curfew

Police fire rubber bullets and tear gas as hundreds protest chronic power outages in the island country.

Authorities in Madagascar have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, following protests against frequent power outages and water shortages that turned violent.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Thursday to voice their anger over persistent power cuts, which often leave homes and businesses without electricity for over 12 hours. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to quash the demonstrations.

The protesters barricaded roads with rocks and burning tyres. By Thursday afternoon, there were reported incidents of looting at various retailers, appliance stores and banks across the 1.4-million-strong capital.

Several stations for the country’s new cable car system were also set on fire.

Local media reported on Thursday that three homes of politicians known to be close to President Andry Rajoelina were also attacked by protesters.

Authorities banned the demonstration on Wednesday, citing the risk of public disorder, and police patrolled the capital in large numbers from early Thursday.

“There are, unfortunately, individuals taking advantage of the situation to destroy other people’s property,” General Angelo Ravelonarivo, who heads a joint security body that includes the police and the military, said in a statement he read on privately owned Real TV late on Thursday.

To protect “the population and their belongings,” the security forces decided to impose a curfew from 7pm to 5am (16:00-02:00 GMT) “until public order is restored,” the statement said.

Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is mired in poverty, and some people blame the government of Rajoelina, who was reelected in 2023, for not improving conditions.

Some 75 percent of the country’s estimated 30 million population lived below the poverty line in 2022, according to the World Bank.

“Water and electricity are basic human needs.” “Let us speak out.” “Malagasy people, wake up.” These were some of the messages displayed on the protesters’ placards.

It was unclear how many people were injured during the rallies or whether there were any fatalities.

The protest movement, dominated mostly by the youth, started gaining traction a few days ago on social media platforms, mainly Facebook.

In the country’s provinces, unrest was also reported at the offices of the national water and electricity company, which is seen by protesters as the root of the country’s problems.

Israeli action in Tulkarem city comes as Palestinians have been subjected to ‘collective punishment’ in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli forces have detained more than 100 Palestinians in raids on the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarem and have imposed a curfew, Al Jazeera Arabic reports, as the Israeli offensive in Gaza City has forced more than 200,000 Palestinians to flee the largest urban center in the enclave.

As reported earlier, Israel’s military has been conducting raids in Tulkarem after it said two Israeli soldiers were wounded when their vehicle was “hit by an explosive device“.

Soldiers stormed shops and cafes, detaining patrons, as well as residents in their vehicles, forcing them to march in line towards an Israeli military checkpoint, a WAFA correspondent reported.

Israeli forces launched a campaign of violence in the occupied West Bank after six people were killed in a shooting attack in occupied East Jerusalem earlier this week. Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the shooting, in which both suspects were killed.

In response, Israel ordered the demolition of the homes of the two suspects, as well as sanctions on their family members and residents of their towns, Qatanna and al-Qubeiba, northwest of Jerusalem in the West Bank.

“There has been a complete siege and lockdown of these areas,” Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut said on Tuesday following the shooting. “Collective punishment is in full swing in the occupied West Bank.”

Israel’s growing crackdown in the West Bank

Israel has launched a crackdown on the occupied West Bank since it launched its devastating war on Gaza, killing more than 1,000 Palestinians, arresting thousands, and demolishing hundreds of homes and civic infrastructure. Even before the October 7, 2023, attack inside Israel by the Hamas-led Palestinian groups, Israeli military and settler violence was at its highest in years.

Israel’s military operation has fuelled the forced displacement of more than 40,000 Palestinians.

“Israel’s deadly military operation in the occupied West Bank, unfolding in the horrific shadow of its ongoing genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip, has had catastrophic consequences for tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians who are facing a rapidly escalating crisis with no foreseeable prospects of return. Unlawful transfer of protected persons is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a war crime,” Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said in a statement on June 5.

As well as the Israeli military actions against Palestinians, violence by Israeli settlers spiked during the war on Gaza. At least 1,860 incidents of settler violence in the occupied West Bank were recorded between October 7, 2023, and December 31, 2024, according to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The rise of far-right leaders to power has pushed Israel further towards right, with politicians at the highest levels, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, openly indulging in anti-Palestinian rhetoric.

