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Why are Chinese protesters holding up blank pieces of paper?

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Anti-lockdown protests continue in China, as the nation records its highest day of coronavirus cases

Blank sheets of paper speak a thousand words in China, as protesters seek to evade censorship or arrest.

Hundreds have gathered at top universities across the country in defiance of Beijing’s Covid-zero strategy.

Infections continue to hit record highs, with nearly 40,000 new reported cases on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains a policy of controlling the spread of the coronavirus through strict lockdown measures.

According to Chinese officials, the idea is to keep cases to their lowest possible in the shortest period of time.

Beijing believes the strategy has led to one of the “most successful” Covid-19 responses in the world.

However, Human Rights Watch has described the measures as “draconian”.

The advocacy group believes the measures have “significantly impeded” people’s access to health care, food, and other necessities.

Why are the protests happening now?

The latest round of protests follow an apartment fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region, which left 10 people dead on Thursday.

Hana Young is the Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International, who said the fire has inspired remarkable bravery.

“It is virtually impossible for people in China to protest peacefully without facing harassment and prosecution.”

“Peaceful protesters are holding blank pieces of paper, chanting slogans, and engaging in many forms of creative dissent.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

People in the region had been locked down for over 100 days. However, there are concerns some residents have been locked into their apartments completely.

How common are protests in China?

Blank sheets of paper have become the norm for Chinese protesters.

According to some chat groups on the Weibo platform, protesters were encouraged to bring blank pieces of paper rather than writing slogans or words, which may be banned in China.

The tactic has been previously used in Moscow as Russian protesters gathered to oppose the war in Ukraine.

Protests are rare in China, as President Xi seeks stamp out any anti-government sentiments.

The Chinese government has tried to manage the flow of information around Covid-19.

President Xi Jinping is at the centre of many protests in China.

Human Rights Watch describes the response as a way of “censor[ing] criticism” of the government’s response.

Sun Jian is a graduate student who was expelled from Ludong University for opposing lockdowns on campus.

“The trouble brought by the virus can’t be compared with the disruption from some of the anti-COVID measures taken by our school,” Sun told Reuters.

International human rights law notes any public health restrictions should be evidence-based and proportional. China has signed but not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“The Chinese government must immediately review its Covid-19 policies to ensure that they are proportionate and time-bound,” said Ms Young at Amnesty International.

“All quarantine measures that pose threats to personal safety and unnecessarily restrict freedom of movement must be suspended.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

Protesters commemorated victims of the Urumqi fire and continue to call for the easing for coronavirus restrictions.

Dozens have been also detained and arrested on Urumqi Road in Shanghai after calling for President Xi to step down.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Harris and Trump court Latino voters in Nevada

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Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are rallying Latino voters in the battleground state of Nevada.

Harris spoke about the Biden administration’s dedication to expanding healthcare and immigrant rights, speaking to a diverse crowd.

Trump, meanwhile, highlighted his commitment to jobs and conservative values, drawing enthusiastic supporters.

Both leaders are keenly aware of Nevada’s pivotal role in the upcoming election.

The Latino vote could tip the balance in one of America’s most closely watched states.

As election season heats up, Nevada is a crucial focus for both parties.

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First look at Squid Game’s thrilling new season

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Fans of Squid Game, brace yourselves! The first trailer for season two has dropped, with Player 456 stepping back into the deadly arena.

Lee Jung-jae’s character, Seong Gi-hun, returns, hoping to guide hundreds of new players to safety.

Viewers are thrown right back into the iconic games, with Red Light Green Light making a terrifying comeback.

Gi-hun narrowly escaped the giant doll’s gaze in season one, but this time, it’s more brutal than ever.

Amid tensions, players are given a chance to vote to end the game—but most chant “one more game” as the prize money taunts them from above.

Season two promises the same intensity and life-or-death stakes that made the original a global sensation.

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Judge allows Musk’s $1m voter giveaway to continue

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A Philadelphia judge has decided not to immediately halt Elon Musk’s $1 million voter giveaway, allowing the initiative to proceed.

The lawsuit, filed by District Attorney Larry Krasner, alleges that Musk’s America PAC is running an illegal lottery to influence voters.

The court has put the case on hold while a federal court considers taking over jurisdiction.

Musk’s attorney dismissed the lawsuit as a publicity stunt, emphasizing the PAC’s commitment to lawful activities.

The giveaway targets registered voters in battleground states ahead of the November 5th U.S. election.

Legal experts remain divided on whether the initiative violates federal election laws.

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