Large protests broke out in Turkey on March 21 related to the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Protesters claim that the criminal charges brought against İmamoğlu are politically motivated. At least 343 protesters have been arrested and demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have seen violent clashes between protesters and police.
Heavy rainfall in Johor, Malaysia, has led to significant disruptions and evacuations as of March 20. Flooding and landslides across the region forced at least 11,776 people to evacuate. Heavily affected areas include Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, and Pontian. Rainfall and flooding are expected to continue through March 22.
A fire at an electrical station of London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) has resulted in a full suspension of flights in and out of the airport until at least March 22. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and authorities have not provided an anticipated time for the restoration of power and service at Heathrow.
On March 13, a landslide in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, ruptured a Petroecuador oil pipeline, spilling crude over 50 miles and polluting the Esmeraldas River. Authorities have declared an environmental emergency as the spill continues to disrupt water access, agriculture, and fishing. As of March 18, health officials have reported over 100 cases of respiratory illness and skin irritation linked to exposure.
As of March 17, the State of Emergency originally imposed on March 10 in the La Libertad region of Peru, has been expanded to several provinces including the capital Lima, amid rise in crime rates. The SoE will remain in effect for 60 days. Expect heightened security and travel disruptions across affected provinces.
A pro-EU demonstration is expected to cause significant disruption at Piata Victoriei in Bucharest on March 15. Demonstrators will begin assembling around 5:00 PM to express support for EU membership and democratic values, while condemning the perceived increase in far-right and pro-Russian influences. A large turnout is expected, with numbers ranging from the thousands to tens of thousands. Clashes with police and counter-protesters are also possible.
Thousands of healthcare workers are expected to go on strike between March 13-14 nationwide in Senegal. The Federation of Health Unions (F2s) is calling for action against the government to improve the healthcare system. Private and public healthcare services may be disrupted.
Authorities report that at least one person has been killed and 5 people have been injured in a stabbing attack near Place du Marche and Rue Lavoisier. The suspect is in custody, though heightened security will likely remain in the area over the coming hours as investigations continue. The suspect has been convicted of advocating terrorism and President Macron has labeled the incident a terror attack.
Demonstrators from the Vazrazhdane political party will gather at the National Assembly of Bulgaria on February 26. The start time of this protest is as yet unconfirmed. A previous rally on February 22 reportedly drew at least 1,000 participants and resulted in violent clashes with police, including the use of Molotov cocktails and an attempt by protesters to storm the European Commission building.
Demonstrators with the Revival political party will gather outside the Bulgarian National Bank at 12:00 PM on February 22 to protest Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone and adoption of the Euro. Organizers claim that they expect tens of thousands of participants and have not ruled out the possibility of violence.