“We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us,” Netanyahu reiterated at an event in Maale Adumim, an illegal Israeli settlement just east of Jerusalem, on Thursday.

“We are going to double the city’s population.”

All the settlements are considered illegal under international law and are considered the biggest hurdle in the resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Last September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within a year. Still, Israel has since expanded its settlements in complete disregard of international laws and norms.

Rebecca Kitchener, 38, goes on holiday to Marmaris every year – but reckons this year could see “the end” of the popular British tourist spot after new restrictions

A British holidaymaker has claimed that new curfew regulations in Turkey, including early closing times for bars and a ban on late music, will “ruin” the area as over 25 venues have been forced to shut. Frequent visitor Rebecca Kitchener, 38, fears this year could spell “the end” for Marmaris, a favourite destination for Brits.

Historically, Brit tourists have been drawn to the region for its bustling late-night scene and exuberant nightlife. However, this year’s enforcement of fresh restrictions, such as no music after midnight and premises shutting by 12.30am, could signal disaster, according to Rebecca.

Further rules prohibit tabletop dancing and the use of sparklers. It’s believed these measures aim to curb harassment and unruly behaviour, whilst also showing more consideration for local residents.

But Rebecca, known as @rebeccaeliza86 on TikTok, visited Armutalan earlier this month for a two-week break with her kids and friends and noted the negative impact of the newly imposed limits, saying “it’s had it”.

The medical secretary from the Valleys, South Wales, said: “I think it’s really sad, I love all of that. When I went in June, we still had a good two weeks but the rules did put a dampener on it.

“The sparklers, the bar dancing – that’s Marmaris. You couldn’t be out in a bar much later than 12am in the UK, but you expect different when you’re on holiday.

“One minute you’re having an amazing time, then 12am hits and it’s boom, music off, lights out, your night is over.”

Marmaris features just one street, Bar Street, that can stay open until 4am, while other venues must shut by 12.30am, a curfew strictly enforced by local authorities.

Rebecca, who holds Armutalan close to her heart, has found that the area has been severely affected by these restrictions. Marmaris TV, a Turkish news outlet, has reported that due to rule infringements, as many as 25 venues across Marmaris have faced temporary or permanent closure.

The report, translated, said: “Sanctions continue to be applied against rule violations starting from three days [enforced closure] and repeatedly leading up to license cancellation.”

Rebecca said: “When I went, at 12am you hear this siren thing and the police were driving along warning people. They were handing out fines.”

Though she’s inclined to visit again, Rebecca observed that it’s “completely different” now.

She continued: “It’s dead compared to what it was. You used to have to book a seat to get to sit down in a bar – now they’re empty.

“People go for the atmosphere and the good vibe – everyone sings and dances and makes friends. It’s ruined Marmaris for the young people and I think the area will lose a lot of money.”

Turkiye Today confirmed that Marmaris District Governor’s Office has said there will be ongoing inspections throughout the summer to guarantee compliance with legal and moral standards by all businesses.

On a game night in Los Angeles, 10-year-old Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District can host 500 fans just five minutes walking distance from the Dodger Stadium shuttle at Union Station.

With the Dodgers hosting its archrival San Francisco Giants over the weekend, one might expect the cavernous brew hall with giant projection screens to be packed with revelers.

But ever since Tuesday, the only long line was the stretch of unused parking meters that formed a perimeter around the brewery.

That’s because an indefinite 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed on downtown Los Angeles following days of immigration enforcement demonstrations has turned this nightlife hub into a practical ghost town.

Now, instead of customers belting out their favorite songs at Friday karaoke, the establishment is shuttered while city officials prepare for a day of widespread protests against Trump administration policies Saturday.

The curfew covers most of Chinatown, Skid Row and the Fashion and Arts districts from the 5 Freeway to the 110 Freeway, and from the 10 Freeway to where the 110 and 5 freeways merge.

