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Citizens speak out. As people courageously gather to call for government reforms that
bring greater democracy and human rights, their voices can be heard in countries such
as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Peru, Spain,
Syria and Yemen.
In Barcelona, Spain on Friday, May 27 riot police used rubber bullets and truncheons
to forcefully clear a plaza of demonstrators protesting high unemployment and government
austerity measures, with 84 protesters and 37 police officers injured.
Protests in Puno, Peru stretched into the 15th day as people called for an end to mining
in the region.
Georgian member of Parliament Giya Tsagareishvili of the Free Democrats party urged the government
to investigate the disappearance of around 10 people, including leading minority party
figures, who had been involved in protests over the past week but are not appearing on
hospital or police arrest lists.
Tens of thousands of Egyptians returned to Tahrir Square Friday for protests calling for military
trials of civilians to stop along with more rapid prosecution of former President Hosni
Mubarak and his colleagues, and an end to political corruption. Prior to the gathering,
the country's interim military rulers issued a statement saying they respect the right
of the people to engage in peaceful protest and that its forces would stay away.
Bahraini protesters called for an end to the rule of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and
the immediate release of pro-reform activists, while security forces used tear gas and concussion
bombs to disperse the demonstration.
US President Barack Obama on Friday spoke out strongly against the recent jailing in
Belarus of two former presidential candidates, stating that it was a step back in democracy
for the country.
In deadly clashes between Yemen’s Hashid tribe and forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah
Saleh, which resulted in 160 fatalities this past week, a ceasefire was announced on Saturday,
with tribal leader Sheikh Sadiq al Ahmar saying he is committed to a truce as long as the
president will support a peaceful revolution. Meanwhile, India and France joined in calling
for their nationals to return from Yemen due to the escalating violence.
With concern and sadness for the suffering and lives lost, we pray for a halt to all
conflicts and that the day may come soon when people in every nation can choose their way
of life in full security, dignity and peace