Nepal Police Clash with RSP Supporters in Protests

In Nepal, protests erupted in Pokhara as supporters of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Rabi Lamichhane clashed with police following his arrest on charges of fraud and organized crime related to alleged embezzlement. Despite prohibitory orders from local authorities, thousands gathered, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Lamichhane, who gained political prominence as an anti-corruption advocate, was previously dismissed as deputy premier for failing to regain citizenship after renouncing his U.S. passport. RSP members claim the charges against him are politically motivated, aiming to undermine their party, which gained traction amid dissatisfaction with the existing political leadership. Meanwhile, in Iraq, security forces used tear gas and live bullets against demonstrators in Dhi Qar province demanding the release of arrested protesters, reviving legal actions from the 2019 Tishreen protests. Similarly, in Chile, police employed tear gas and water cannons to control crowds commemorating the anniversary of significant protests that ignited social upheaval in the country.