New Zealand Police Clash with Protesters
INTERNATIONAL: New Zealand police have moved in on Wednesday,March 2, to end an anti-vaccine mandate protest that has disrupted the country's capital for the past three weeks, towing away cars and dismantling tents set up outside parliament.
Taking inspiration from truckers' demonstrations in Canada, hundreds of protesters have been blocking streets with trucks, cars and motorcycles, in a protest that has led to violent clashes. Police have said 60 people were arrested during Wednesday's operation and they had "gained significant ground" in efforts to clear the protesters. At least three officers were injured, police have reported.
Protesters have used fire extinguishers, paint-filled projectiles, homemade plywood shields and pitchforks as weapons and a cord was set up as a trip wire, police said. Social media footage showed protesters throwing full water bottles and shouting abuse at the police. Authorities used loudspeakers to warn protesters they face arrest for trespassing on parliament grounds if they refuse to leave. Pepper spray was used against some protesters.
The protest began as a stand against Covid-19 vaccine mandates but was later joined by groups calling for an end to all pandemic restrictions.
Military Helicopters Taking Part in 'Special Operation' in Ukraine
Russian defence ministry has released on Wednesday,March 2, a footage of military helicopters supporting its troops during what Moscow 'special operation' in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said on Tuesday that Russia must stop bombing Ukrainian cities before more talks could take place on Russia's invasion of his country.
The ;atest Ukraine updates regarding the peace talks on Thursday between the two countries, spur deal on humanitarian corridors, Kyiv and Moscow agree on plan for safe corridors to evacuate civilians.
At Least 33 Killed in Air Strikes in Ukraine's Chernihiv Region
Air strikes in Ukraine's Chernihiv region kill more than 30 as schools and homes in area suffer major damage.
At least 33 bodies have been recovered from rubble in the wake of air strikes by Russian forces on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Thursday,March 3, the Ukrainian emergency services has said in an online post, updating a previous estimate of 22 killed.
Rescue work has been temporarily suspended due to heavy shelling in the area, it said. Earlier the regional governor has confirmed two schools as well as private houses were hit.
