Dissident Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi released from detention in Thailand
Hakeem al-Araibi, who was given asylum in Australia in 2014, was persecuted for his criticism of the Bahraini government’s suppression of protests in 2011. His was detained in Thailand for 76 days following an extradition request by the Bahrain
Denver teachers continue strike ahead of talks with district authorities
The strike by the teachers of Denver, seeking fair wages and better support for education, began on February 11. Talks will be held between the Denver Class Teachers Association and Denver Public School authorities on February 13
Over 11,000 more workers fired in Bangladesh for trade union activity
According to local reports, the companies have forced many senior employees to resign, presumably to avoid paying higher wages and social security benefits. Earlier, over 5,000 employees had been arrested for taking part in protests in January
Citizens’ protest against mayor in Concepción, Paraguay enters fifth month
Citizens are demanding the resignation of mayor Alejandro Urbieta, who is accused of the fraudulent sale of municipal land at the Nanawa Port, corruption and mismanagement of public resources
Italian students rally against setting up of fast food outlets on campus
Protests began on February 7 at the University of Turin, where outlets of Macdonald’s and Burger King have been set up. Students held community lunches and parades, demanding greater state investment in education
Filipino garment workers demand reinstatement of union leaders
After Pulido Apparel Company closed its factories in December, citing losses, it began re-hiring some of the workers but blacklisted union leaders and any workers who had supported the union
American autoworkers protest GM’s plant closures and retrenchments
The workers claimed that GM’s decision to terminate nearly 4,000 jobs in North America was part of the company’s strategy of profit maximization. They pointed out that the company had benefited from a public-funded bailout during the 2008 financial crisis
Israeli soldiers fire on Palestinian protesters at Gaza border
Palestinians are planning to intensify protests in response to Israel’s failure to honor its promises made during the ceasefire negotiations in November. On Friday, protesters were attacked by Israeli soldiers. Two teenagers were killed