Along with area bars and restaurants, civic institutions and art organizations have also been affected. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Seoul Festival canceled its final performance on Tuesday and the Mark Taper Forum canceled productions of Hamlet on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chris Dombos, left, and Sarah Carmean enjoy a beer and a bit of solitude at Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District on Wednesday. The brewery is located inside the curfew zone established by the city of Los Angeles.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Center Theatre Group released an update Wednesday saying they received an exemption from the mayor’s office to continue its performances, not counting Saturday, which will be closed for the so-called “No Kings” demonstrations.

Iconic Angels Flight, the over 100-year-old funicular cable car, is moving its final service from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. until the curfew ends.

Inside Boomtown, marketing manager Nick Gingold was pleased to see a gathering of about 20 regulars who stopped by Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The brewery became aware of the curfew via social media and Mayor Bass’ televised announcement Tuesday, shortly after 4 p.m.

“I don’t think we actually received an official notice from the city, as far as I know,” Gingold said.

The mayor’s office did not respond to questions about whether it provided curfew notices.

The brewery amended its closing time to 7:30 p.m., meaning it shuttered two and a half hours early on Tuesday and Wednesday. That same early closing bell will cut the brewery operating time in half on Thursdays and leave only four and a half of the regularly-scheduled 11 hours for business on Fridays.

Gingold said the closure would sting Boomtown but didn’t want to speculate on revenue losses.

Boomtown is not alone in changing its hours.

Angel City Brewery, also located in the Arts District, has amended its normal 4 p.m. to midnight weeknight schedule. The brewery posted on Instagram that it was closing Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. though it opened at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Chinatown’s Melody Lounge went one step further, announcing on Instagram that it was temporarily closing its doors throughout the curfew’s duration.

“It’s been a rough few years for Los Angeles with the pandemic, the shutdown, film industry strikes and now this,” Gingold said. “Let me be clear, we support our Latino community throughout this time and stand with them.”

Boomtown posted on Instagram on Tuesday that the store promised to stay open “as long as it’s safe to do so” to serve as a meeting place for the community.

“We celebrate diversity and reject divisiveness. We celebrate immigrants and reject hate and we support our neighbors,” one post noted.

Chris Dombos, a special effects artist who lives in the Arts District, found his way into Boomtown, appreciative of the brewery’s solidarity.

“This is a time of rising fascism where a city like Los Angeles, built by immigrants, is under attack and needs allies,” said Dombos, 44, who has observed some of the protests.

Dombos, 44, described the curfew as a political stunt and called on the mayor’s office to investigate the “brutal tactics” by Los Angeles police officers. He said constant flyovers by authorities have been “terrorizing” the neighborhood.

Sarah Carmean, who enjoyed a light draft at Boomtown, lamented with service-industry employees missing tips or hours.

“These are the people who really lose out with the curfews,” she said. “They are dependent on that money to pay bills.”

Chef Genevieve Gergis, owner of acclaimed restaurants Bestia and Bavel in the Arts District, called the curfew “a broad and vague overreach” and criticized city leadership.

She said neither of her restaurants were anywhere near protests and she only heard of the curfew from television.

“The lack of guidance for small businesses and those who work in the area are being swept up in this blanket policy with no explanation or details,” she wrote in an email. “This sudden, unexplained action feels like it was enacted without any care or consideration.”

Mina Park, co-owner and chef at Baroo, the Los Angeles Times 2024 Restaurant of the Year, said she closed her modern Korean eatery on Wednesday in the wake of the curfew and was still trying to plan out what to do.

“We have a lot of cancellations and concerns because of the protests and the curfew,” she said. “It’s hard to run a business with this uncertainty.”

Park said she’ll likely have to throw out some fresh food, but also didn’t feel she could complain much.

“Having to close for a couple of days is nothing compared to what so many families are going through,” she said of the ICE raids. “It’s really hard to see what’s happening with the community.”

Los Angeles city officials on Thursday carved out a curfew exemption for ticket holders of indoor events and performing arts venues downtown including the Music Center, paving the way for evening performances of Center Theatre Group’s “Hamlet” and Los Angeles Opera’s “Rigoletto.”

The news comes as Mayor Karen Bass’ 8 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew for the civic center area approaches its third night and arts organizations, restaurants and other businesses across the area report a drop in patrons. On Wednesday, Center Theatre Group canceled a second night of director Robert O’Hara’s world-premiere adaptation of “Hamlet” at a cost of roughly $35,000 in ticket sales per night. That’s in addition to what the company is spending on production expenses.

