Columbo, Sri Lanka
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa claimed victory in Sri Lanka’s presidential election Sunday, Nov. 17. Rajapaksa, a former defense chief and brother of a former president defeated his closest opponent by about 10 percentage points in the race. Rajapaksa is expected to be sworn into office early this week.
Original article by Dharisha Bastians and Kai Schultz, Nov. 17, 2019. The New York Times.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong saw its most violent protests on Monday, Nov. 17, as riot police were met with protestors wielding Molotov cocktails and bow and arrows as police tried to storm a university campus. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons to try to breach the perimeter of the campus but the protestors continued to fight back, eventually leading to the police retreating. The event marks an even more violent progression in the six-month of protesting.
Original article by Edward Wong, Mike Ives, Tiffany May and Katherine Li, Nov. 17, 2019. The New York Times.
Iran
Iran has imposed an almost complete internet blackout on the country as citizens of Iran become increasingly angry with their government officials, most recently over the Supreme Leader of Iran’s support of raising gas prices by as much as 300%. On Sunday, Nov. 17, amidst protests in which at least 12 were killed, hundreds injured, and more than 1,000 people were arrested the government issued the blackout to cut off communication throughout the country. Internet connectivity is now at just 7% of its normal levels and it is unknown when it will be restored.
Original article by Farnaz Fassihi, Nov. 17, 2019. The New York Times.