more than one or two hours”.

There were “a lot of battles between people and the police in the streets”, he said, adding that it was the worst violence of its kind since Paraguay became a democracy in 1992.

‘A coup’

In a statement released on Twitter, President Cartes appealed for calm.

“Democracy is not conquered or defended with violence and you can be sure this government will continue to put its best effort into maintaining order in the republic,” he said (in Spanish).

The attorney general’s office said it had followed the events closely and was investigating the violence.

Protesters chanted slogans outside the building

Earlier, the crowd took to the streets following a private meeting of 25 senators – a slight majority of the house – which approved a bill to amend the constitution.

The bill must also be approved by the other house of parliament – the chamber of deputies – where President Cartes’ party holds a majority.

The chamber’s president, Hugo Velázquez, told ABC Color (in Spanish) that the sitting planned for the following morning would no longer take place and no decision would be made on Saturday.

Opponents say the bill will weaken the country’s democratic institutions.

Opposition senator Desiree Masi said: “A coup has been carried out. We will resist and we invite the people to resist with us.”

Police used rubber bullets and water cannons, injuring some protesters

Paraguay was controlled by military ruler General Alfredo Stroessner, who seized power in a coup, from 1954 until 1989.

The new constitution in 1992 created the modern government, but there has been a long period of political instability and party infighting, as well as a failed coup attempt.

President Cartes’ term is due to end in 2018.

The change, if approved, would also allow former president Fernando Lugo to run again.

Mr Lugo was ousted in 2012 over his handling of a land eviction in which 17 people were killed.

His supporters, however, would like to see him run again.

The post Paraguay congress set on fire amid presidential controversy appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Irate demonstrators in New Patriotic Party (NPP) branded t-shirts and red bands made their way to the AMA headquarters to protest the appointment of some constituency executives in the Ablekuma South and Odododiodio constituencies who will be serving as members of the Assembly.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ks9mHJciVY3c6JwD4rWkBg6vDmGYqYsO”]The group calling itself the Concerned Youth of NPP believe the appointees did not contribute to the party’s victory during the 2016 elections. thus their appointment should be revoked.

In a Citi News interview, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command ASP Effia Tenge said the two suspects will be arraigned for violating the Public Order Act as the demonstration was carried out without notifying any authorities.

“Regarding yesterday’s [Monday’s] unannounced demonstration of some sympathizers believed to be NPP supporters, the police quickly moved in and we have been able to arrest two persons. We are making all efforts to prosecute them for that conduct.”

“We are guided by laws. We are guided by the public order act in this particular case. The Act tells us that if you want to embark on any form of protest, any public event of this nature, you quickly have to notify the police,” ASP Tenge said.

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Two arrested for protesting at AMA appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets of the capital, Seoul, to demand the resignation of President Park Geun-hye over a corruption row.

A long-time friend, the daughter of a cult leader, is accused of undue influence over the president.

Choi Soon-Sil is alleged to have pushed businesses to donate millions of dollars to foundations she controlled, helped choose presidential aides, and even picked the president’s clothes.

Ms Park apologised on TV on Friday.

Ms Park was close to tears as she addressed the nation, and said the scandal involving her confidante Ms Choi was “all my fault”.

The president admitted that she had let Ms Choi edit her speeches.

Ms Choi was arrested on Thursday and charged with fraud and abuse of power.

Some 40,000 demonstrators were expected to attend the rally in central Seoul, watched over by 20,000 police officers. Water cannon are in evidence on the capital’s streets.

Organisers say that as many as 100,000 may join the protest.

Dozens of police buses are parked by City Hall, and near a square which will be closed to stop protesters marching on the Blue House, the president’s official residence.

Smaller protests have taken place every day in recent weeks, as calls grow for Ms Park to step down.

The president has denied media speculation that she took part in “shamanist rituals” at the Blue House, and promised to accept an investigation into her actions.

The affair has left Ms Park with an approval rating of just 5%, the lowest ever for a sitting South Korean president.

The opposition has demanded that she either resign, or accept a prime minister chosen by Parliament as her number two.

 

The post Thousands urge South Korea President to quit appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A link to a pornographic website disguised as a video of the Malaysia Airlines crash was posted on a Facebook page dedicated to one victim.

Many tweets have been posted that appeared to report the disaster, but actually included spam links.

One expert said the firms should take more responsibility for removing them.

Online security specialist Richard Cox said that it was common for spammers to exploit anything being discussed by a lot of people online.

“It is a fairly rapid and predictable response by the individuals behind it. They are all to make money. There is no compassion involved,” he said.

Mr Cox, who is also chief information officer for anti-spam body Spamhaus, added that the perpetrators might be using software that could detect what was being posted regularly and repost using the same hashtags.

A Facebook community page dedicated to Liam Sweeney, one of the 298 people victims, uses his name and picture.

Its sole post is a link entitled: “Video Camera Caught the moment plane MH17 Crash over Ukraine”.

However, the link takes users to a pornographic website. Moreover, anyone who clicks on it is then asked to call a phone number in order to verify that they are aged 18 or older.

“Whoever it is now has your caller ID and you could get a lot of nuisance calls,” said Mr Cox.

“This is all based on a somewhat tasteless video that probably doesn’t exist and is presented in a completely tasteless way.”

He added that Facebook should have deleted the site.

Facebook subsequently did so after it was brought to its attention by the BBC. A spokesman said: “We are disabling these profiles as soon as we are made aware of them.

“We encourage people to block those responsible and report suspicious behaviour to our team of experts via our reporting buttons so that we can quickly take the appropriate action.”

Twitter abuse

On Friday 18 July, security firm TrendMicro reported that it had detected tweets pretending to be about MH17, but which also bore spam links.

Rik Ferguson, the firm’s vice president of security research, said that its research suggested that the pages were most likely being used to gather clicks to generate advertising revenue.

He said the tactic could also be used to force pages higher up search engine rankings.

“It looks like a lot of people are retweeting what they are doing,” he said.

Twitter’s rules state: “User abuse and technical abuse are not tolerated on Twitter.com, and may result in permanent suspension.

“Any accounts engaging in the activities specified below may be subject to permanent suspension: If you post multiple unrelated updates to a topic using #, trending or popular topic, or promoted trend.”

TrendMicro said that many previous disasters had been exploited in a similar way and that it expected to see further exploitation of the MH17 crash.

Source: BBC

The post MH17: Twitter and Facebook spammers exploit crash appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.