“At this time, Center Theatre Group, the Music Center, and the surrounding streets have not been directly impacted by protest or law enforcement activity. Our staff and artists are already on site, and we look forward to seeing you,” CTG wrote in a statement Thursday.

Major protests are planned nationwide for Saturday, when Trump’s 79th birthday coincides with the massive 250th anniversary military parade he is throwing in Washington, D.C., at a reported cost of $45 million.

One of the so-called “No Kings” protests is scheduled to take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, prompting Center Theatre Group to cancel its Saturday matinee and evening performances of “Hamlet.” Other events scheduled for that day and night have been been postponed, including a show by the rock band Ozomatli that’s part of the Grand Performances series at California Plaza, and a Metro Art event called Bollywood Express at Union Station.

The Broad museum, adjacent to the Music Center, said it will close all weekend. “The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff continues to be our highest priority,” the museum said in a statement.

L.A. Opera, however, issued a mid-afternoon news release announcing the curfew exemption and noting that “Rigoletto,” scheduled to run from 7:30 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, would go on as planned. The company also is moving forward with its Saturday “Renée Fleming and Friends” concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“Attendees will need to leave the theater immediately afterward without lingering on the Music Center campus,” the release said, adding that guests may need to prove their attendance at the show if stopped by law enforcement. “All ticket holders should have their tickets with them while in the area, either printed, digital or as a screen shot of the ticket.”

The release also says that people should avoid driving through downtown from the south, where much of the military activity is centered.

A representative for L.A. Opera acknowledged that given the circumstances, ticket holders may choose not to show up. They will be allowed to exchange their tickets for one of the remaining performances June 15, 18 or 21; or they can request a refund from the box office.

The Dodger Stadium Express is scheduled to operate normally this weekend, even as the bus departs from and arrives at an area subject to curfew restrictions.

The service, which provides fans a free ride between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, “will be running per usual,” Metro senior director of communications Missy Colman said Thursday.

On Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass imposed an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in the downtown area most impacted by protests against federal immigration enforcement, and by the violence, looting and vandalism that sometimes accompanied them. She said she expected the curfew to last several days.

Dodger Stadium is outside the curfew zone, but Union Station is within it. The Dodgers’ games against the rival San Francisco Giants are scheduled for 7:10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4:10 p.m. on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Metro posted that “normal bus and rail service” would continue in the downtown area. Colman said Metro would provide fans with any updates at alerts.metro.net or via X at @metrolaalerts.

The Dodgers did not respond to a message asking whether the team would make any changes that might affect how fans arrive at and depart from games this weekend.

In a huge blow to sun-worshipping Brits, a huge Spanish city has unveiled a strict curfew impacting bars, nightclubs, and restaurants – following noise complaints from fed-up locals

Brits are being warned of a brutal clampdown in one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Last year, a staggering 18 million international visitors passed through Alicante-Elche Airport – located on the southeastern stretch of the iconic Costa Blanca region – marking a 16.8 per cent spike compared to 2023.

While droves of these passengers will have left the city on cramped coaches heading over to party-mad resorts like Benidorm, almost five million chose to stay in the city for their holiday.

Famed for its sugar-like sand, rich history and eclectic range of shops – there’s no denying Alicante’s mass appeal. Here, you’ll find the Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town of Santa Cruz, the bustling Central Market, and half a dozen golden beaches.

READ MORE: Brits heading to 4 Canary Islands issued warning as ‘pre-alert’ activated

However, following a series of noise complaints from fed-up locals – authorities green-lighted a strict curfew ahead of the peak summer season. The ruling, which impacts bars and restaurants, means establishments will have to close at 12.30am on weekdays.

They will be allowed to stay open slightly later (1am) on Fridays, Saturdays, and on the eve of national holidays. Nightclubs will also be given permission to stay open a little later, but must still close their doors at 1am during weekdays and at 3am on the weekend.

