As of 19 April, uncontrollable wildfires continue spreading from above University Estate to lower Table Mountain through Walmer Estate and Devil’s Peak Estate, and the Vredehoek area due to winds fueling the fire. Evacuations have already occurred along the area and will continue. Several University of Cape Town buildings have also been affected, and the N2 and M3 highways have been closed.
On 15 April, student protesters clashed with police in Thessaloniki. 7,000 students participated in a march; 100 students threw Molotov cocktails and projectiles at police. Police responded by firing tear gas and stun grenades. Protests were to oppose the passage of a university reform bill that would allow for security force deployment on campuses. Future protests may occur.
Early on 15 April, a train derailment occurred in Bomen, New South Wales. The train and five cars of cargo train derailed around 02:50. No hazardous materials were being carried and a minor diesel spill due to derailment was already cleaned. There were no casualties, however, localized traffic and rail transport disruptions are likely.
On 15 April, demonstrations are occurring in front of the Ministry of Science and Innovation at 18:00 local time. Similar protests are occurring in Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. These events are being organized by various trade unions in hopes of a legislation revision to recognize labor rights as well as allow negotiations for salary and working conditions for all personnel in the research sector.
An unexploded World War 2 bomb was discovered at a construction site in Burgweinting within the Regensburg area. Authorities have planned an extraction from 9:00 local time on 15 April where individuals will be evacuated and a 450-meter zone will be cleared for the operation. The A-3 will also be closed in both directions during the disposal operation.
On 15 April, there will be nationwide demonstrations outside the Court of First Instance buildings at 14:00 local time. These events are being organized by the Greek Bar Association to denounce unclear and misleading legislation, along with the lack of financial support from the government.
On 10 April two large-scale protests will occur in the capital Paris. Anti-fascist groups planned a demonstration at Chateau d’Eau metro at 14:00 local time. Such protest aims to denounce the increased threat by the far-right. The second protest will occur at Place Joachim du Bellay at 14:00 local time to denounce perceived infringements on civil rights due to COVID-19 health regulations. Clashes with police are likely.
On 7 April, at least 14 people were injured when protesters clashed with police at the site of a political rally for the far-right political party Vox. Reports suggest that left-wing counter-protesters threw projectiles at security personnel, who used batons to control the crowd. At least 2 arrests have been made. More political rallies are likely to be staged in preparation for the 4 May regional elections. Further clashes may be possible.
Anticipate student protests in the coming days in Durban. On 7 April, students protested outside of the Durban University of Technology campuses. Protests were over the university’s online registration process. Police allegedly used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Reports indicate some students were arrested. Road closures are likely as well.
On 7 April, a demonstration is being organized by multiple civic groups at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Terminal 5 at 18:00 local time. The participants are gathering to denounce the government’s mass deportation of Afghan asylum seekers back to Afghanistan.
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