Those dining outside on terraces will also be impacted by the crackdown, as Alicante is slashing its al-fresco seating by half. According to local press, customers will be asked to leave their table 30 minutes ahead of closing time.

The curfew, which will be a huge blow to Brits wanting to dance the night away, applies to two areas of Alicante City that have been designated as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS). This includes parts of the Old Town as well as the area around Calle Castaños, which was previously known for its ‘lively’ nightlife.

The Independent reports that police will be enforcing the rules and helping ‘disperse revellers from the area’. It is said the ruling will also have an impact on 24-hour shops that cash in on drunken Brits desperate for a nightcap, as they will also need to comply with the curfew.

Alicante’s crackdown follows escalating anti-tourist sentiment that has grappled the country in recent months. Last year, a slew of protests erupted across the country as angry residents blamed Brits for Spain’s worsening housing crisis.

The movement’s momentum has continued into this summer season, with more demonstrations to take place in Spanish hotspots this month (June 15). As previously reported the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth, which is behind the action, has been encouraging protestors to bring water pistols to target holidaymakers and get their message across.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

A nighttime curfew was in force in Los Angeles as local officials sought to get a handle on protests that United States President Donald Trump claimed were an invasion by a “foreign enemy”.

“I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for central Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,” Mayor Karen Bass told reporters on Tuesday.

One square mile (2.5 square kilometres) of the city’s more than 500-square-mile area will be out of bounds until 6am (13:00 GMT) for everyone apart from residents, journalists and emergency services, she added.

Small-scale and largely peaceful protests began on Friday in Los Angeles as anger swelled over intensified arrests by immigration authorities.

At their largest, a few thousand people have taken to the streets, but smaller groups have used the cover of darkness to set fires, daub graffiti and smash windows.

Overnight on Monday, 23 businesses were looted, police said, adding that more than 500 people had been arrested in recent days.

Protests have also sprung up in other cities around the United States, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco.

Trump has ordered 4,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles, along with 700 active-duty Marines, in what he has claimed is a necessary escalation to take back control, despite the insistence of local law enforcement that they could handle matters.

The Pentagon said the deployment would cost US taxpayers $134m.

“What you are witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order, and national sovereignty,” Trump told troops at Fort Bragg, a military base in North Carolina.

“This anarchy will not stand. We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Trump’s shock militarisation of the city was the behaviour of “a tyrant, not a president”.

In a livestreamed address, Newsom called Trump a “president who wants to be bound by no law or constitution, perpetuating a unified assault on American tradition”.

“California may be first, but it clearly will not end here.”

In a filing to the US District Court in Northern California, Newsom asked for an injunction preventing the use of troops for policing.

Trump’s use of the military is an “incredibly rare” move for a US president, said Rachel VanLandingham, a professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles and a former US Air Force lieutenant colonel.

US law largely prevents the use of the military as a policing force – absent the declaration of an insurrection, which Trump again mused about on Tuesday.

Trump “is trying to use emergency declarations to justify bringing in first the National Guard and then mobilising Marines,” said law professor Frank Bowman of the University of Missouri.

BREAKINGBREAKING,

Karen Bass says curfew for part of downtown area will take effect from 8pm local time (03:00 GMT Wednesday).

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced a curfew for a small part of downtown Los Angeles amid protests against United States President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

The curfew will apply to an area of 1 square mile (2.6km) and be effect from 8pm on Tuesday to 6am on Wednesday, local time (03:00 GMT to 13:00 GMT Wednesday), Bass said during a news conference.

“Many businesses have now been affected or vandalised. Last night, there were 23 businesses that were looted and I think if you drive through downtown LA, the graffiti is everywhere and has caused significant damages to businesses and a number of properties,” Bass said.

“So my message to you is: If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew and you will be prosecuted.”

Bass said she expects the curfew to remain in effect for several days, but stressed that the order only applies to a small portion of the city, which covers 502 square miles.

“I think it is important to point this out, not to minimise the vandalism and violence that has taken place there – it has been significant – because it is extremely important to know that what is happening in this one square mile is not affecting the city,” Bass said.

“Some of the imagery of the protests and the violence gives the appearance that this is a city-wide crisis and it is not.”

More to follow…